The tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson on February 3, 1959, is often accompanied by the lore of a coin toss that determined who would get a seat on the ill-fated flight. Tommy Allsup, a guitarist for Holly’s band, is said to have lost the coin toss to Valens, resulting in Valens taking his seat on the plane. But did Tommy Allsup really flip a coin with Ritchie Valens, or was this just a myth perpetuated by the passage of time?
**The answer is no. There is no evidence to suggest that Tommy Allsup lied about flipping a coin with Ritchie Valens. The story has been corroborated by multiple sources over the years, including Allsup himself.**
Tommy Allsup and Ritchie Valens were both talented musicians who were part of Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party Tour, which was plagued with transportation issues. On the night of the fatal plane crash, Holly decided to charter a plane to get to the next tour stop in Moorhead, Minnesota. The plane had room for only three passengers, so a coin toss was held to determine the final seat.
Allsup recounted the moment in an interview, stating that he offered to flip a coin with Valens for the seat. Valens called “heads” and won the toss, claiming the final seat on the plane. Holly’s bassist Waylon Jennings also famously gave up his seat to Richardson, jokingly telling him, “I hope your ol’ plane crashes.”
The tragic events that followed have cemented this story in music history, with “The Day the Music Died” becoming a symbol of the loss of three young, talented musicians. Valens’ death at the age of 17 was especially poignant, as he was just beginning to make a name for himself in the music industry with hits like “La Bamba.”
In the years since the crash, the story of the coin toss has been retold in books, documentaries, and even movies like “La Bamba,” further solidifying its place in the collective memory of music fans. While some have questioned the accuracy of the story, there is no reason to doubt the accounts of those who were there that fateful night.
FAQs:
1. Was there really a coin toss to determine who would get a seat on the plane?
Yes, multiple sources, including Tommy Allsup himself, have confirmed that a coin toss took place between Allsup and Ritchie Valens.
2. Why did Buddy Holly decide to charter a plane on the night of the crash?
Holly decided to charter a plane to get to the next tour stop in Moorhead, Minnesota, after experiencing bus issues and harsh winter conditions.
3. How did Waylon Jennings end up giving up his seat on the plane?
Jennings gave up his seat to J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, jokingly telling him, “I hope your ol’ plane crashes.”
4. What has perpetuated the myth of the coin toss over the years?
The tragic events of the plane crash, coupled with retellings in books, documentaries, and movies, have kept the story of the coin toss alive in music history.
5. Was Ritchie Valens the only musician who won a seat through the coin toss?
No, Ritchie Valens won the coin toss against Tommy Allsup, and Waylon Jennings also gave up his seat to J.P. Richardson.
6. Did Tommy Allsup ever express regret over losing the coin toss?
Allsup has spoken about the coin toss over the years but has never expressed regret, understanding that it was just a twist of fate.
7. How did the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson impact the music industry?
The deaths of the three young musicians, often referred to as “The Day the Music Died,” had a profound impact on the music industry, marking the end of an era.
8. Were there any survivors of the plane crash?
No, all three musicians on board the plane, as well as the pilot, were killed in the crash.
9. How old was Ritchie Valens at the time of the crash?
Ritchie Valens was only 17 years old when he died in the plane crash, making his tragic death even more poignant.
10. How did the tragic plane crash change the way musicians traveled for tours?
The plane crash raised awareness about the dangers of air travel for musicians and led to improvements in safety regulations for touring bands.
11. What impact did Ritchie Valens have on the music industry in his short career?
Ritchie Valens is remembered for hits like “La Bamba” and “Donna” and is credited with helping to popularize rock and roll music among Latinx audiences.
12. How is the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson honored today?
The legacies of the three musicians are honored through their music, biopics, and tributes in the rock and roll hall of fame, keeping their memory alive for new generations of music fans.