On February 3rd 1959, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in an airplane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. It was truly "The Day The Music Died".
Since 2005, it has been artist Ron Petitt's mission to create a life-size bronze sculpture of the Big Bopper to recognize his historic contributions to the Rock and Roll music industry. For many years he worked closely with the Big Bopper's son, Jay Richardson, in an attempt to find the support and proper location for the planned memorial, but with the unexpected passing of Jay, the planned project was again halted.
Finally, in recent months, the prospect of creating the memorial has taken on a renewal in interest, and hopes of finally making the life-size sculpture a reality.
If you have any questions, or want to contribute to the memorial project, please contact Ron Petitt.
Copyright 2005-2024 Ron Petitt
petittart@gmail.com
970-402-1950
A 12" model of the proposed life size bronze sculpture of The Big Bopper.
Jay Richardson Artist Ron Petitt Singer Bobby Vee
On September 23rd 2006 a Texas State Historical Marker was dedicated honoring the contributions that J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson made to the music industry. The Marker was placed at his gravesite at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont Texas.
THE BIG BOPPER MEMORIAL
Model of the proposed life-size Big Bopper memorial sculpture
