The Day The Music Died ("Behind the Music") (Paperback)

~ Martin Huxley (Author), Quinton Skinner (Author) "Clear Lake, Iowa, isn't a big town..." (more)
Key Phrases: Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Their lives were cut brutally short...yet the legacy has on lived on for four decades.

They were three of rock 'n' roll's brightest stars, touring together in a music revue that was as grueling as it was magical. Dilapidated school buses that frequently broke down and rarely had heat carried them hundreds of miles across the Midwest with its unforgiving cold. Hoping to get a decent night's sleep, a hot meal, and a chance to clean the clothes they'd been wearing for weeks, Buddy Holly chartered a plane.

On February 3, 1959, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly boarded a small plane bound for rock 'n' roll heaven. This is their story, told by the family members, bandmates, and witnesses who lived it. Including material not seen in the original VH1 broadcast, Behind the Music: the Day the Music Died is a compelling record of one of rock 'n' roll's defining moments.

About the Author

Martin Huxley is the author of Rolling Stone's Alt-Rock-A-Rama, Psychedelia: The Long, Strange Trip, and books on Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Nine Inch Nails. He has written about music and popular culture for Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Mademoiselle, Melody Maker, New Musical Express, and many others.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: MTV; First Edition. pb original edition (October 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671039628
• ISBN-13: 978-0671039622
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #609,456 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memories Abound In This Book, August 16, 2001

By	C. W. Emblom "Bill Emblom" (Ishpeming, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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Larry Lehmer's hardcover book entitled "The Day the Music Died" gives a very detailed review of the ill-fated Winter Dance Party in which Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson, aka "The Big Bopper" took part. If you would like to read a more concise version of these three singers I would strongly suggest you buy a copy of the paperback copy of "Behind the Music: The Day the Music Died." This book contains 122 pages and includes numerous pictures of the singers in addition to the crash site. Comments from family members and those who were close to the singers make up the prose of the book leading to accuracy in what they say. I read the book in three sittings. Make sure you have time when you sit down to read it because you will want to continue. I intend to order numerous additional copies to give as gifts to friends. Many thanks to authors Martin Huxley and Quinton Skinner for putting the book together.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Day The Music Died, March 28, 2009

By	Susan Mcnevin (Phoenix AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book to own, if you are a Buddy Holly fan. Very fast reading. You will not want to put this book down.
Black & white photos. The best photos were put in this book. You will have to remember back when Buddy was popular, and remember it was black & white photos.
Makes you wonder, what his music would sound like now. I can only imagine. He paved the way for all music now.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, May 28, 2001

By	Kelly Fischer (Taylor, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For my recent birthday, my mom bought me a copy of this book. She didn't want to spend too much, and although I was skeptical at first, I actually enjoyed it. I was very surprised at how well the text flowed, considering there is just so much separate commentary throughout the course of it. As strange as it may seem, this event just fascinates me, and this book was a good source of information. ....