I was very fortunate to see Dion at the front row In mayfield, oh years back with my bride of now 55 years, and he was fantastic then in his sixties...many folks don't know how huge Dion was when he was much younger in both the 50's and 60's...thank you sir, for all your great tunes.
It's 1-30-23 this pops up on my Utube on my TV,once I started watching Dion telling the true account's of the winter dance party tour.What a story it was R&R history thanks Dion.
I now fully realise why Dion was one of the headliners on that ill fated tour. Dion, you are one seriously talented rocker and personality! I love the way you break into song at any moment. I absolutely love your account of “The Winter Dance Party”! This is easily the best documentary of the tour I have ever watched. It’s great to get a headliner’s version of everything that took place, Dion was right there with everyone. I can’t imagine how this tragedy has affected you over the years, may God bless you forever. This is so fascinating, thanks Dion, you are a classy, genuine person!
Dion.... You've brought tears to my eyes with the this story. And I LOVE the song you wrote in memory of all 3 who sadly died in that fateful crash, and again bringing tears to my eyes. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to be playing your song. Thank you Dion
I would like to thank Dion DiMucci for presenting the events of that ill-fated tour in such a concise, thorough and entertaining manner. Dion is a class act all the way.
Just Sayin' absolutely positively the best. I’m surprised in all the stuff I look up to learn more about an era I just missed. I was born in Flushing right over thr bridge(s) from the Bronx and in grammar school we played tripled time jump rope to “John Paul George Ringo John Paul George Ringo...” and whomever Beatle you tripped on you were going to marry. Talk about dreaming. But the Beatles were my introduction to music and stayed with me through graduation from high school. I missed Bobbie socks poodle dresses chiffon scarves Lindy to jitterbug and then came the twist and that was my dance. Chubby checker let’s twist again. And the peppermint twist was double time that didn’t stop unless I got a stitch in my side. I could keep a hula hoop going during a conversation. No roller skate dates too young for Elvis Presley except I watched his corny movies and loved his voice and his bewitching sneer a mouth I’d call sexy 10 years later but not at age 12. We danced the jerk the pony the soupie sales shuffle (weird time remember these) the jerk the fruge the swim ... but I always loved and still do jitterbug dancers absolutely marvelous it was really the lindy except in saddle shoes instead of pumps I guess. I just love watching Dion talk and really don’t understand why he’s not been as integral a part of that scene the documentaries and that day feb 3 1959 the music didn’t die. Thank you Dion. You referred to Buddy Holly as a visionary. Wow you nailed it. Of course it’s a word I’ve heard before but never has one fit that like Buddy Holly. it captures the spirit of that man and probably you too Dion. Buddy and his general goodness and kindness and absence of malice towards his fellow man. Now maybe what I’ve read doesn’t tell the complete story. But all these guys were sweet. I’ll listen if I’m wrong from people who were there or grew up on that music. From what I’ve learned about buddy Holly he was a man way ahead of his time way ahead of his nation. He was colorblind at a time when racism wasn’t hidden or hushed or those spoke in slurs were rarely called out. But there’s buddy from Lubbock Texas without a reason in the world to take a stand and he did what came naturally because he had decency. And when he played the Apollo- was he in fact the first white band to perform there ? Wow. What a warm reception. He was a visionary in his creations and who know what we might have gotten from that genius had he survived through the 60’s 70’s 80’s it’s like me trying to imagine life without the Beatles. I can’t do it. Maybe Buddy Holly could have brought world peace had he lived. Dion that must have been such an empty day (feb 1959) I’m sorry. You radiate warmth like Buddy Holly did. Thank you and you honor these men your friends with this comfortable chat. Yeah I’ve been there too. .. thanks for your courage and candor too. God bless you sir. And the Bronx....
What was it that I heard about a coin flip between Waylon & Buddy,or someone? Dion mentioned Eddie Cochran,he died the following year! So many greats of the music world have perished in plane crashes. Race car drivers & actors to,have been taken from us. To all of those legends,you'll never be forgotten. Thank you Dion for making this video. I didn't turn 6 until 3/'59,so I didn't become aware of y'alls great music for another few years. Now at 70,I still enjoy it everyday!❤
@@robertdoyle7186 No. Whether Dion is lying or misremembering the events of that tragic night, the fact is his account completely contradicts the corroborating accounts given by Tommy Allsup, Waylon Jennings, and Surf Ballroom manager Carroll Anderson. The only person inserting Dion into this tragedy --- is Dion.
So many narratives over the years about that tragic night, but Dion's look back on that tour is the best I have heard. Highlights the fragility of life.....money, fame, and all that goes with it won't replace a life. God rest their souls.
Dion should have a podcast! I could listen to his stories all day. This guy would be awesome having guests from the past to the present re-living the memories.
@V8Deuce I knew frank sardo in the later years of his life. He told me a lot of the stories, and he was a straight shooter. Dion got a little stupid with the coin toss story, but most of this is accurate.
@@KeithGreenshields well, in this video, Dion claims he tossed the coin for the last seat, won, and then declined his seat because the cost of the flight was the same as his parents' rent when he was growing up. This is a fabrication that has been proven false on many fronts. First, Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings give an account that they were the original passengers, along with Buddy. This is backed up by a historian (can't remember his name) who was interviewed many times about it. Their names were also on the original manifest from when buddy called Jerry Dwyer (who owned the plane). Waylon gave up his seat to the big bopper who was sick and wanted to get to Moorehead faster so he could sleep in a real bed and rest. Tommy then flipped the coin with Ritchie, who bugged him all night for his seat, because he wanted to get there early for similar reasons. These guys were from Texas and LA, the cold made them very ill. Ritchie won the toss and got the seat. The rest is very sad history. The correct account is not only backed up by two survivors, historians and a manifest, but also by Bob Hale, Carl Bunch and Frankie Sardo. Bob Hale was a local dj and the emcee that night for the show. He actually flipped the coin for Tommy and Ritchie, Carl was the drummer and Frankie was the opening act, who was very close to Dion. Bob, I believe, is still with us. The rest have all now sadly passed, leaving Dion as the sole living survivor of the pre-crash tour group. Dion did a great job with this video but he either misremembers or misleads the coin toss story, based on the preponderance of the evidence. Sorry that was so long. 😆
@@KeithGreenshields you may follow this and already know who all these people are. I wrote this based on the premise that one wouldn't. Sorry if that's not the case.
Dion, I just like to tell you that your music will never die, in fact it’s like blood in the veins that keeps us going and you sir are a true legend❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻👍🏻❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🥁🎹🎼🎼🎼
This is a fascinating account of the Winter Tour on which Buddy Holly died. . Dion reveals a great deal about Buddy Holly which hasn't been heard before.
Thanks, Dion, for sharing these memories. Have always loved your music and I hope that you keep rockin' for years to come! That's the best way to honor these guys...
I have known his songs for "ages" but had never really looked at the person behind them. Thanks to UA-cam, one can learn so much. Dion seems to have lived - and thought - through many things, and now here is a man who can express himself, has humour (see for instance his Hall of Fame acceptance speech), and still performs - his recent contribution with Paul Simon is special: so intense; will probably not be a hit with the "young generation", but hopefully quite a few people of the "adult contemporary" group will be impressed.
Amazing stories, amazing times! Amazing songs! I was born in Milwaukee that following August so I always remember the anniversary of this tragic day. Lots of Love to you talented sir and the talented souls we lost on that day. 🙏❤️❤️🔥💖🎤🎼🎸☮️🇺🇸✌️🔥💯🥹😢🥰💝💌
Dion, this is marvelous!! Thanks so much for taking all the time to tell the story. . .this was like hopping in a time machine and going back to the early days of Rock 'n Roll and Doo-Wop!! Thanks again. . . and thanks for everything you do and have done!!
Thank you for sharing Dion, regardless of what anyone says, you too have a right to tell your story. After all you were a part of it all back then. Everyone has a right to express themselves. All the best to you, good health, happiness, love and family.
Just belatedly watched most of this today as I had read first hand most accounts in the papers which were just black and white MEH reports. Dion brought most of this home to me again. As for any discrepancies, this is an extemporaneous, first hand story telling and not scripted in any way. It's Dion telling it thru his life experience and at a time of personal tragedy in his life. Also, Dion was, by his own accounts, taking drugs at this time of his fast paced career; and so any errors in his memory should be gently overlooked as his recollections, and melancholy recounting, is so meaningful to him and heartfelt. Love you too, Dion!
Thank you Mr Dion DiMucci for an Amazing & heartfelt interview, watched it right thru till the very end, had to man, it was mesmerizing. Although born in 1974 & from little ol New Zealand & way before my time as these powerhouses & icons of RocknRoll Buddy, Ritchie & the Big Bopper had & were established in their own rights & music in that era/time.. Admiration & again thanks for the thorough details & truth of your experience & presence Mr DiMucchi leading into the day the Music of RocknRoll had just become 'Big' & had 'Exploded' in some what as you've elaborated in an Amazing Way. God bless you Sir. Alofas & God bless💜💙💛🎸🎸🎤🎼
@@USSRjpg AN OPEN LETTER & CHALLENGE TO DION By: Tommy Allsup Dion, to end all your lies about flipping the coin with Ritchie Valens, and to end all your vicious character assassination of all the parties involved, people you NEVER knew to begin with, I officially challenge you to meet me in Clear Lake, Iowa and submit to a polygraph test...NOW. If you are telling the "truth" as you profess, you should be a man and step up to the challenge. This challenge is backed up with the full support of Bob Hale, (MC of the Surf Ballroom WDP show in `59) Barb and Jerry Dwyer (owners of the flight service as well as friends and employers of the late Roger Peterson) and Connie Lemos (Ritchie Valens' sister) who represents the Valens family. It is equally backed up by my legions of friends in the music business, fans and family. Buddy Holly chartered that plane for himself, me, and Waylon Jennings. You never had a thing to do with this. In fact, Buddy barely spoke to you so he certainly wouldn't have offered you a seat on the plane! You brag about how you were on a previous tour with him in the fall which is supposed to make us think you really knew him. Well I was his friend for the last year of his life and toured with him and I played on some of his songs! You were never in any "closed room" with Buddy for a meeting about the plane trip. You never flipped any coin. Bob Hale took Buddy in to Carroll Anderson's office to call Jerry Dwyer's Flight Service. And Bob Hale saw me flip that coin with Ritchie Valens...and he's still alive to confirm that. Are you calling him a liar as well? Frankie Sardo, who was also there that night, has also publicly stated that he witnessed the Big Bopper negotiating to get Waylon's seat on the plane. Frank is still around to confirm this as well. Waylon Jennings has also stated in numerous documentaries that he gave his seat up to the Big Bopper. Do you really think Buddy would invite one of his band mates, Waylon, and not me? Buddy was my friend and he was also Waylon's friend. He invited us on the tour with him and he felt responsible for us. Do you really believe, with his drummer Carl Bunch in the hospital, Buddy would disregard his closest friends and band mates and the hell we were going through on that bus and get in a "closed room" with you and invite you instead?? That makes absolutely no sense. How convenient also that you bring all this up in the past year leading up to your new book release this coming April. All this controversy ought to drum up sales, right? Yes, too bad none of it is true. It's interesting how in your previous biography, you didn't mention being in a closed room alone with Buddy, Ritchie and J.P. and flipping a coin for the seat. Why not? You would think that would be important enough to mention, no? You didn't mention it because you had yet to make it up in your own clouded mind. Frankie Sardo and Bob Hale are two people alive today that witnessed me and Waylon give up our seats to Ritchie and J.P. These were our seats to give up! Do you have any witnesses? Do you have anybody that even comes close to backing your story up? Nope, I didn't think so. We lost four young souls that day and we can never get them back and it makes me sick to see someone just come out of the blue with NO facts and rewrite history to make a quick buck, disturb the families of the victims, and maybe grab one last moment in the spotlight. Before you filmed your interview about the Winter Dance Party tour with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you also made several calls to Sevan Garabedian and Jim McCool, respected documentary filmmakers on the Winter Dance Party tour and asked them several questions about the Winter Dance Party tour. Why are you asking them about the tour? You were there, weren't you? Well, it makes sense to ask researchers like them for information, especially if you barely remember any of the things that transpired on the tour. Sevan and Jim have filmed interviews with 6 of the surviving musicians from the Winter Dance Party tour (including myself) and every one of them has heard what you had to say and had a nice chuckle about it. They certainly didn't agree with anything you had to say in their interviews -and these are 6 musicians that were on the tour!!! The evidence is out there Dion, and it's creeping up on you faster and faster. I want you to know my true feelings about you. I backed you and The Belmonts for a month in 1959; the Belmonts were good; but watching YOU play guitar on just 3 open chords doesn't make YOU a musician. Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly...now THEY were fine guitar players. I can still, at age 79, back-up my playing and singing, can you? Now that's a laugh! You got lucky on a mere few records in the 1960's; but then again, fast forward, and so did Milli Vanilli!!! But the public wised up and they were exposed for all their lies...just as your lies will be exposed. Buddy's music and his kindness will live forever; as will Ritchie Valens' fine guitar playing as well as La Bamba, and The Big Bopper's Chantilly Lace...but I think Runaround Sue ran out the door long ago and The Wanderer wandered off into a drug haze! I am not nor have I ever been a liar; my solid Christian values, and my integrity and valor are the threads of my foundation. If Maria-Elena Holly says "Dion knows the truth," so be it. But come on, are we really supposed to take the word of a woman who didn't even ATTEND her own husband's funeral as truth? And her "claims" of pregnancy.....read MY book Dion about the truth concerning that as well. I'm sure you'll purchase it and can do so at @t. WHY have you never, ever contacted Buddy's brothers (and family) in Lubbock if you shared such a "tragic moment" with Buddy? They will also tell you the truth about Maria-Elena. Heck, the entire Buddy Holly community knows the truth about Maria Elena. Having her on your side hurts you more than helps you! I was VERY close to Buddy; I know what he said and did during that tour; you do not. Buddy BARELY spoke to you at all. And now you're trying to make a dime off of lies about those who should be left to rest in peace? And you spew these lies yet profess yourself to be a CHRISTIAN? You and past televangelists have a lot in common, don't you? You should be very afraid of your judgment in front of God, for all the lies you've told about fine and upright people; all for the sake of reclaiming another 15 minutes of fame. You stated something about planting seeds in your DVD; you best watch what you say as those "seeds" will eventually grow and devour you. My future will not change by not getting into the Rock Hall of Fame. Nor will it change if the present management of the Surf Ballroom backs your lies as truth for the sole purpose of trying to get you to finally come to the Surf, something they have been desperately trying to do for years now. You keep recirculating and reposting The Surf's letter to you on your Facebook as if to "convince" people that your lies are truth. But they were not there in 1959....I was there and yes, so were you, and so were the rest of the musicians who in Sevan and Jim's documentary have a laugh about what you claim to be the truth. And to discredit Roger Peterson's ability as a pilot? You say in your DVD that he was kicked out of many flight schools. That simply isn't a fact. Did you look that up? Of course not. But you did however break the hearts of Roger Peterson's friends and family by spewing these lies 52 years later. Haven't they suffered enough, Dion? You also claim that Jerry Dwyer hired Roger out of pity. Also not a fact. In fact, Jerry's business partner and wife Barb Dwyer hired Roger (and not Jerry as you claim) because he was an extremely competent pilot. Jerry happens to be one of the most respected and decorated pilots in the country. Who are you? Are you an expert in aviation? You were actually caught in 2 lies with those statements alone. Shame on you. What do YOU know about Roger Peterson? And you made Ritchie Valens' sister cry in disgust after watching all the lies you told in your DVD, which happened this past Feb. at the Surf. Ritchie's sister said her mother and brother would be ashamed of you right now. Ritchie's sister approached the president of the Surf Ballroom in tears after seeing your DVD and asked him how could they show that, with all the lies? You have a clearly evil and devious soul. In fact, as far as the Rock Hall goes, if they're backing your lies, then I don't ever want in. After all, we ARE judged by the company we keep. My guitar work is already deeply embedded in rock n' roll history; my guitar licks are heralded by everyone, including Sir Paul McCartney...can YOU say that? I didn't think so. So come out from under that silly beret and sunglasses you've been hiding behind for the past 50 years, be a MAN and take the polygraph....PROVE you're telling the truth! By NOT accepting this challenge, the whole world will finally see you for the liar and devious "person" you are. If you're going to make a sad attempt to re-rewrite ROCK & ROLL HISTORY, the least you could do is sit down with a polygraph and prove the things you are saying are true. I'm willing to do it. Is the "King of the New York Streets" a cowardly liar or a real man who will accept this challenge? - TOMMY ALLSUP BUDDY HOLLY'S LEAD GUITAR PLAYER
Great flow from the storyteller! Dion covers the subtle tallents of all of those he was with as well as the old blues players. Great voice but he brought that 58 & 59 time alive! I felt I was there. Thankyou
I have lived in Lubbock for over 40 years now, and I know many musicians that knew, and played with Buddy in the 50's, and I knew his brother Larry and his neice Sherry. I would be willing to bet money your getting the straight story here from Dion. That very guitar he speaks of, is here in this town today in the Buddy Holly center on 19th and I-27. I have also worked in avionics for years, and I am myself a pilot. A guy from Iowa was in our shop one day in the 1990's, and he told me all about that pilot, Dwyers Flying Service, and about the crash. Changing that artificial horizon may have had some to do with it, sure. But I was also told Roger Peterson was just one of those pilots that DID NOT know his own limits. He had already failed two instrument check rides, and was not Instrument rated by the Civil Aeronautics Board, (now the Federal Aviation Administration). The man I talked with said it was a big deal to Peterson to fly the three stars, that he didn't turn down the flight, when he really had no business taking off in weather like that. In fact he said at least one other pilot from the area had already turned the trip down that night because of weather. I've known a few pilots like that over the years, and they are all dead now, its an old story in general aviation. Dion's story is also completely consistent with what Waylon Jennings, (who was Buddy's bass player on that tour) told me himself, sitting across the table from him one night in the early 90's at Stubb's BBQ right here in Lubbock. Waylon said from the start, that Buddy chartered the plane for the headliners, not the band members, and that Dion won the toss, but gave up his seat to Ritchie because he was so sick. Ritchie had never flown before in his life, and was scared to death to fly because of an accident when a midair collision happened near the school he was going to as a kid. Waylon told me, it was suppose to be Dion on the plane with Buddy and J.P. Now I have heard the story about Tommy Allsup too. But I have only heard that from Tommy himself. All I can tell you is, that is NOT what Waylon told me in the early 90's. Now it is true that Buddy had Tommy's ID at the crash...... But as far as I can tell, Dion has it straight with everything I have ever been told over the years, by people that were either there, or very close to the ones that were there......
randy white the weather that night was cold but clear with occasional snow drifts there was absolutely no danger flying so that theory is dead in the water the owner of the charter company watched the plane take off and saw it start to go down which was over 5 miles of the weather was bad no way he would've seen the tail lights of the plane from five miles away
randy white also Ritchie valets had flown before he flew out of Los Angeles to get to the starting point of the winter dance party tour he had never flown on a small aircraft before
randy white also waylon tells the story the same was alsup did waylon gave up his seat to JP and tommy flipped Ritchie for the seat so Dion's story s a little bit off what everyone else has said I would back the majority
Thanks, Dion. That was so interesting. I had no idea that you were part of that group of guys--and that you were so close. I was only 12 years old then, but that event changed me. My parents didn't like rock 'n' roll. But, Dad reluctantly drove me to a hobby shop that sold plastic airplane and ship models. There was had a little section where they sold record albums. I bought a Richie Valens album and a Buddy Holly album. I still have them and play them often. I have some by you as well, which I treasure. For me, that day the music did not die; it was born in me and grew. I loved your story. Thanks, again!
DION, I can't even imagine how hard this was for you. You can see how the loss rips your heart apart still so many years later. Your passion for that time and place will never go away. buddy, Ritchie, and big Bopper. will always be with you. YOU WILL SEE THEM AGAIN.
Thanks a lot for sharing, Dion. You're a great storyteller, I've listened to the vid twice now. I'm sure I'll listened to it all again sometime. You're a great guy, a great musician.
Dear Dion, I wonder why nobody ever asked you about this either? I wish you would have done this story telling 40 years earlier. I’m sure them memories would have been even better and fresher, but your memories are amazing. You have such an amazing story truly the most interesting man in the world. I have watched this thing about 9 or 10 times. History that should and needs to be shared.
Dion, Thank you so much for sharing your memories and giving us an insight into the life and music of that historic period. I have always loved your music, from those days up to today.
The Wanderer great tune Dion one of my favorites and I Wonder Why another very cool tune ....... Yes there are conflicting views on the coin toss but beyond that it was such a great era and he is right Holly was a visionary that influenced many musicians . Thanks for the insight regarding The Big Bopper and Richie Valens and the Tour it was interesting .
Dion Thank you so much im from the UK and Buddy was my Hero my group play a lot of Buddy's Songs mostly Instrumentals we play all over Europe and the UK if it wasent for buddy i really think we would not be doing what we do today
Thank you Dion for doing this video and setting your record strait on this tour. Good to hear a first hand account. My mother was at the Surf show- the place still exists we drove by it a year ago together. I went to college in Fargo/ Moorhead and Bobby Vee was still a huge draw and much revered in the area in connection with the show many years later. This video really ties the tour together!
Thanks Dion 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you talking about all of that. All of those moments and memories. The real stuff, the tour, your time with Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper and all those other guys. Great info rock and roll history. And you were right there in the thick of it ! Love your music. You are a great singer and a rock n roll legend mate 👍
Glad you set the record straight about that tragic day and the effect it had you afterwards. I heard Waylon Jennings account of what happened on the Winter Dance Party tour that affected him the rest of his life. I remember as kid in the early 1960s that Everyday by Buddy Holly came on my transistor radio and I knew all the words to the song but couldn't figure out why or how I knew them. Years later I realized I must have heard Everyday in my crib or sometime between 1957 and 1959 on the radio. I guess you buried that tragic day in your subconscious because it was to painful to deal with it at the time!
Dion I was in the 8th grade. Its was raining here in northern California. Instead of p.e. outside we our whole class danced in the basement of our school ..2pm Feb 3rd 1959..music stopped then came the announcement buddy holly. Richie Valens and JP Richardson the big bopper was killed in a plane crash..Saddest day of my life ...today I'm almost 76 years old and still a teenager .. In my heart...
Dion really enjoyed the story. I have never known the true story of the plane crash. Did not know you were almost on that plane also. Enjoy your music still to this day. !maybe more so now than in yesteryears. Thanks for the Facebook posts of your old music. Keep on rocking!!!
Man, what is it? Just the first name bit? Growing up I "knew" his songs but didn't know about him. What a guy; what a talent; what an honest and creative and inspiring human being. Wow. Just a great history and I hope he never goes out of general knowledge.
Even if Dion is a BSer. It's still an interesting different perspective on the Buddy Holly story, from him. And, he is still good looking. I like Dion!
Dion you have my respect and my admiration. We will never know what really happened that fateful weekend but we will remember you for your music and that legacy is quite enough for any entertainer. God Bless.
So sorry for your devastation news from theses legendary musicians very heartbreaking you are a great musician yourself Mr.Dion and Thank you for sharing your story.my parents named me Donna because they loved Ritchie Valens music..im so happy they did.God rest their souls.and bless you and your family
Excellent presentation Thank you Dion! absolutely positively the music didn’t die it began. I just missed living in this era ..by about 7 yrs (?) . I was born in Flushing right over thr bridge(s) from the Bronx and in grammar school we played tripled time jump rope to “John Paul George Ringo John Paul George Ringo...” and whomever Beatle you tripped on you were going to marry. Talk about dreaming. But the Beatles were my introduction to music and stayed with me through graduation from high school. I missed Bobbie socks poodle dresses chiffon scarves Lindy to jitterbug and then came the twist and that was my dance. Chubby checker let’s twist again. And the peppermint twist was double time that didn’t stop unless I got a stitch in my side. I could keep a hula hoop going during a conversation. No roller skate dates too young for Elvis Presley except I watched his corny movies and loved his voice and his bewitching sneer a mouth I’d call sexy 10 years later but not at age 12. We danced the jerk the pony the soupie sales shuffle (weird time remember these) the jerk the fruge the swim ... but I always loved and still do jitterbug dancers absolutely marvelous it was really the lindy except in saddle shoes instead of pumps I guess. I just love watching Dion talk and really don’t understand why he’s not been as integral a part of that scene the documentaries and that day feb 3 1959 the music didn’t die. Thank you Dion. You referred to Buddy Holly as a visionary. Wow you nailed it. Of course it’s a word I’ve heard before but never has one fit that like Buddy Holly. it captures the spirit of that man and probably you too Dion. Buddy and his general goodness and kindness and absence of malice towards his fellow man. Now maybe what I’ve read doesn’t tell the complete story. But all these guys were sweet. I’ll listen if I’m wrong from people who were there or grew up on that music. From what I’ve learned about buddy Holly he was a man way ahead of his time way ahead of his nation. He was colorblind at a time when racism wasn’t hidden or hushed or those spoke in slurs were rarely called out. But there’s buddy from Lubbock Texas without a reason in the world to take a stand and he did what came naturally because he had decency. And when he played the Apollo- was he in fact the first white band to perform there ? Wow. What a warm reception. He was a visionary in his creations and who know what we might have gotten from that genius had he survived through the 60’s 70’s 80’s it’s like me trying to imagine life without the Beatles. I can’t do it. Maybe Buddy Holly could have brought world peace had he lived. Dion that must have been such an empty day (feb 1959) I’m sorry. You radiate warmth like Buddy Holly did. Thank you and you honor these men your friends with this comfortable chat. Yeah I’ve been there too. .. thanks for your courage and candor too. God bless you sir. And the Bronx....
All I could think about while watching this were my trips to the Bronx, NY where my grandmother and two aunts lived on Seddan St. (right off of Tremont Ave). One of my cousins allowed me to use her 45 rpm record player and she had Buddy Holly, Dion, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. I was around 11 or 12 and was not aware that They had been killed. But I would listen to those records over and over again. I didn't even know Dion was from the Bronx. I thought he was from Philadelphia. Anyway, I really enjoyed this. Thank you Dion.
One of these days, I'd really love to meet Mr. DiMucci. If Ritchie, Big Bopper and Buddy Holly were alive, I'm 100 percent sure that I'd say the same thing that I'm saying now about Dion. Great musicians all of them, and great people as well I'm sure.
+lcar4000 Don't get me wrong. I grew up listening to Dion. Was a major fan from the beginning and remain so. It's just that he has no other major player from that time to substantiate his version. Listen to all other accounts from the actual folks involved and you will see what I mean. Dion isn't even mentioned. Dion's place in history is secure. He doesn't need this. imho He has harmed his image by floating this version.
Dion tells it straight and he is a class act, his love for music and his own talents really should get more praise, fabulous artist.
For years I respected Dion's talent, a real natural. Now I have to say I love this guy. So sincere and real.
I was very fortunate to see Dion at the front row In mayfield, oh years back with my bride of now 55 years, and he was fantastic then in his sixties...many folks don't know how huge Dion was when he was much younger in both the 50's and 60's...thank you sir, for all your great tunes.
It's 1-30-23 this pops up on my Utube
on my TV,once I started watching
Dion telling the true account's of the
winter dance party tour.What a story
it was R&R history thanks Dion.
You done Buddy, Ritchie,The Big Bopper & Roger proud with keeping their memory alive...Well said story, I admire you Dion- God Speed!
The Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper legacy lives through you Dion! Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us.
Dion is the most under-appreciated artist. I really wish he got the respect that he has rightly earned.
I now fully realise why Dion was one of the headliners on that ill fated tour.
Dion, you are one seriously talented rocker and personality! I love the way you break into song at any moment.
I absolutely love your account of “The Winter Dance Party”! This is easily the best documentary of the tour I have ever watched. It’s great to get a headliner’s version of everything that took place, Dion was right there with everyone. I can’t imagine how this tragedy has affected you over the years, may God bless you forever.
This is so fascinating, thanks Dion, you are a classy, genuine person!
After all this time, Dion has nothing but good to say about the Belmonts, oh how I love it! Dion ❤
Their music was the top growing up, and stil is!
Dion, you are an amazing person ,musician and songwriter. Thankyou so much for your music. God bless you always. Keep on rocking.
Dion.... You've brought tears to my eyes with the this story. And I LOVE the song you wrote in memory of all 3 who sadly died in that fateful crash, and again bringing tears to my eyes. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to be playing your song. Thank you Dion
The best hour I've spent in many months....thanks Dion for sharing your heart.
Rave on.
First-class recount of an unforgettable period in the history of popular music.
I would like to thank Dion DiMucci for presenting the events of that ill-fated tour in such a concise, thorough and entertaining manner. Dion is a class act all the way.
I just love hearing songs by Dion and the Belmonts. Those songs are so much fun to dance to....
Just Sayin' absolutely positively the best. I’m surprised in all the stuff I look up to learn more about an era I just missed. I was born in Flushing right over thr bridge(s) from the Bronx and in grammar school we played tripled time jump rope to “John Paul George Ringo John Paul George Ringo...” and whomever Beatle you tripped on you were going to marry. Talk about dreaming. But the Beatles were my introduction to music and stayed with me through graduation from high school. I missed Bobbie socks poodle dresses chiffon scarves Lindy to jitterbug and then came the twist and that was my dance. Chubby checker let’s twist again. And the peppermint twist was double time that didn’t stop unless I got a stitch in my side. I could keep a hula hoop going during a conversation. No roller skate dates too young for Elvis Presley except I watched his corny movies and loved his voice and his bewitching sneer a mouth I’d call sexy 10 years later but not at age 12. We danced the jerk the pony the soupie sales shuffle (weird time remember these) the jerk the fruge the swim ... but I always loved and still do jitterbug dancers absolutely marvelous it was really the lindy except in saddle shoes instead of pumps I guess. I just love watching Dion talk and really don’t understand why he’s not been as integral a part of that scene the documentaries and that day feb 3 1959 the music didn’t die. Thank you Dion. You referred to Buddy Holly as a visionary. Wow you nailed it. Of course it’s a word I’ve heard before but never has one fit that like Buddy Holly. it captures the spirit of that man and probably you too Dion. Buddy and his general goodness and kindness and absence of malice towards his fellow man. Now maybe what I’ve read doesn’t tell the complete story. But all these guys were sweet. I’ll listen if I’m wrong from people who were there or grew up on that music. From what I’ve learned about buddy Holly he was a man way ahead of his time way ahead of his nation. He was colorblind at a time when racism wasn’t hidden or hushed or those spoke in slurs were rarely called out. But there’s buddy from Lubbock Texas without a reason in the world to take a stand and he did what came naturally because he had decency. And when he played the Apollo- was he in fact the first white band to perform there ? Wow. What a warm reception. He was a visionary in his creations and who know what we might have gotten from that genius had he survived through the 60’s 70’s 80’s it’s like me trying to imagine life without the Beatles. I can’t do it.
Maybe Buddy Holly could have brought world peace had he lived. Dion that must have been such an empty day (feb 1959) I’m sorry.
You radiate warmth like Buddy Holly did. Thank you and you honor these men your friends with this comfortable chat. Yeah I’ve been there too. .. thanks for your courage and candor too.
God bless you sir. And the Bronx....
I believe Dion about the coin flip. Hey Dion: you’d have made a great Tony Wyzck in West Side Story! Not Elvis! Richard Brymer was also great!
What was it that I heard about a coin flip between Waylon & Buddy,or someone? Dion mentioned Eddie Cochran,he died the following year! So many greats of the music world have perished in plane crashes. Race car drivers & actors to,have been taken from us. To all of those legends,you'll never be forgotten. Thank you Dion for making this video. I didn't turn 6 until 3/'59,so I didn't become aware of y'alls great music for another few years. Now at 70,I still enjoy it everyday!❤
@@robertdoyle7186 No. Whether Dion is lying or misremembering the events of that tragic night, the fact is his account completely contradicts the corroborating accounts given by Tommy Allsup, Waylon Jennings, and Surf Ballroom manager Carroll Anderson.
The only person inserting Dion into this tragedy --- is Dion.
Excellent tribute, Dion. Very moving and sincere. Thanks for sharing.
Dion, you're a beautiful human being.
Thank you so much.
I love the way he was enjoying his memories with them poor guy
That had to be hard to loose them
So many narratives over the years about that tragic night, but Dion's look back on that tour is the best I have heard. Highlights the fragility of life.....money, fame, and all that goes with it won't replace a life. God rest their souls.
Dion should have a podcast! I could listen to his stories all day. This guy would be awesome having guests from the past to the present re-living the memories.
You enjoy fiction. That's nice.......
@V8Deuce I knew frank sardo in the later years of his life. He told me a lot of the stories, and he was a straight shooter. Dion got a little stupid with the coin toss story, but most of this is accurate.
@@RogerBates7 coin toss story? do tell.
@@KeithGreenshields well, in this video, Dion claims he tossed the coin for the last seat, won, and then declined his seat because the cost of the flight was the same as his parents' rent when he was growing up.
This is a fabrication that has been proven false on many fronts. First, Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings give an account that they were the original passengers, along with Buddy. This is backed up by a historian (can't remember his name) who was interviewed many times about it. Their names were also on the original manifest from when buddy called Jerry Dwyer (who owned the plane). Waylon gave up his seat to the big bopper who was sick and wanted to get to Moorehead faster so he could sleep in a real bed and rest. Tommy then flipped the coin with Ritchie, who bugged him all night for his seat, because he wanted to get there early for similar reasons. These guys were from Texas and LA, the cold made them very ill. Ritchie won the toss and got the seat. The rest is very sad history.
The correct account is not only backed up by two survivors, historians and a manifest, but also by Bob Hale, Carl Bunch and Frankie Sardo. Bob Hale was a local dj and the emcee that night for the show. He actually flipped the coin for Tommy and Ritchie, Carl was the drummer and Frankie was the opening act, who was very close to Dion. Bob, I believe, is still with us. The rest have all now sadly passed, leaving Dion as the sole living survivor of the pre-crash tour group.
Dion did a great job with this video but he either misremembers or misleads the coin toss story, based on the preponderance of the evidence. Sorry that was so long. 😆
@@KeithGreenshields you may follow this and already know who all these people are. I wrote this based on the premise that one wouldn't. Sorry if that's not the case.
Dion, I just like to tell you that your music will never die, in fact it’s like blood in the veins that keeps us going and you sir are a true legend❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻👍🏻❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🥁🎹🎼🎼🎼
I’m 38 and just know getting into Buddy holly’s music I really like it I enjoy watching these videos about him he was a very talented young man
This is a fascinating account of the Winter Tour on which Buddy Holly died. . Dion reveals a great deal about Buddy Holly which hasn't been heard before.
Great insight from a living legend. Thanks very much Dion.
Thank you Dion. 😊❤️👍
Great story, Dion, thanks for sharing.
Dion I love to hear your stories. You tell them like you sing your songs....just so much of yourself in them. Keep them coming my friend.
I love hearing Dion's music from the 50s and 60s. His music is so good.
Thanks, Dion, for sharing these memories. Have always loved your music and I hope that you keep rockin' for years to come! That's the best way to honor these guys...
I have known his songs for "ages" but had never really looked at the person behind them. Thanks to UA-cam, one can learn so much. Dion seems to have lived - and thought - through many things, and now here is a man who can express himself, has humour (see for instance his Hall of Fame acceptance speech), and still performs - his recent contribution with Paul Simon is special: so intense; will probably not be a hit with the "young generation", but hopefully quite a few people of the "adult contemporary" group will be impressed.
Amazing stories, amazing times! Amazing songs! I was born in Milwaukee that following August so I always remember the anniversary of this tragic day. Lots of Love to you talented sir and the talented souls we lost on that day. 🙏❤️❤️🔥💖🎤🎼🎸☮️🇺🇸✌️🔥💯🥹😢🥰💝💌
Dion, this is marvelous!! Thanks so much for taking all the time to tell the story. . .this was like hopping in a time machine and going back to the early days of Rock 'n Roll and Doo-Wop!!
Thanks again. . . and thanks for everything you do and have done!!
Thank you for sharing Dion, regardless of what anyone says, you too have a right to tell your story. After all you were a part of it all back then. Everyone has a right to express themselves. All the best to you, good health, happiness, love and family.
remembering buddy holly, ritchie valens, and the big bopper tonight. February 3, 2023
this piece from Dion adds to the whole picture thanks for the info
Love you Dion ❤️ Loved hearing these stories about Buddy, Ritchie & big bopper x you are a legend
Just loved this Dion. What memories I was always a fan of all you guys and tried to imitate your singing.
Nice tribute brother💕. Liked the the song at the end Everyday That I’m With You. 👍😎
Excellent brother✊🏼💜 I live in Lubbock And I actually went to his grave the other day while riding my bike. Thanks for this video
Dion, thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Just belatedly watched most of this today as I had read first hand most accounts in the papers which were just black and white MEH reports. Dion brought most of this home to me again. As for any discrepancies, this is an extemporaneous, first hand story telling and not scripted in any way. It's Dion telling it thru his life experience and at a time of personal tragedy in his life. Also, Dion was, by his own accounts, taking drugs at this time of his fast paced career; and so any errors in his memory should be gently overlooked as his recollections, and melancholy recounting, is so meaningful to him and heartfelt. Love you too, Dion!
Fascinating story Dion, thanks from a UK listener of the time. we all loved Buddy here over the pond as well..
Thank you Mr Dion DiMucci for an Amazing & heartfelt interview, watched it right thru till the very end, had to man, it was mesmerizing. Although born in 1974 & from little ol New Zealand & way before my time as these powerhouses & icons of RocknRoll Buddy, Ritchie & the Big Bopper had & were established in their own rights & music in that era/time.. Admiration & again thanks for the thorough details & truth of your experience & presence Mr DiMucchi leading into the day the Music of RocknRoll had just become 'Big' & had 'Exploded' in some what as you've elaborated in an Amazing Way. God bless you Sir. Alofas & God bless💜💙💛🎸🎸🎤🎼
I am so glad I heard this a nd the "Journey Home" videos to day. I had other plans and now I'm a better person with other plans. Thank you so much!
Amazing and important story from an amazing and very important man who was there at the beginning.Thank you, Dion
What a great story teller, I could listen to Dion for hours and hours
You enjoy Fiction, too. Thats nice...........
@@V8Deuce ?
Story teller yes, but not all facts
@@V8Deuce how can you say that? You probably don’t even have a clue who these guys are
@@USSRjpg
AN OPEN LETTER & CHALLENGE TO DION
By: Tommy Allsup
Dion, to end all your lies about flipping the coin with Ritchie Valens, and to
end all your vicious character assassination of all the parties involved, people
you NEVER knew to begin with, I officially challenge you to meet me in Clear
Lake, Iowa and submit to a polygraph test...NOW. If you are telling the "truth"
as you profess, you should be a man and step up to the challenge. This challenge
is backed up with the full support of Bob Hale, (MC of the Surf Ballroom WDP
show in `59) Barb and Jerry Dwyer (owners of the flight service as well as
friends and employers of the late Roger Peterson) and Connie Lemos (Ritchie
Valens' sister) who represents the Valens family. It is equally backed up by my
legions of friends in the music business, fans and family.
Buddy Holly chartered that plane for himself, me, and Waylon Jennings. You never
had a thing to do with this. In fact, Buddy barely spoke to you so he certainly
wouldn't have offered you a seat on the plane! You brag about how you were on a
previous tour with him in the fall which is supposed to make us think you really
knew him. Well I was his friend for the last year of his life and toured with
him and I played on some of his songs! You were never in any "closed room" with
Buddy for a meeting about the plane trip. You never flipped any coin. Bob Hale
took Buddy in to Carroll Anderson's office to call Jerry Dwyer's Flight Service.
And Bob Hale saw me flip that coin with Ritchie Valens...and he's still alive to
confirm that. Are you calling him a liar as well? Frankie Sardo, who was also
there that night, has also publicly stated that he witnessed the Big Bopper
negotiating to get Waylon's seat on the plane. Frank is still around to confirm
this as well. Waylon Jennings has also stated in numerous documentaries that he
gave his seat up to the Big Bopper. Do you really think Buddy would invite one
of his band mates, Waylon, and not me? Buddy was my friend and he was also
Waylon's friend. He invited us on the tour with him and he felt responsible for
us. Do you really believe, with his drummer Carl Bunch in the hospital, Buddy
would disregard his closest friends and band mates and the hell we were going
through on that bus and get in a "closed room" with you and invite you instead??
That makes absolutely no sense. How convenient also
that you bring all this up in the past year leading up to your new book release
this coming April. All this controversy ought to drum up sales, right? Yes, too
bad none of it is true. It's interesting how in your previous biography, you
didn't mention being in a closed room alone with Buddy, Ritchie and J.P. and
flipping a coin for the seat. Why not? You would think that would be important
enough to mention, no? You didn't mention it because you had yet to make it up
in your own clouded mind.
Frankie Sardo and Bob Hale are two people alive today that witnessed me and
Waylon give up our seats to Ritchie and J.P. These were our seats to give up! Do
you have any witnesses? Do you have anybody that even comes close to backing
your story up? Nope, I didn't think so. We lost four young souls that day and we
can never get them back and it makes me sick to see someone just come out of the
blue with NO facts and rewrite history to make a quick buck, disturb the
families of the victims, and maybe grab one last moment in the spotlight.
Before you filmed your interview about the Winter Dance Party tour with the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame, you also made several calls to Sevan Garabedian and Jim
McCool, respected documentary filmmakers on the Winter Dance Party tour and
asked them several questions about the Winter Dance Party tour. Why are you
asking them about the tour? You were there, weren't you? Well, it makes sense to
ask researchers like them for information, especially if you barely remember any
of the things that transpired on the tour. Sevan and Jim have filmed interviews
with 6 of the surviving musicians from the Winter Dance Party tour (including
myself) and every one of them has heard what you had to say and had a nice
chuckle about it. They certainly didn't agree with anything you had to say in
their interviews -and these are 6 musicians that were on the tour!!! The
evidence is out there Dion, and it's creeping up on you faster and faster.
I want you to know my true feelings about you. I backed you and The Belmonts for
a month in 1959; the Belmonts were good; but watching YOU play guitar on just 3
open chords doesn't make YOU a musician. Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly...now
THEY were fine guitar players. I can still, at age
79, back-up my playing and singing, can you? Now that's a laugh! You got lucky
on a mere few records in the 1960's; but then again, fast forward, and so did
Milli Vanilli!!! But the public wised up and they were exposed for all their
lies...just as your lies will be exposed. Buddy's music and his kindness will
live forever; as will Ritchie Valens' fine guitar playing as well as La Bamba,
and The Big Bopper's Chantilly Lace...but I think
Runaround Sue ran out the door long ago and The Wanderer wandered off into a
drug haze!
I am not nor have I ever been a liar; my solid Christian values, and my
integrity and valor are the threads of my foundation. If Maria-Elena Holly says
"Dion knows the truth," so be it. But come on, are we really supposed to take
the word of a woman who didn't even ATTEND her own husband's funeral as truth?
And her "claims" of pregnancy.....read MY book Dion about the
truth concerning that as well. I'm sure you'll purchase it and can do so at
@t. WHY have you never, ever contacted Buddy's brothers (and
family) in Lubbock if you shared such a "tragic moment" with Buddy? They
will also tell you the truth about Maria-Elena. Heck, the entire Buddy Holly
community knows the truth about Maria Elena. Having her on your side hurts you
more than helps you!
I was VERY close to Buddy; I know what he said and did during that tour; you do
not. Buddy BARELY spoke to you at all. And now you're trying to make a dime off
of lies about those who should be left to rest in peace? And you spew these lies
yet profess yourself to be a CHRISTIAN? You and past televangelists have a lot
in common, don't you? You should be very afraid of your judgment in front of
God, for all the lies you've told about fine and upright people; all for the
sake of reclaiming another 15 minutes of fame. You stated something about
planting seeds in your DVD; you best watch what you say as those "seeds" will
eventually grow and devour you.
My future will not change by not getting into the Rock Hall of Fame. Nor will it
change if the present management of the Surf Ballroom backs your lies as truth
for the sole purpose of trying to get you to finally come to the Surf, something
they have been desperately trying to do for years now. You keep recirculating
and reposting The Surf's letter to you on your Facebook as if to "convince"
people that your lies are truth. But they were not there in 1959....I was there
and yes, so were you, and so were the rest of the musicians who in Sevan and
Jim's documentary have a laugh about what you claim to be the truth. And to
discredit Roger Peterson's ability as a pilot? You say in your DVD that he was
kicked out of many flight schools.
That simply isn't a fact. Did you look that up? Of course not. But you did
however break the hearts of Roger Peterson's friends and family by spewing these
lies 52 years later. Haven't they suffered enough, Dion? You also claim that
Jerry Dwyer hired Roger out of pity. Also not a fact. In fact, Jerry's business
partner and wife Barb Dwyer hired Roger (and not Jerry as you claim) because he
was an extremely competent pilot. Jerry happens to be one of the most respected
and decorated pilots in the country. Who are you? Are you an expert in aviation?
You were actually caught in 2 lies with those statements alone. Shame on you.
What do YOU know about Roger Peterson? And you made Ritchie Valens' sister cry
in disgust after watching all the lies you told in your DVD, which happened this
past Feb. at the Surf. Ritchie's sister said her mother and brother would be
ashamed of you right now.
Ritchie's sister approached the president of the Surf Ballroom in tears after
seeing your DVD and asked him how could they show that, with all the lies? You
have a clearly evil and devious soul. In fact, as far as the Rock Hall goes, if
they're backing your lies, then I don't ever want in. After all, we ARE judged
by the company we keep.
My guitar work is already deeply embedded in rock n' roll history; my guitar
licks are heralded by everyone, including Sir Paul McCartney...can YOU say that?
I didn't think so. So come out from under that silly beret and sunglasses you've
been hiding behind for the past 50 years, be a MAN and take the
polygraph....PROVE you're telling the truth! By NOT accepting this challenge,
the whole world will finally see you for the liar and devious "person" you are.
If you're going to make a sad attempt to re-rewrite ROCK & ROLL HISTORY, the
least you could do is sit down with a polygraph and prove the things you are
saying are true. I'm willing to do it. Is the "King of the New York Streets" a
cowardly liar or a real man who will accept this
challenge?
- TOMMY ALLSUP
BUDDY HOLLY'S LEAD GUITAR PLAYER
Thank you Dion for taking us on the Winter Dance Party Tour!
It is an honor to listen your story. Very interesting. Thank you sir.
I remember when I Wonder Why came out! Loved it then, love it now!
I wonder why carlo and the belmonts did a great job on this song.
Great flow from the storyteller! Dion covers the subtle tallents of all of those he was with as well as the old blues players. Great voice but he brought that 58 & 59 time alive! I felt I was there. Thankyou
WELL DONE DION !!!! LOVED THIS VERY MUCH. R.I.P. GUYS !!!! THANK YOU DION
Thank You For sharing by the end of the video i was in tears. I remember that day i heard it on the radio.
The very basics of what is called ROCK n' ROLL! Thank you Dion! Loved the Do Ops. I remember New York groups "street singing"!
I have lived in Lubbock for over 40 years now, and I know many musicians that knew, and played with Buddy in the 50's, and I knew his brother Larry and his neice Sherry. I would be willing to bet money your getting the straight story here from Dion. That very guitar he speaks of, is here in this town today in the Buddy Holly center on 19th and I-27. I have also worked in avionics for years, and I am myself a pilot. A guy from Iowa was in our shop one day in the 1990's, and he told me all about that pilot, Dwyers Flying Service, and about the crash. Changing that artificial horizon may have had some to do with it, sure. But I was also told Roger Peterson was just one of those pilots that DID NOT know his own limits. He had already failed two instrument check rides, and was not Instrument rated by the Civil Aeronautics Board, (now the Federal Aviation Administration). The man I talked with said it was a big deal to Peterson to fly the three stars, that he didn't turn down the flight, when he really had no business taking off in weather like that. In fact he said at least one other pilot from the area had already turned the trip down that night because of weather. I've known a few pilots like that over the years, and they are all dead now, its an old story in general aviation. Dion's story is also completely consistent with what Waylon Jennings, (who was Buddy's bass player on that tour) told me himself, sitting across the table from him one night in the early 90's at Stubb's BBQ right here in Lubbock. Waylon said from the start, that Buddy chartered the plane for the headliners, not the band members, and that Dion won the toss, but gave up his seat to Ritchie because he was so sick. Ritchie had never flown before in his life, and was scared to death to fly because of an accident when a midair collision happened near the school he was going to as a kid. Waylon told me, it was suppose to be Dion on the plane with Buddy and J.P. Now I have heard the story about Tommy Allsup too. But I have only heard that from Tommy himself. All I can tell you is, that is NOT what Waylon told me in the early 90's. Now it is true that Buddy had Tommy's ID at the crash...... But as far as I can tell, Dion has it straight with everything I have ever been told over the years, by people that were either there, or very close to the ones that were there......
randy white the weather that night was cold but clear with occasional snow drifts there was absolutely no danger flying so that theory is dead in the water the owner of the charter company watched the plane take off and saw it start to go down which was over 5 miles of the weather was bad no way he would've seen the tail lights of the plane from five miles away
randy white also Ritchie valets had flown before he flew out of Los Angeles to get to the starting point of the winter dance party tour he had never flown on a small aircraft before
randy white also waylon tells the story the same was alsup did waylon gave up his seat to JP and tommy flipped Ritchie for the seat so Dion's story s a little bit off what everyone else has said I would back the majority
Thanks, Dion. That was so interesting. I had no idea that you were part of that group of guys--and that you were so close. I was only 12 years old then, but that event changed me. My parents didn't like rock 'n' roll. But, Dad reluctantly drove me to a hobby shop that sold plastic airplane and ship models. There was had a little section where they sold record albums. I bought a Richie Valens album and a Buddy Holly album. I still have them and play them often. I have some by you as well, which I treasure. For me, that day the music did not die; it was born in me and grew. I loved your story. Thanks, again!
Excellent👍 Thanks Dion for the beautiful story! God left you to help their Souls live on 💙🙏💙
Love you Dion✌️
DION, I can't even imagine how hard this was for you. You can see how the loss rips your heart apart still so many years later. Your passion for that time and place will never go away. buddy, Ritchie, and big Bopper. will always be with you. YOU WILL SEE THEM AGAIN.
Igor told they all died together AND no-one survivors I got told any way to get a place to sand b
Thanks a lot for sharing, Dion. You're a great storyteller, I've listened to the vid twice now. I'm sure I'll listened to it all again sometime. You're a great guy, a great musician.
Dear Dion, I wonder why nobody ever asked you about this either? I wish you would have done this story telling 40 years earlier. I’m sure them memories would have been even better and fresher, but your memories are amazing. You have such an amazing story truly the most interesting man in the world. I have watched this thing about 9 or 10 times. History that should and needs to be shared.
I love you Dion.. You ROCK! ♥
This was fantastic and to hear it firsthand gives it so much reality!! I can't thank you enough for this!!
Thanks, Dion. You were meant to carry on their music for the world! And you do!!!
Dion, Thank you so much for sharing your memories and giving us an insight into the life and music of that historic period. I have always loved your music, from those days up to today.
@@waylonjr 😌
I REALLY ENJOY THIS !!! thank you Dion very much !! I cried !!!! Keep playing their songs !!!
Dion is a national treasure, he did survive and continued to preserve & protect the legacy of his mates.
Thanks you so much for sharing this story with us
Very Warm; I felt like I was sitting across the kitchen table, sipping coffee. listening to you tell old stories. Thank you for sharing your memories!
That's exactly what I felt! I could listen to him talk and hear his stories all day long!
The Wanderer great tune Dion one of my favorites and I Wonder Why another very cool tune ....... Yes there are conflicting views on the coin toss but beyond that it was such a great era and he is right Holly was a visionary that influenced many musicians . Thanks for the insight regarding The Big Bopper and Richie Valens and the Tour it was interesting .
THE WANDERER -THANKS ERNIE MARESCA FOR THIS SONG.
Dion
Thank you so much im from the UK and Buddy was my Hero my group play a lot of Buddy's Songs mostly Instrumentals we play all over Europe and the UK if it wasent for buddy i really think we would not be doing what we do today
Thank you so much for sharing this story. Rave on!
Dion, thanks for the music, you are a legend, all the best to you !
Thank you Dion for doing this video and setting your record strait on this tour. Good to hear a first hand account. My mother was at the Surf show- the place still exists we drove by it a year ago together. I went to college in Fargo/ Moorhead and Bobby Vee was still a huge draw and much revered in the area in connection with the show many years later. This video really ties the tour together!
Every second of this is fascinating!
This is a hidden gem.
I sure wish however there was more about Eddie cochran.
Absolutely beautiful interview by a super classy man and musician. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried at the end.
Thank you Dion!👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks Dion 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you talking about all of that. All of those moments and memories. The real stuff, the tour, your time with Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper and all those other guys. Great info rock and roll history. And you were right there in the thick of it ! Love your music. You are a great singer and a rock n roll legend mate 👍
boy that was a really great story!
Glad you set the record straight about that tragic day and the effect it had you afterwards. I heard Waylon Jennings account of what happened on the Winter Dance Party tour that affected him the rest of his life. I remember as kid in the early 1960s that Everyday by Buddy Holly came on my transistor radio and I knew all the words to the song but couldn't figure out why or how I knew them. Years later I realized I must have heard Everyday in my crib or sometime between 1957 and 1959 on the radio. I guess you buried that tragic day in your subconscious because it was to painful to deal with it at the time!
God bless. Thanks for sharing.
Dion I was in the 8th grade. Its was raining here in northern California. Instead of p.e. outside we our whole class danced in the basement of our school ..2pm Feb 3rd 1959..music stopped then came the announcement buddy holly. Richie Valens and JP Richardson the big bopper was killed in a plane crash..Saddest day of my life ...today I'm almost 76 years old and still a teenager ..
In my heart...
just stumbled on this video ... wow,, great job ... Buddy is proud of you
Dion DiMucci was born this day 18th July 1939. Still alive and active. Happy 81st.
I didn't know Dion played the guitar or played anything but be-bop. He is an accomplished guitarist. Wow! What else is there to say.
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Dion really enjoyed the story. I have never known the true story of the plane crash. Did not know you were almost on that plane also. Enjoy your music still to this day. !maybe more so now than in yesteryears. Thanks for the Facebook posts of your old music. Keep on rocking!!!
steve nelson this the first I heard Dion was going to be one of the passengers,
Man, what is it? Just the first name bit? Growing up I "knew" his songs but didn't know about him. What a guy; what a talent; what an honest and creative and inspiring human being. Wow. Just a great history and I hope he never goes out of general knowledge.
Even if Dion is a BSer. It's still an interesting different perspective on the Buddy Holly story, from him. And, he is still good looking. I like Dion!
Dion you have my respect and my admiration. We will never know what really happened that fateful weekend but we will remember you for your music and that legacy is quite enough for any entertainer. God Bless.
So sorry for your devastation news from theses legendary musicians very heartbreaking you are a great musician yourself Mr.Dion and Thank you for sharing your story.my parents named me Donna because they loved Ritchie Valens music..im so happy they did.God rest their souls.and bless you and your family
thankyou dion for the real story god bless you
Spectacular input.
Thank you so much.
Love your ending song, truly special.
You for sure did them proud.
"you want a shot? or get shot?" 😂😂😂😂
Excellent presentation Thank you Dion! absolutely positively the music didn’t die it began. I just missed living in this era ..by about 7 yrs (?) . I was born in Flushing right over thr bridge(s) from the Bronx and in grammar school we played tripled time jump rope to “John Paul George Ringo John Paul George Ringo...” and whomever Beatle you tripped on you were going to marry. Talk about dreaming. But the Beatles were my introduction to music and stayed with me through graduation from high school. I missed Bobbie socks poodle dresses chiffon scarves Lindy to jitterbug and then came the twist and that was my dance. Chubby checker let’s twist again. And the peppermint twist was double time that didn’t stop unless I got a stitch in my side. I could keep a hula hoop going during a conversation. No roller skate dates too young for Elvis Presley except I watched his corny movies and loved his voice and his bewitching sneer a mouth I’d call sexy 10 years later but not at age 12. We danced the jerk the pony the soupie sales shuffle (weird time remember these) the jerk the fruge the swim ... but I always loved and still do jitterbug dancers absolutely marvelous it was really the lindy except in saddle shoes instead of pumps I guess. I just love watching Dion talk and really don’t understand why he’s not been as integral a part of that scene the documentaries and that day feb 3 1959 the music didn’t die. Thank you Dion. You referred to Buddy Holly as a visionary. Wow you nailed it. Of course it’s a word I’ve heard before but never has one fit that like Buddy Holly. it captures the spirit of that man and probably you too Dion. Buddy and his general goodness and kindness and absence of malice towards his fellow man. Now maybe what I’ve read doesn’t tell the complete story. But all these guys were sweet. I’ll listen if I’m wrong from people who were there or grew up on that music. From what I’ve learned about buddy Holly he was a man way ahead of his time way ahead of his nation. He was colorblind at a time when racism wasn’t hidden or hushed or those spoke in slurs were rarely called out. But there’s buddy from Lubbock Texas without a reason in the world to take a stand and he did what came naturally because he had decency. And when he played the Apollo- was he in fact the first white band to perform there ? Wow. What a warm reception. He was a visionary in his creations and who know what we might have gotten from that genius had he survived through the 60’s 70’s 80’s it’s like me trying to imagine life without the Beatles. I can’t do it.
Maybe Buddy Holly could have brought world peace had he lived. Dion that must have been such an empty day (feb 1959) I’m sorry.
You radiate warmth like Buddy Holly did. Thank you and you honor these men your friends with this comfortable chat. Yeah I’ve been there too. .. thanks for your courage and candor too.
God bless you sir. And the Bronx....
Fantastic video!! God Bless Dion for keeping these memories alive..
Thanks Dion! Great summary and you still got it!
Glad someone could tell the real story.... this will last forever 👍
All I could think about while watching this were my trips to the Bronx, NY where my grandmother and two aunts lived on Seddan St. (right off of Tremont Ave). One of my cousins allowed me to use her 45 rpm record player and she had Buddy Holly, Dion, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. I was around 11 or 12 and was not aware that They had been killed. But I would listen to those records over and over again. I didn't even know Dion was from the Bronx. I thought he was from Philadelphia. Anyway, I really enjoyed this. Thank you Dion.
One of these days, I'd really love to meet Mr. DiMucci. If Ritchie, Big Bopper and Buddy Holly were alive, I'm 100 percent sure that I'd say the same thing that I'm saying now about Dion. Great musicians all of them, and great people as well I'm sure.
I got to meet Dion back in the 1980s when he played in the Cleveland area. A great guy.
THIS IS BEYOND AWESOME! YOU ARE ON THE TOUR BUS WITH THE BANDS!
This is fascinating and heartfelt. Thanks for posting
But, not true.
Why would he lie about it? He was on the same tour, played on the same stage. That's all verifiable
+lcar4000 Don't get me wrong. I grew up listening to Dion. Was a major fan from the beginning and remain so. It's just that he has no other major player from that time to substantiate his version. Listen to all other accounts from the actual folks involved and you will see what I mean. Dion isn't even mentioned. Dion's place in history is secure. He doesn't need this. imho He has harmed his image by floating this version.
+Bill Shrieves Yeah, I can understand that. Maybe there's a little bit of truth in all of the accounts.
Bill Shrieves OK, you were there ?
Thank you