The ROCK 'n' ROLL HALL OF FAME HISTORY of "THE WINTER DANCE PARTY" told by Dion. The true story of the Plane Crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper.
In the summer of what I believe was 1976 at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee Wi. Dion put on a show. Not an ordinary show. He had just come out with a new album, all new material, and was planning on showcasing it at this show. The weather however had other plans. In a serious driving rain, Dion came on stage. He saw the small crowd getting drenched and despite the small attendance and very nasty conditions addressed us. He told us he knew we had come to hear the old songs and for bearing up with these storm conditions he would drop his current set and play those oldies for the fans that had stayed on to see him. I don't think there were more that 6-10 people staying out in that storm. But he played for us and it was great. I won't ever forget him for that!!! You're always remembered Dion. Be well.
I was staying with a friend of mine in Milwaukee I was playing in a bar downstairs from the apartment my friend lived in. I went to Summer fest and Steve Miller Played, there was a bunch stages in the park, I seen a few blue's bands it was a great time. I had a girlfriend I met one time when she was hitcking through Omaha one time. So when I got to Milwaukee I called her and she came to Milwaukee. I was giving her a ride home after she was there for a while. I was driving through Wakasha and I got pulled over by the police. My friend neglected to tell me his plates were expired.. I had to follow the officer to the police station, he wouldn't just give me a ticket I had to pay a fine right there and now. I got back and a few days later I went back to Omaha.. I hadn't gone back to Milwaukee since then3
Thats a nice little story. Dion did have some new songs out, but as you say this was a hardcore group of fans. Nice story. Dion is a real legend. I think they should have talked to him before they made that movie. Altho, that being said, I think Gary Busey was born to play that role he played gitar, sang, and was a real southern boy. Good stuff Dion.
I have a CD in the player in my car that starts with "I Wonder Why" by Dion and the Belmonts. I wonder if Dion knows that people still LOVE this song here in 2022? This song defines the Doo Wop era. I was five years old when this came out and remember this playing on the radio. You guys were way ahead of your time! I'm still a fan.
Praise God for you, Dion! I really like all your music all through the years! I had an 8 track tape of your songs, “Only Jesus” and understand it well and am very grateful for my personal relationship with Jesus.
Dion is a rock. Perhaps the most lucid and eloquent rocker from the 50’s. I love how he knows exactly how Buddy’s influence had forever changed the landscape of rock n roll. My thoughts are with Dion who is as spiritually gifted as anyone else I’ve seen. He speaks with such authority and respect.
@@idipped2521 Maybe that is a good idea! Or he needs to do a tour like Donovan did with just his guitar telling stories. I got into Mickey Dolenz's music following hearing him on YT doing a cover of Oh Darling (another with great pipes) and he did the same thing on his gig in 2018. I loved the music they did but the personal stories told to us was magickal. Donovan at one point pointed to the aisle and said "the Goddess is there." And we shivered because you felt what he was saying.
@@IMeMineWho his stories definitely need to be told for the younger generations, I’m 24 and love listening to his music and old rock / doo wap in general, people will still listen if he comes out with a biopic or podcast to tell his story and the story of what it was like back then
. Yes, I know docs generally are great if they get it right and so it would be great to do it now while he is still round and vital. Maybe both could be done. Congratulations to you to explore music at a young age. I am in my Medieval ie middle age, but as you might guess from my handle, love the Brit Invasion groups (especially the Fab 4 (Beatles) and The Who, but also love my gen's rock (GnR, Alice Cooper) and love Buddy back when as well. The thing you have in common with all the great musos I listed is that they did not merely listen to their own generation's music, but the music their parents and grandparents listened to. One of the great memories I have of mine are them playing or listening to music with me. You have just inspired me to buy an instrument and play again. I sing professionally with tributes but had put buying an instrument on my "later" list. I hope you keep exploring music. If you were here, I'd hug you because you inspired me! Have a gear day! 💜to you and Long Live Rock! (And Doo Wop).
I opened for Dion back in the 80's, he did Gospel for a time and had about 5 GREAT albums. What a completely class guy he is, and yes he still sounds GREAT.
@@evalinawarne1337 I did not play in Michigan. I must admit that years later, after losing my first wife to cancer, I met my current wife and she was from Marquette in the UP, I visit there frequently. I met Carman years ago when he was still playing churches. Gone way too soon.
+John Pollock Im here from the future, in 2/17 2021. Well the average age we pass away has sky-rocketed. My grandpa passed away in Covid in December and NEARLY made it but he had an issue with his lungs from coal-mining in his youth. Grandpa was an active gardener until 2020 (91 years old) and a very active amateur musician on piano, accordion, and harmonica and he loved Buddy Holly. I inherited some talent from him, so we did a recording of one song together (I play electric guitar, bass, drums and we do vocals together) he loved dearly called Besame Mucho. Im gonna upload it! Rip Grandpa Viekko Melcherson and Rip Curt (My beloved dog I lost 2 weeks after grandpa)
My mom grew up in Crosbyton buddy holly grew up in Lubbock my mom told me thT she knew buddy's stage mgr they dateda few times in her life time my mom knew the girl that drove yhe pink Cadillac
My uncle's band practiced at our house. There was a live show on the radio. I was little and had no concept of recorded music. When the news on the radio said Buddy Holly died, I ran crying to Mom. I thought I would never hear Buddy sing again! That was when I learned about records. The world truly changed. Thanks, Dion! Your music is super and it seems as if you're a friend.
Don't know how any of you can call Dion a liar...you weren't there, he was!!! I lived this horrible event when it happened and didn't even remember that Dion and the Belmonts were on the tour with the others. Buddy, Big Bopper and Richie were the only ones ever mentioned. Was such a sad time to have lost them..they were all so young and so much life ahead of them... Thank you Dion for sharing your story. I was enthralled every minute. Love you and your music all these years Dion. You are so talented and loved it when you played your guitar and sang those songs during the story. I hope you are still doing well. Thank you again Dion for sharing such a sad story...
***** Wake up. Read the comments +Bill Green #3 and #4. He is spot on. THAT is how he can be called a liar because THAT is exactly what he is doing. You shouldn't be thanking Dion for sharing this story, you should be cursing him for fabricating such a nauseating lie.
***** Are you REALLY that much of a dumbass?? I know for SURE that both Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings were there. And they were both close friends of Buddy. They have been telling an entirely different story than Dion's for over 50 years. And now he wants to get in the R&R Hall of Fame so he fabricates this bullshit. Never a word of it for 50 years and now all of a sudden he was Buddy's best friend, according to him. It is shameless and anything BUT a harmless lie. Do just a wee bit of research before spouting off on TH-cam why don't ya? Here is a link to get you started, ya freakin' moron. www.iorr.org/talk/read.php?1,1396787,1396965
Why did he wait over 50 years to claim he did the coin toss, when it was on record all those years that Tommy did the coin toss. Dion is clearly lying.
Dion, Thank you for recording this video. You have indeed done your friends proud. If they knew the life you have lived, Buddy, J.P., and Richie would be very proud of you. They would see that you are one of the most stand up guys in the business. You go about your life and business with a true heart, compassion, and passion. You do not just talk the talk, but you walk the walk. I hope this video was cathartic for you, and helped rid you of some of the demons, regrets, and sorrow you have felt over the years. You left a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at different times. Part of that was the heart breaking content of the story, the other part was the context - how you were able to put the story together so well for all of us. There is no doubt that Buddy, J.P., and Richie would console you and say that "everything is o.k., Dion." They just seem like those kind of guys. Your music and theirs has been part of the soundtrack of my life and so many others. For that there are no adequate words to thank you enough. Keep doing what you're doing, and Rave On, brother. God has indeed Blessed you, and you have blessed us with your gifts. Thank you.
I know I’m fortunate to hear Dion talking about Buddy and the time back then! Dion, you and The Belmonts were truly original and I loved you guys! Hey I loved Richie Valens ! and thanks for singing part of Richie’s song “…Well let’s go let’s go little darlin’..” you sang it nearly as sweet as Richie. Then years passed and I bought all your Christian cassettes and you never lost any of your talent, it got better and wrote great songs that helped me through hard times. 🙏 Thank you… I didn’t know much about Buddy Holly believe it or not, but found out later what amazing songs he had written, and that sweet voice ! Thanks, Dion and bless you for helping so many of us since we were kids in the fifties, and now you’re here to tell me these stories too 🤗
@@francie2915 history channel VIP tickets tour guide Legends of view of new interview hollywood new document documentary about biography of full movie online free time years before 50th anniversary celebration party years before New year old app key magic New dream key and the best way of being back in time travel into most amazing 50s in movie theater TV series finale season start in Spanish language arts center spot on call them
@@derekllewellyn6663 wow.... What the fuck was all of that anyway?! Lol. I'm not sure I've ever seen quite so many words saying so little... I'm almost certain as a matter of fact that if someone were to instead just start randomly picking individual words out of your comment, one at a time, and then keep writing them down on a piece of paper, one after the other until they were all used up again, when read through the new arrangement would probably even sound more cohesive/coherent than that what you had deliberately strung together in the first place! Haha
What a beautiful sentiment! Everything you said about Dion is true. He’s a down to earth guy and this story was definitely cathartic for him. You can still see the pain of the loss of these great musicians.
Dion is the man! I seen him open for Zappa at Ferris State University in Michigan...sometime in the 70s. The college crowd was there to see Zappa, & were throwing frisbies everywhere...even on the stage. Dion ... alone sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar....stopped & told off the crowd with expletive language...he was pissed. Not one frisby was thrown after that. All you could hear was Dion, & his acoustic guitar. Respect.
Dion Di Mucci is great singer/musician and the first LP I bought was Dion & The Belmonts away back when I was 16, I'm now 60 and I still have that LP. I thought that it was waylon that lost the toss but I'm glad you set the record straight. All the best Dion, I still play your songs, along with Buddy Holly's and Richie Valens, who could forget la bamba, rave on is one of my favourite tunes and the first every song I sung in pub/club was true love ways, followed by Runaround Sue and Teenager in love. The late 50's early 60's was the greatest ever music. Keep rocking and keep the music alive. Cheers from Scotland,
Buddy Holly was nothing less than a musical genius. Would have gone on to be one of the biggest composers and producers ever. JP was a character. Richie was hot in the LA area at the time. Great story Dion. Still listen to your stuff today.👍🏼🎼🥁🎹🎸 Great story…
I come back and watch this video every now and then. Love this story. So tragic, I wasn’t even a thought or a blip on the radar in 1959. My grandparents were in highschool so if that gives you a frame or reference. Even all these years later you get a sense of just how many people Buddy, Ritchie, and J.P’s death affected. How it affected the world of music. I watched a video of Eddie Cochrain as he was performing the day their plane went down and during the performance he did this long glance up at the ceiling and I’m not sure if that had anything to do with Buddy or the guys, it sure seemed like it though. Anyway Dion if you do see this I just wanna tell you. This might sounds corny but your music, Buddy Holly’s, Ritchie’s, and J.P’s is still in the hearts of us young people and the story will live on. I’m glad this video exists so people can get an idea of who these guys were on a personal level.
I was just old enough (6 years old) to be aware of the loss-heard the announcement on the radio and it broke my little (young) heart. Buddy was the one true King of Rock 'n Roll.
There is a comment above from a guy saying a lot of this is not true. He is telling the truth. Dion was no where around when Waylon gave up his seat. Walton's story is true and he finally talked about that night. He WAS friends with Buddy. There are a lot more reputable accounts. Please go and check them out. Those are truly heartbreaking.
Such an incredible story. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I'm glad you're still with us and made this for future generations to keep the memories alive.
Dion is so generous with his time, talent, and knowledge. So many people impacted. Waylon Jennings never, ever got over the loss of Buddy, nor of the flippant remark he made about the plane crashing. My father was a high school teacher and remembers the kids coming to school the next day absolutely devastated.
Oh my Dion ! I have loved you and your music all my life and I'm 74 now. This story was absolutely fabulous ! You did a great job and yes, they should make a movie about it with you as the star. I was always running around the house singing "Run Around Sue", "Donna Donna The Primadonna" , "The Wanderer", etc. I started playing guitar at age 10. My dad and his buddy got out of the army after WWII and they opened a music store in Batavia, New York. So, I grew up around music and when I was 10 in 1957 I fell in love with all you guys that started Rock N' Roll. Anyway, I would love to see one of your shows before I die. Thank you for all that you have done for music. You're the greatest ! Love ya, From: Frankie A.K.A. FRANCIS ANTHONY MOSCATO
I was seven years old when they died but I still remember because my aunt, she was in high school then , would babysit us and would play all these wonderful records and we'd dance around the room. It was so cool to us kids. But I also remember my aunt crying when the plane crash happened. This left a impression on me to see her so upset. Thanks for this wonderful story.
I am so happy I found this. Thank you for telling the story. You did your friends proud and kept their music alive as well as you own. Much love and respect.
What a tragedy to go through and live with. Thank you for sharing your treasured memories of Buddy, JP and Ritchie and making them more real to us. Yes, ' the music lives on, forever'.
I was born on Feb 3rd 1979 20 yrs after Music died an there hasn’t been a bday that my grandma an mom wouldn’t play richies labamba an Buddy hollys an big boppers records. Makes my bday that much more special every year. 41 yrs old an it’s amazing they were so young an I still play them an love keeping them alive. Rest In Peace The original rockers.
My younger brother died Feb 3 2011. He was a huge talent, so gifted in Music, yet cared nothing about it. He'd rather pump gas, drive a truck, any thing but music. I asked him why, he said "if you remember I played the bass (bass violin) all through grade school & high school. Man I'll record the bass if you can't find anyone else, but I'm tired of it" funny he & my ex bassist (true monster) talked for hours about the bass, he actually didn't care. I miss him. Along with many of my famous & not so famous musicians. I still have Buddy Holly Greatest Hits on CD.
These memories are a national treasure. I about lost it when you described launching into “Rave On” at the show after the crash. Rock and roll, indeed. I grew up on all this music, including yours, Dion. Thank you for everything.
It's so great to still be listening to Dions music. I remember seeing him in person along with The Fendermen at the Kato Ballroom in Mankato, Minn. They put on a great show, and they were all so nice & signed autographs and let us take their pictures with them, which I still cherish. (Black & white photos)
@@J.C...of coarse they do. There wouldnt be good if there wasnt bad tp compare it to. And these guys were the very best there will ever be. And that statement has no room for any argument. It is simply a fact. And I second that notion with all of my heart.
I just watched the entire documentary, still blows my mind. 3 greats gone in the blink of an eye. Never realized how down to earth Dion is, glad he took the time to explain the story, from his perspective. So many great artists have left way too soon, but the mark they leave is timeless...
@@DylanGirl1963 he seems so, a load of caring in his story telling. I particularly like he reversing the cliché statement 'the day the music died,' which only stands because of a song and journalists propension to enforce heavy thinking and sensational melodramatic common stances. Of course the music was born there, what else could be?
So great for him to be able and willing to let us know that is still some compassion among some of the "celebrities ". Very moving for lack of a better word.
This video is just a handful of ones that ive watched from Start to Finish. Engaging, mesmerising and truly "brought me on the bus" to experience a side of the story never told. Thank you for sharing your intimate memories so openly. A fantastic and decent storyteller. Unlike Frankie Sardo and the "tough guy" personna, your eleqient words without the F word every sentance, like Frankie, lends credibility to your legacy and this retelling.
@@yeahright302 I disagree. Allsup and Jennings were just fill ins holly was getting back with the band as soon as the last tour was over. Also, who do you ask to join a plane ride headliners with money or bandages with not much? Also, Dion and Holly were close Google Holly on drums for Dion he played drums for Dion on the last few stops Carl bunch was sick
@@thethriftinglounge you can disagree all you want facts are facts.im listening to the movies (buddy holly story) and (la bamba).not including all the people who say the same thing except dion of course!.waylon jennings told the same story as did tommy allsup.so everybody must be lying except dion?i see.cmon man go by the facts!there is tons and tons of stories of the coin toss.just google it.you wernt there and i sure wasent.facts are facts.beleive what ever you feel.
@@powhatan1165 - I like to think that I'm quite good with my reading and comprehension skills and what I took away from John O'Dacre's comment was that he thinks "Dion is one of the GREATEST EVER!". However, you seemed to have perceived it in another way, I'm not sure how that is possible but evidently you did. I hope that in the two years that have followed since your public query, you've come to understand the actual meaning of what Mr. O'Dacre wrote and that adding a negative to an existing positive is only helpful to anyone in revealing of the true nature of the person who added the negative. ;-)
I was 10 years old and was really getting into roll and roll. I remember crying when I got the news that Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper. Drove my parents crazy with this music. Those guys are missed even today
Dion, you are right, the music did not die on Feb 8 when Buddy, Bopper, and Ritchie. You were spared; so, you are carrying their memories and music in you as a team member for a " Winter Dance Party" that will be filtered through you. You are a blessing and you are the music and these 3 guys will always be well-represented by you. Love your music!! Thank you for the memories prior to that tragic moment of that day.
I remember my dad being so excited when the Winter Dance Party went to Duluth Minnesota because it was at the National Guard Armory bldg. and he was on guard duty through out the concert... R.I.P. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens. and Big Bopper!
@@escapereality8124 He was a big Eddie Cochran fan too, actually Lennon got impressed by his playing on a Eddie Cochran song and allowed him in the band
Richie Valens lived a block from me in Pacoima, an area of the San Fernando Valley. They had a very small yellow house. He was very shy but was happy to hang out with me and my friends. He was so sweet but had a little sadness about him.
Honestly I could see this turned into a film, following their week on the road . Everyone always focuses on the tragedy of their deaths, but I believe it would make a phenomenal film. Just imagine watching these guys all interact with each other while on the road in a cold claustrophobic bus, performing town to town. The story about the guns would be great comedic relief.
Eddie Thomas The Buddy Holly Story didn't show jack s**t of that tour apart from the Surf Ballroom show. Even La Bamba - it's ONE show out of the short time the 3 of them were on the road. That's mainly Ritchie backstage on the phone while Buddy is performing & The Big Bopper comes in to tell Ritchie about the plane charter. There's been no movie focusing on that whole ill-fated tour.
This program is brilliant, the best account I've ever seen of Buddy Holly and the last tour before that tragic accident that robbed us of three fantastic musicians. Dion is an amazing singer, musician, song writer and story teller. His albums are all amazing, i would love to meet the guy and talk about music, and life in general. I play drums in my local church band, we have a full electric band. When Dion talks about spelling words backwards ive been doing that for years. Would love to see Dion in concert. I live in Hull, England. M. Hall. 🥁
I was and still am a big country music fan,but. I like the rock music then 50s and 60 but,but it started to change when the Beetles came on the scene but the country music started to change too.Country really started to go down in the 80s.So I just listen to my old country records.Thank Dion
Read other accounts from many other people who were also there. Very little of what Dion says is true. I love his music but he lies regarding Buddy and the WDP tour, plain and simple.
Dion, this is a truly fascinating and easily the best video and recount of that time. You and the Belmonts were every bit as talented as the other headliners, and played beautiful music! Great to see you are still rocking and jamming!
I don't know how I've missed seeing this all these yrs... amazing & touching tribute! It should be on national television.... maybe it has already & I missed it there too. It answered a lot of questions I've had over the years about that night... thanks so much, Dion, for filling in the story so well! You've 'done them proud' , and you're just such a pearl in the sea of humanity! Thanks for all you do!
It’s February 3, 2020. I just watched an amazing story from Dion about Buddy and the crash. Dion, it’s a longshot but if you read this God bless you and thank you for such a great story, music and history. I was in thralled watching this documentary. Would love to learn the last song you sang in the story. Many thanks for your courage to tell us the true story. Sincerely, Larry Cappetto.
I had the privilege of working with Di, engineering several albums, singing backround, and playing bass. What a true legend and great human being. Di doesn't really need a band. He can go all night, captivating you with just his guitar, his voice, and his stories.
I’m so glad that I found this video it made me tear up, smile and laugh. I always have loved Buddy Holly’s songs, in fact I love the music of the 50s and 60s. Dion still has a great voice and he has music in his soul.
I grew up listening to these guys...I was listening since I was a baby.... Richie Valens came from L A....my home town.... from the valley....I was born after the plane crash in 1960...but the music was still there....thay never died to us ...Thay will still be with us...
Hello Dion, I was born 2 years after Ritchie. So, when he died at 17 , I was 15. Their death was a big shock. I grew up listening to your music as with that of Buddy and JP and yes...my favorite Ritchie. Ritchie was Mexican-American like me, and lived 150 miles away. I had no drivers license so I never got to see him live. Thank you, Dion! for your heartfelt story. You told your story, while you played fantastic guitar , and with laughter, facts, and guts...but...I could sense the real tears in your heart. - Many many years after the crash, I wrote a letter to Carroll Anderson, who was the surf ballroom manager in 1959. He said this ( paraphrased) : Ritchie was an extraordinary guitar player, and when backstage he would play, all the other artists would stop to listen”. I know. His ad lib off the cuff instrumental, FAST FREIGHT ... and his demo of MALAGUEÑA, both attest to his fabulous guitar. Here, I saw you too are a gifted guitar player. Congrats. Your song, Abraham, Martin and John, is an all time favorite of mine. It’s a powerful meaningful song, equal to any Dylan song. THIS IS MY OPINION: I believe you that behind closed doors, you gave your seat to Ritchie. THEN..... Buddy was caught in a trap....He had to tell his two sidemen, and then had to face Waylon and Tommy. Waylon must have shrugged and said, I do 5 care, let JP go in my place. He has the flu real bad. Then Tommy. Well. He said. I’ll flip with Ritchie. Ritchie lost twice. He flew and died. So, I see both Dion and Tommy as both telling the truth. So, DION. I read your book THE WANDERER many many years ago. I recommend those who saw this video...read Dions book. There is an important part: DION learns to pray and has a spiritual visitation. AS I END, God blesses all of us and loves all of us. We have His promise of everlasting life. And, of unconditional love. PEACE, DION. AND TO YOUR WIFE ALSO. ...Louis Velasquez
What an incredible insight into the " Winter Dance Tour " and the build up around it. How they performed and kept the music playing shows how strong they were. People of that generation and before them seemed to be so different to us. Summed up by the guy who wanted them to take a cut in monies owed. Incredible lack of respect and humility. Out of all the stories Dion told, that for me, i cant get my head around, thank god for the " Luga " . "Everyday i am with you" Love it !
Didn't know you were there Dion, glad I found this video . I was 12 years old in 58 , And rocking and rolling with Buddy. Think you were right about the birth of R & R. And digging your song right now
Dion, those gentlemen would have been honored by this video. You are as classy an individual as they were. You are a legend in your own right. God Bless You, Sir!
I thank God I found this video. I'm 70 and love Dion and Richie and Buddy. Dion thank you so much for bringing me with you on this historical tour. I've learned so much about the tour the boys and felt that I was with you all. God bless.
Damn Dion.....my tears are flowing..and I’m a 6’2 Chicano from the Alkali Flats barrio ......THANK YOU...THANK YOU THANK YOU for this beyond heart warming story and tribute. I have always loved your music..even your most recent recordings. You are, in my opinion, a National treasure.!” Rock On!!!
Before my time but I grew up to all of these tunes.My mom was a teenager in the 50s and had all these guys and more on vinal.One of the best sadest greatest the whole package rock and roll documentary's I've ever heard.Thanks Dion.God bless you man.
I grew up loving these legends on that poster , singing and dancing to their music , in the rocking chair with my sister as a 6 years old in 1959. Thats how small I was and learning all the songs by heart , got that rock and roll in my blood for ever from these talented musicians, and there is no music like it ,to lift me up . Dion thank you! for this video , for passing on the true story as you have lived through it.God bless you all .
Ritchie had such a lovely beautiful face with an amazing smile. So sad he died at only 17, he wasn't even classed as an adult. A true tragedy losing all three stars in one night. Bless them all. Thanks for sharing Dipn. xx
@wayne pitty Lou Diamond Phillips can be heard singing a cover of Bill Hayley's hit "Rip It Up" when as Ritchie, he auditions for a place in The Silhouettes & when he and Esai Morales as Bob play that pub where he does a cover of Buddy Holly's classic "Oh Boy!" but I believe the rest of it was overdubbed by Los Lobos during the post-production.
Do you really think Dion is gonna to remember every detail ? This was almost 60 years ago. I would know how close I would have been in that plane or not !
Thanks Dion for taking the time to share this story with us. You tell it so beautifully. Your talent is really amazing as is your devotion to the memory of these three music treasures. (I enjoyed your humor too.
The Big Bopper was from Beaumont, TX, my home town. He was a DJ on one of the radio stations in Beaumont. I believe it was KFDM - 560. Thank you for the story. I am sure, even after all these years, it was hard to tell.
We saw Dion (2) times in Rochester, Michigan at Meadow Brook on the Oakland University campus by the Dodge Mansion in the 1990's & he put on a great concert! We sat right up front about 5 rows back. Also, at the concert were the great Everly Brothers! What a show for they did all their hits! The Wanderer gets everyone rocking! Dion still has it! Tony Trotta
i was stationed in clovis several years after the plane crash and you would not believe how much you guys music was alive at foxy's drive and pretty much all over the LUBBOCK area. i still live in that era; thanks for all those great years!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dion, thanks for doing this. You told the story in an exceptionally clear way. If you are an Italian Roman Catholic, you should know the purpose of human existence on this earth. To know, love, and serve Our Lord. We are approaching our end biologically and we want to be right with God before we go. As a Wisconsinite, riding the yellow school buses, shoveling snow, getting frostbite in the cold winters, you made the story come alive. Glad to see you are a fingerpicking guitarist. I used to listen to the AM radio with my brothers in the 1950’s and used to hear and enjoy your music. Wishing you and your family the best.
wow....so moving. I started tearing up around the 56 minute mark and was crying my eyes out by the end. Thank you Dion for sharing this with the world. I have a feeling Buddy, Richie, and JP are very proud. God bless you ❤️
I really loved the way you explained that it was not the day the music died but the day that the music gave birth to harmony, melody and a voice to the world. Just like a seed seems dead while it's planted in the soil but only it grows to multiply and be fruitful.
Wow, Dion, thanks for doing this man. We've all heard so many versions of this experience; thanks for sharing your first-hand version. You are a treasure and an inspiration.
Funny when you are the only one living you can say whatever you want! Tommy alsulp said this guy is full of shit! Deon even said he flipped the coin with Ritchie! Total bullshit!!!! This guy is really trying to amp himself up because nobody else is living to tell the story. Walylon Jennings knows what happened. the real truth.think about it, he wasn't in the crickets . How would he know so much of what went on with band members down to the coun toss
@@juanitaarrington3330 Look up the videos, The Day the Music Visited, Parts 1-5 and then watch the last one, The Day the Music Died. They also tell about the coin toss.
Dion and the Belmonts are a awesome group my dad had the album when I was young and I loved Teenager In Love that song was awesome and still like it today
This guy is amazing. To bad that he is not as well known as the others.A real talent and great to listen too. Honestly he could tour again , and I would be happy to go watch him!
Don't know how you got thru this without tears - you're an incredible man, period. Thank you for the gift of music you've shared with us all. Thank God for YOU!
But lying about the coin toss. He has never played at the Buddy Holly tribute held at SURF every year. It is well documented that it was Tommy A and Richie tossing the coin. And Buddy booked the plane for himself and 2 band mates. Why would he make his band mates freeze their ass off and make dion cozy. Tommy and WAYLON had done him a favor of playing when Crickets quit. And Buddy and WAYLON were friends in Texas. Lying is an insult to their memory. th-cam.com/video/TPgC4Aiu5Gw/w-d-xo.html
@@PK-bh1ww Go back and listen to the reason he never talked about it. I talked to enough veterans and there reasons for not talking about a traumatic event. I don't know if you ever interviewed people about a traumatic event but if you have ten people you can have nine different story's. Now none of them are lying they just perceive thing differently. This interview stands as a lot of new information from a person who was there.
I loved you guys in the 50's when I was a teen - this wonderful - I started playing guitar after seeing Buddy at a Mpls Alan Freed show in '58 - in '59 , in Buffalo NY - I heard the news - it broke my heart - I was so happy back in the 80's when I discovered your Christian music - - this is a great great video - thanks man - you're the best that is, was or will be.
Thank you, Dion, for another angle on this whole sad affair. I remember as a kid only hearing about Buddy dying, and not much about the other guys in the crew at all. That's modern society/media for you. You all had parents and loved ones who would have been devastated. Those still alive will likely still be crying themselves to sleep. But as you say, out of the darkness and sadness came a new vibrant sound bringing us the Beatles and many other talented folks who further inspired youngsters like myself. Thank you Thank you!. Peace and Love my Rock n Roll Friend.
I've always been in awe of Dion. Heard an alternate take of "Wanderer" and couldn't believe your ability to just fall into the cool groove like you do. I've never heard any details about the Winter Dance Party, much less personal memories. I cried through the last part...what a tremendous loss. Thank you for this. You're the real deal, babe.
Still one of the best singers around. I grew up with your music. Ya still got IT. I'd be honored to record with you anytime. THANK YOU for your memories and the songs.
![[กูเพิ่งซื้อมึงปิดหนี] 20 นาที ผมรีวิวเกมที่แย่ที่สุดในโลก CONCORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XhC-3q3Ii7I/mqdefault.jpg)
In the summer of what I believe was 1976 at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee Wi. Dion put on a show. Not an ordinary show. He had just come out with a new album, all new material, and was planning on showcasing it at this show. The weather however had other plans. In a serious driving rain, Dion came on stage. He saw the small crowd getting drenched and despite the small attendance and very nasty conditions addressed us. He told us he knew we had come to hear the old songs and for bearing up with these storm conditions he would drop his current set and play those oldies for the fans that had stayed on to see him. I don't think there were more that 6-10 people staying out in that storm. But he played for us and it was great. I won't ever forget him for that!!! You're always remembered Dion. Be well.
I was staying with a friend of mine in Milwaukee I was playing in a bar downstairs from the apartment my friend lived in. I went to Summer fest and Steve Miller Played, there was a bunch stages in the park, I seen a few blue's bands it was a great time. I had a girlfriend I met one time when she was hitcking through Omaha one time. So when I got to Milwaukee I called her and she came to Milwaukee. I was giving her a ride home after she was there for a while. I was driving through Wakasha and I got pulled over by the police. My friend neglected to tell me his plates were expired.. I had to follow the officer to the police station, he wouldn't just give me a ticket I had to pay a fine right there and now. I got back and a few days later I went back to Omaha.. I hadn't gone back to Milwaukee since then3
Thats a nice little story. Dion did have some new songs out, but as you say this was a hardcore group of fans. Nice story. Dion is a real legend. I think they should have talked to him before they made that movie. Altho, that being said, I think Gary Busey was born to play that role he played gitar, sang, and was a real southern boy. Good stuff Dion.
That's an awesome story!!! I bet he remembers it well too!! Speaks pretty highly of a guy who will do that for his fans!
Wow
FNA Tru from the moths of the MAN@.
I have a CD in the player in my car that starts with "I Wonder Why" by Dion and the Belmonts. I wonder if Dion knows that people still LOVE this song here in 2022? This song defines the Doo Wop era. I was five years old when this came out and remember this playing on the radio. You guys were way ahead of your time! I'm still a fan.
The name of the song you're referring to is titled 'little runaway'.
Praise God for you, Dion! I really like all your music all through the years! I had an 8 track tape of your songs, “Only Jesus” and understand it well and am very grateful for my personal relationship with Jesus.
@@michelleobrien8036 The song is titled “ I wonder why” . “Runaway” was Del Shannon .
@@Painterboyfloyd you are right. My memory gets confused as I get older.
Nicholas Cage and Jim Carrey singing "I Wonder Why"
th-cam.com/video/uvb505WqWFI/w-d-xo.html
I've been saying the same exact thing for years now. Jiles, Buddy, and Richie may have perished that night but their music will NEVER die.
Extremely Interesting Story..Dion is a great musician
Dion is a rock. Perhaps the most lucid and eloquent rocker from the 50’s. I love how he knows exactly how Buddy’s influence had forever changed the landscape of rock n roll. My thoughts are with Dion who is as spiritually gifted as anyone else I’ve seen. He speaks with such authority and respect.
Such a great storyteller too..and storytellingis a gift most great musicos have.
@@IMeMineWho they need to make a movie about dion
@@idipped2521 Maybe that is a good idea! Or he needs to do a tour like Donovan did with just his guitar telling stories. I got into Mickey Dolenz's music following hearing him on YT doing a cover of Oh Darling (another with great pipes) and he did the same thing on his gig in 2018. I loved the music they did but the personal stories told to us was magickal. Donovan at one point pointed to the aisle and said "the Goddess is there." And we shivered because you felt what he was saying.
@@IMeMineWho his stories definitely need to be told for the younger generations, I’m 24 and love listening to his music and old rock / doo wap in general, people will still listen if he comes out with a biopic or podcast to tell his story and the story of what it was like back then
. Yes, I know docs generally are great if they get it right and so it would be great to do it now while he is still round and vital. Maybe both could be done. Congratulations to you to explore music at a young age. I am in my Medieval ie middle age, but as you might guess from my handle, love the Brit Invasion groups (especially the Fab 4 (Beatles) and The Who, but also love my gen's rock (GnR, Alice Cooper) and love Buddy back when as well. The thing you have in common with all the great musos I listed is that they did not merely listen to their own generation's music, but the music their parents and grandparents listened to. One of the great memories I have of mine are them playing or listening to music with me. You have just inspired me to buy an instrument and play again. I sing professionally with tributes but had put buying an instrument on my "later" list. I hope you keep exploring music. If you were here, I'd hug you because you inspired me! Have a gear day! 💜to you and Long Live Rock! (And Doo Wop).
I WANT TO THANK DION FOR HIS IMPUT ON THIS TRAGIC EVENT...HE MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS THERE. HE WAS GREAT
imput
App m84 pg9k
Jftdtxt s t fu t rd Igee 😊
@@Namratiug Sopranos malapropisms.
His memory is so sharp. He is a living treasure.
When you tell the same story over and over it's not that hard to forget
Definitely a living treasure. But I suggest 1.5 speed. For our short attention span generation.
I opened for Dion back in the 80's, he did Gospel for a time and had about 5 GREAT albums. What a completely class guy he is, and yes he still sounds GREAT.
Wow do you remember the duo Mickey and Becky ?
@@passthesunshine2416 I am sorry I don’t remember them.
Did you come to MICHIGAN❓. I COOKED FOR MANY CHRISTIAN BANDS. EVEN CARMAN BEFORE HE WAS BIG. REDFORD, MI. 1980
@@evalinawarne1337 I did not play in Michigan. I must admit that years later, after losing my first wife to cancer, I met my current wife and she was from Marquette in the UP, I visit there frequently. I met Carman years ago when he was still playing churches. Gone way too soon.
A-truely-bona-fide-legend.he-is.
Dion is a Rock n' Roll legend himself. 🤘😎 🎸 💖💖💖
👍🇺🇲
I am watching this in September 2020. At this time Dion is still alive, 81 years old and still active.
+John Pollock Im here from the future, in 2/17 2021. Well the average age we pass away has sky-rocketed. My grandpa passed away in Covid in December and NEARLY made it but he had an issue with his lungs from coal-mining in his youth. Grandpa was an active gardener until 2020 (91 years old) and a very active amateur musician on piano,
accordion, and harmonica and he loved Buddy Holly. I inherited some talent from him, so we did a recording of one song together (I play electric guitar, bass, drums and we do vocals together) he loved dearly called Besame Mucho.
Im gonna upload it! Rip Grandpa Viekko Melcherson and Rip Curt (My beloved dog I lost 2 weeks after grandpa)
Yup
@@drjerry5389 lol
20220209
and he looks really healthy, as well.
Great singer, guitar player, story teller & tremendous human being. Thanks Dion!
Good music
I love the wanderer. Dion is cool. This story is very entertaining and informative.
Frank, I can't say it any better!
My mom grew up in Crosbyton buddy holly grew up in Lubbock my mom told me thT she knew buddy's stage mgr they dateda few times in her life time my mom knew the girl that drove yhe pink Cadillac
how did Dion get out of that crashed plane?
Thank you Dion, for sharing the truth. You are destined to be immortal, just like JP, Ritchie and Buddy. Bless your every breath for doing this.
Dion, not only a great singer, composer, all around musician, but a superb storyteller. Congratulations
My uncle's band practiced at our house. There was a live show on the radio. I was little and had no concept of recorded music. When the news on the radio said Buddy Holly died, I ran crying to Mom. I thought I would never hear Buddy sing again! That was when I learned about records. The world truly changed.
Thanks, Dion! Your music is super and it seems as if you're a friend.
Don't know how any of you can call Dion a liar...you weren't there, he was!!! I lived this horrible event when it happened and didn't even remember that Dion and the Belmonts were on the tour with the others. Buddy, Big Bopper and Richie were the only ones ever mentioned. Was such a sad time to have lost them..they were all so young and so much life ahead of them...
Thank you Dion for sharing your story. I was enthralled every minute. Love you and your music all these years Dion. You are so talented and loved it when you played your guitar and sang those songs during the story. I hope you are still doing well.
Thank you again Dion for sharing such a sad story...
Exactly!
***** Wake up. Read the comments +Bill Green #3 and #4. He is spot on. THAT is how he can be called a liar because THAT is exactly what he is doing. You shouldn't be thanking Dion for sharing this story, you should be cursing him for fabricating such a nauseating lie.
***** Are you REALLY that much of a dumbass?? I know for SURE that both Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings were there. And they were both close friends of Buddy. They have been telling an entirely different story than Dion's for over 50 years. And now he wants to get in the R&R Hall of Fame so he fabricates this bullshit. Never a word of it for 50 years and now all of a sudden he was Buddy's best friend, according to him. It is shameless and anything BUT a harmless lie. Do just a wee bit of research before spouting off on TH-cam why don't ya? Here is a link to get you started, ya freakin' moron.
www.iorr.org/talk/read.php?1,1396787,1396965
WichitaGuy56 you want to remain ignorant that's your privilege
Why did he wait over 50 years to claim he did the coin toss, when it was on record all those years that Tommy did the coin toss. Dion is clearly lying.
I grew up with thease great guys . I want to thank Dion for this wonderful video . I must admitt , I cried .
I did too. Wonderful memories. My girl, whom I married, went to the Dick Clark show all the time. We saw Dion twice and Buddy only once.
A very sweet sincere talented person love you DION
Wonder (full) & what REALLY happened to the wave of breakthrough individuals. A story is only ONE thread but sometimes it is golden 🎉❤❤❤❤
Dion, Thank you for recording this video.
You have indeed done your friends proud. If they knew the life you have lived, Buddy, J.P., and Richie would be very proud of you.
They would see that you are one of the most stand up guys in the business. You go about your life and business with a true heart, compassion, and passion. You do not just talk the talk, but you walk the walk.
I hope this video was cathartic for you, and helped rid you of some of the demons, regrets, and sorrow you have felt over the years.
You left a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at different times. Part of that was the heart breaking content of the story, the other part was the context - how you were able to put the story together so well for all of us. There is no doubt that Buddy, J.P., and Richie would console you and say that "everything is o.k., Dion." They just seem like those kind of guys.
Your music and theirs has been part of the soundtrack of my life and so many others. For that there are no adequate words to thank you enough.
Keep doing what you're doing, and Rave On, brother. God has indeed Blessed you, and you have blessed us with your gifts. Thank you.
I know I’m fortunate to hear Dion talking about Buddy and the time back then! Dion, you and The Belmonts were truly original and I loved you guys! Hey I loved Richie Valens ! and thanks for singing part of Richie’s song “…Well let’s go let’s go little darlin’..” you sang it nearly as sweet as Richie.
Then years passed and I bought all your Christian cassettes and you never lost any of your talent, it got better and wrote great songs that helped me through hard times. 🙏 Thank you…
I didn’t know much about Buddy Holly believe it or not, but found out later what amazing songs he had written, and that sweet voice ! Thanks, Dion and bless you for helping so many of us since we were kids in the fifties, and now you’re here to tell me these stories too 🤗
@@francie2915 history channel VIP tickets tour guide Legends of view of new interview hollywood new document documentary about biography of full movie online free time years before 50th anniversary celebration party years before New year old app key magic New dream key and the best way of being back in time travel into most amazing 50s in movie theater TV series finale season start in Spanish language arts center spot on call them
@@derekllewellyn6663 wow.... What the fuck was all of that anyway?! Lol. I'm not sure I've ever seen quite so many words saying so little... I'm almost certain as a matter of fact that if someone were to instead just start randomly picking individual words out of your comment, one at a time, and then keep writing them down on a piece of paper, one after the other until they were all used up again, when read through the new arrangement would probably even sound more cohesive/coherent than that what you had deliberately strung together in the first place! Haha
What a beautiful sentiment! Everything you said about Dion is true. He’s a down to earth guy and this story was definitely cathartic for him. You can still see the pain of the loss of these great musicians.
Well said.
I knew alot about the plane crash, but Dion went into full depth. Enjoyed it very much. R.I.P. BUDDY, RITCHIE & BIG BOPPER. Eternally.
Love Dion. The Wanderer is one of my favorite songs of all time. Dion is still Rockin it to this day. Absolute Legend!
Runaround Sue was my favorite. Loved the music to it.
Del Shannon sung Ru around Sue
Dion is a national treasure and a wealth of rock history.
Truly amazing❤️
How does he stay so young!!
He still puts out great songs in 2020!
Dion is the man! I seen him open for Zappa at Ferris State University in Michigan...sometime in the 70s. The college crowd was there to see Zappa, & were throwing frisbies everywhere...even on the stage. Dion ... alone sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar....stopped & told off the crowd with expletive language...he was pissed. Not one frisby was thrown after that. All you could hear was Dion, & his acoustic guitar. Respect.
Was that on your Day off???
Wow, that's an amazing story. If you get a chance, watch the movie Jersey Boys period it's really good.
Dion Di Mucci is great singer/musician and the first LP I bought was Dion & The Belmonts away back when I was 16, I'm now 60 and I still have that LP.
I thought that it was waylon that lost the toss but I'm glad you set the record straight.
All the best Dion, I still play your songs, along with Buddy Holly's and Richie Valens, who could forget la bamba, rave on is one of my favourite tunes and the first every song I sung in pub/club was true love ways, followed by Runaround Sue and Teenager in love.
The late 50's early 60's was the greatest ever music. Keep rocking and keep the music alive.
Cheers from Scotland,
Buddy Holly was nothing less than a musical genius. Would have gone on to be one of the biggest composers and producers ever. JP was a character. Richie was hot in the LA area at the time. Great story Dion. Still listen to your stuff today.👍🏼🎼🥁🎹🎸 Great story…
I come back and watch this video every now and then. Love this story. So tragic, I wasn’t even a thought or a blip on the radar in 1959. My grandparents were in highschool so if that gives you a frame or reference. Even all these years later you get a sense of just how many people Buddy, Ritchie, and J.P’s death affected. How it affected the world of music. I watched a video of Eddie Cochrain as he was performing the day their plane went down and during the performance he did this long glance up at the ceiling and I’m not sure if that had anything to do with Buddy or the guys, it sure seemed like it though. Anyway Dion if you do see this I just wanna tell you. This might sounds corny but your music, Buddy Holly’s, Ritchie’s, and J.P’s is still in the hearts of us young people and the story will live on. I’m glad this video exists so people can get an idea of who these guys were on a personal level.
I was just old enough (6 years old) to be aware of the loss-heard the announcement on the radio and it broke my little (young) heart. Buddy was the one true King of Rock 'n Roll.
Beautifully expressed 😊
There is a comment above from a guy saying a lot of this is not true. He is telling the truth. Dion was no where around when Waylon gave up his seat. Walton's story is true and he finally talked about that night. He WAS friends with Buddy. There are a lot more reputable accounts. Please go and check them out. Those are truly heartbreaking.
Such an incredible story. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I'm glad you're still with us and made this for future generations to keep the memories alive.
Awesome presentation.❤
Awesome depiction of rock and roll roots and history.
The talent of Dion and those he is narrating about is 2nd to none.
Dion is so generous with his time, talent, and knowledge. So many people impacted. Waylon Jennings never, ever got over the loss of Buddy, nor of the flippant remark he made about the plane crashing. My father was a high school teacher and remembers the kids coming to school the next day absolutely devastated.
Oh my Dion ! I have loved you and your music all my life and I'm 74 now. This story was absolutely fabulous ! You did a great job and yes, they should make a movie about it with you as the star. I was always running around the house singing "Run Around Sue", "Donna Donna The Primadonna" , "The Wanderer", etc. I started playing guitar at age 10. My dad and his buddy got out of the army after WWII and they opened a music store in Batavia, New York. So, I grew up around music and when I was 10 in 1957 I fell in love with all you guys that started Rock N' Roll. Anyway, I would love to see one of your shows before I die. Thank you for all that you have done for music. You're the greatest ! Love ya, From: Frankie A.K.A. FRANCIS ANTHONY MOSCATO
I was seven years old when they died but I still remember because my aunt, she was in high school then , would babysit us and would play all these wonderful records and we'd dance around the room. It was so cool to us kids. But I also remember my aunt crying when the plane crash happened. This left a impression on me to see her so upset. Thanks for this wonderful story.
I grew up in NY with Dion, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens et al. This takes me back. Thans Dion.
You grew up with ritchie valens?
@@jamiephillips3947 no je grew up listening his music same with buddy and dion like he said
I am so happy I found this. Thank you for telling the story. You did your friends proud and kept their music alive as well as you own. Much love and respect.
Dion did a GREAT job👍🏼 More TALENT in that little bunch than all young groups today, combined 👍🏼🎼🎶
Dion is still singing strong. I heard a tune he did recently called Crying Shame. Dion s still the Class Act he's always been !
Thank you so much
and still playing with the best musicians around...Joe Bonamassa!
What a tragedy to go through and live with. Thank you for sharing your treasured memories of Buddy, JP and Ritchie and making them more real to us. Yes, ' the music lives on, forever'.
I was born on Feb 3rd 1979 20 yrs after Music died an there hasn’t been a bday that my grandma an mom wouldn’t play richies labamba an Buddy hollys an big boppers records. Makes my bday that much more special every year. 41 yrs old an it’s amazing they were so young an I still play them an love keeping them alive. Rest In Peace The original rockers.
My younger brother died Feb 3 2011. He was a huge talent, so gifted in Music, yet cared nothing about it. He'd rather pump gas, drive a truck, any thing but music. I asked him why, he said "if you remember I played the bass (bass violin) all through grade school & high school. Man I'll record the bass if you can't find anyone else, but I'm tired of it" funny he & my ex bassist (true monster) talked for hours about the bass, he actually didn't care. I miss him. Along with many of my famous & not so famous musicians. I still have Buddy Holly Greatest Hits on CD.
Hah, my birthday is February 2nd, the day of their last show, I always turn on their stuff
These memories are a national treasure. I about lost it when you described launching into “Rave On” at the show after the crash. Rock and roll, indeed. I grew up on all this music, including yours, Dion. Thank you for everything.
Thank you 😥👣💕🙏
It's so great to still be listening to Dions music. I remember seeing him in person along with The Fendermen at the Kato Ballroom in Mankato, Minn. They put on a great show, and they were all so nice & signed autographs and let us take their pictures with them, which I still cherish. (Black & white photos)
Yea but people dispute his version of events.
@@J.C...of coarse they do. There wouldnt be good if there wasnt bad tp compare it to. And these guys were the very best there will ever be. And that statement has no room for any argument. It is simply a fact. And I second that notion with all of my heart.
I just watched the entire documentary, still blows my mind. 3 greats gone in the blink of an eye. Never realized how down to earth Dion is, glad he took the time to explain the story, from his perspective. So many great artists have left way too soon, but the mark they leave is timeless...
I grew up with Dion, and lived on the same block as he did. Not only is he a great artist, but he is also a wonderful person.
@@DylanGirl1963 he seems so, a load of caring in his story telling. I particularly like he reversing the cliché statement 'the day the music died,' which only stands because of a song and journalists propension to enforce heavy thinking and sensational melodramatic common stances. Of course the music was born there, what else could be?
So great for him to be able and willing to let us know that is still some compassion among some of the "celebrities ". Very moving for lack of a better word.
Totally agree. What a really great guy. Imagine rolling into town to hear that news.
Dion is the man …. History of rock n roll
This video is just a handful of ones that ive watched from Start to Finish. Engaging, mesmerising and truly "brought me on the bus" to experience a side of the story never told. Thank you for sharing your intimate memories so openly. A fantastic and decent storyteller. Unlike Frankie Sardo and the "tough guy" personna, your eleqient words without the F word every sentance, like Frankie, lends credibility to your legacy and this retelling.
Very well said and I concur entirely.
this guy is a natural storyteller, I was immensely entertained.
Seriously. Not one boring moment. But then again, my uncle tony talking about life in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s could never NOT be interesting.
And has remembered so much detail of the tour. Quite amazing and really interesting.
@@allymayful but he is a liar.read the real facts of the coin toss
@@yeahright302 I disagree. Allsup and Jennings were just fill ins holly was getting back with the band as soon as the last tour was over. Also, who do you ask to join a plane ride headliners with money or bandages with not much? Also, Dion and Holly were close Google Holly on drums for Dion he played drums for Dion on the last few stops Carl bunch was sick
@@thethriftinglounge you can disagree all you want facts are facts.im listening to the movies (buddy holly story) and (la bamba).not including all the people who say the same thing except dion of course!.waylon jennings told the same story as did tommy allsup.so everybody must be lying except dion?i see.cmon man go by the facts!there is tons and tons of stories of the coin toss.just google it.you wernt there and i sure wasent.facts are facts.beleive what ever you feel.
I love this guy, he's honest, down to earth, real, like I knew him personally for years! Dion is one of the GREATEST EVER!
only if you mean BULLSHIT ARTIST !
What?
Why would you say some shit like that??
@@powhatan1165 - I like to think that I'm quite good with my reading and comprehension skills and what I took away from John O'Dacre's comment was that he thinks "Dion is one of the GREATEST EVER!". However, you seemed to have perceived it in another way, I'm not sure how that is possible but evidently you did. I hope that in the two years that have followed since your public query, you've come to understand the actual meaning of what Mr. O'Dacre wrote and that adding a negative to an existing positive is only helpful to anyone in revealing of the true nature of the person who added the negative.
;-)
I thought he was from Maywood New Jersey I saw a house that had a name Demuci. Never knew he played guitar so well. Really a true great talent.
I was 10 years old and was really getting into roll and roll. I remember crying when I got the news that Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper. Drove my parents crazy with this music. Those guys are missed even today
Dion, you are right, the music did not die on Feb 8 when Buddy, Bopper, and Ritchie. You were spared; so, you are carrying their memories and music in you as a team member for a " Winter Dance Party" that will be filtered through you. You are a blessing and you are the music and these 3 guys will always be well-represented by you. Love your music!! Thank you for the memories prior to that tragic moment of that day.
February 3rd the day the crash happened
I don't know what to say, but all my respect to Dion, still rockin'. This was recorded in 2009
I remember my dad being so excited when the Winter Dance Party went to Duluth Minnesota because it was at the National Guard Armory bldg. and he was on guard duty through out the concert... R.I.P. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens. and Big Bopper!
That'd was the show where a teen named Bob Zimmerman went to he was a huge Buddy fan of course he later changed his name to Bob dylan
R.I.P. Eddie Cochran also
Just imagine this. Buddy Holly performing with Eddie Cochran and The Beatles in 1964. With special guests Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper
Paul Mcartney worshipped Holly so much. Hollies influence is all over Beatles music. So his influence was ALWAYS THERE.
@@fender1000100 He even hosted a documentary on Buddy Holly
@@escapereality8124 He was a big Eddie Cochran fan too, actually Lennon got impressed by his playing on a Eddie Cochran song and allowed him in the band
Thanks Dion its good to know what actually really happend.
Richie Valens lived a block from me in Pacoima, an area of the San Fernando Valley. They had a very small yellow house. He was very shy but was happy to hang out with me and my friends. He was so sweet but had a little sadness about him.
cool to hear from someone who really knew Ritchie. I always loved the whole thing!
@@detroitfunk313 You're an asshole.
what a jerk!
I’m siked to hear that you actually knew Richie! I’m really glad you shared that
4
This is stunning to hear...sir, your memory is phenomenal!
Love you Dion! You are a music icon! So many memories listening to your old tunes.
Honestly I could see this turned into a film, following their week on the road . Everyone always focuses on the tragedy of their deaths, but I believe it would make a phenomenal film. Just imagine watching these guys all interact with each other while on the road in a cold claustrophobic bus, performing town to town. The story about the guns would be great comedic relief.
Michael Casey Exactly what I was thinking. Imagine A list actors playing these roles.
The Buddy Holly Story?
Eddie Thomas The Buddy Holly Story didn't show jack s**t of that tour apart from the Surf Ballroom show.
Even La Bamba - it's ONE show out of the short time the 3 of them were on the road. That's mainly Ritchie backstage on the phone while Buddy is performing & The Big Bopper comes in to tell Ritchie about the plane charter.
There's been no movie focusing on that whole ill-fated tour.
Michael Casey that's an amazing idea!!
Yes the truth of that road trip. No Hollywood
all my life I've been awaiting! thank you Dion for keeping the boy's alive and your do-wop still rocks me out.
Who dislikes this!? The best accounts of history come from the source. This was brilliant.
This program is brilliant, the best account I've ever seen of Buddy Holly and the last tour before that tragic accident that robbed us of three fantastic musicians. Dion is an amazing singer, musician, song writer and story teller. His albums are all amazing, i would love to meet the guy and talk about music, and life in general. I play drums in my local church band, we have a full electric band. When Dion talks about spelling words backwards ive been doing that for years. Would love to see Dion in concert. I live in Hull, England. M. Hall. 🥁
This is only one person bias version of the truth.
I was and still am a big country music fan,but. I like the rock music then 50s and 60 but,but it started to change when the Beetles came on the scene but the country music started to change too.Country really started to go down in the 80s.So I just listen to my old country records.Thank Dion
Please make an old country album!
Read other accounts from many other people who were also there. Very little of what Dion says is true. I love his music but he lies regarding Buddy and the WDP tour, plain and simple.
Dion, this is a truly fascinating and easily the best video and recount of that time. You and the Belmonts were every bit as talented as the other headliners, and played beautiful music!
Great to see you are still rocking and jamming!
I don't know how I've missed seeing this all these yrs... amazing & touching tribute! It should be on national television.... maybe it has already & I missed it there too. It answered a lot of questions I've had over the years about that night... thanks so much, Dion, for filling in the story so well! You've 'done them proud' , and you're just such a pearl in the sea of humanity! Thanks for all you do!
I grew up in that Era luv Dion & the Belmonts , named my son after him !!!
It’s February 3, 2020. I just watched an amazing story from Dion about Buddy and the crash. Dion, it’s a longshot but if you read this God bless you and thank you for such a great story, music and history. I was in thralled watching this documentary. Would love to learn the last song you sang in the story. Many thanks for your courage to tell us the true story. Sincerely, Larry Cappetto.
I had the privilege of working with Di, engineering several albums, singing backround, and playing bass. What a true legend and great human being. Di doesn't really need a band. He can go all night, captivating you with just his guitar, his voice, and his stories.
Yeah - this man is the real deal and he's made it nigh on home! Good stuff here Dion.
You are exactly right. Watching this video I thought this man deserves way more attention than he gets.
I have all his Christian albums. I wish he'd do that again.
must be why he never made the charts after the early 60's....smh... ya he's got stories alright...
I’m so glad that I found this video it made me tear up, smile and laugh. I always have loved Buddy Holly’s songs, in fact I love the music of the 50s and 60s. Dion still has a great voice and he has music in his soul.
I grew up listening to these guys...I was listening since I was a baby.... Richie Valens came from L A....my home town.... from the valley....I was born after the plane crash in 1960...but the music was still there....thay never died to us ...Thay will still be with us...
Hello Dion, I was born 2 years after Ritchie. So, when he died at 17 , I was 15. Their death was a big shock. I grew up listening to your music as with that of Buddy and JP and yes...my favorite Ritchie. Ritchie was Mexican-American like me, and lived 150 miles away. I had no drivers license so I never got to see him live. Thank you, Dion! for your heartfelt story. You told your story, while you played fantastic guitar , and with laughter, facts, and guts...but...I could sense the real tears in your heart. - Many many years after the crash, I wrote a letter to Carroll Anderson, who was the surf ballroom manager in 1959. He said this ( paraphrased) : Ritchie was an extraordinary guitar player, and when backstage he would play, all the other artists would stop to listen”. I know. His ad lib off the cuff instrumental, FAST FREIGHT ... and his demo of MALAGUEÑA, both attest to his fabulous guitar. Here, I saw you too are a gifted guitar player. Congrats. Your song, Abraham, Martin and John, is an all time favorite of mine. It’s a powerful meaningful song, equal to any Dylan song. THIS IS MY OPINION: I believe you that behind closed doors, you gave your seat to Ritchie. THEN..... Buddy was caught in a trap....He had to tell his two sidemen, and then had to face Waylon and Tommy. Waylon must have shrugged and said, I do 5 care, let JP go in my place. He has the flu real bad. Then Tommy. Well. He said. I’ll flip with Ritchie. Ritchie lost twice. He flew and died. So, I see both Dion and Tommy as both telling the truth. So, DION. I read your book THE WANDERER many many years ago. I recommend those who saw this video...read Dions book. There is an important part: DION learns to pray and has a spiritual visitation.
AS I END, God blesses all of us and loves all of us. We have His promise of everlasting life. And, of unconditional love. PEACE, DION. AND TO YOUR WIFE ALSO. ...Louis Velasquez
What an incredible insight into the " Winter Dance Tour " and the build up around it. How they performed and kept the music playing shows how strong they were. People of that generation and before them seemed to be so different to us. Summed up by the guy who wanted them to take a cut in monies owed. Incredible lack of respect and humility. Out of all the stories Dion told, that for me, i cant get my head around, thank god for the " Luga " . "Everyday i am with you" Love it !
Didn't know you were there Dion, glad I found this video . I was 12 years old in 58 , And rocking and rolling with Buddy. Think you were right about the birth of R & R. And digging your song right now
Dion, those gentlemen would have been honored by this video. You are as classy an individual as they were. You are a legend in your own right. God Bless You, Sir!
I thank God I found this video. I'm 70 and love Dion and Richie and Buddy. Dion thank you so much for bringing me with you on this historical tour. I've learned so much about the tour the boys and felt that I was with you all. God bless.
Dion, Thank You for sharing your experience! A sad but beautiful story told by you about the friendship with legends told by a living legend!
THANKS MAN> IM A HUGE FAN. IM 75 YRS OLD AND SAW ALL OF YOU GUYS IN PERSON IN COLUMBUS OHIO. SHOW OF STARS. LOVE YOU MAN. KEEP ROCKIN.
Thank you for the gift of "Abraham, Martin and John" An absolute classic.
Fabulous tune.
Damn Dion.....my tears are flowing..and I’m a 6’2 Chicano from the Alkali Flats barrio ......THANK YOU...THANK YOU THANK YOU for this beyond heart warming story and tribute.
I have always loved your music..even your most recent recordings. You are, in my opinion, a National treasure.!” Rock On!!!
Before my time but I grew up to all of these tunes.My mom was a teenager in the 50s and had all these guys and more on vinal.One of the best sadest greatest the whole package rock and roll documentary's I've ever heard.Thanks Dion.God bless you man.
I grew up loving these legends on that poster , singing and dancing to their music , in the rocking chair with my sister as a 6 years old in 1959. Thats how small I was and learning all the songs by heart , got that rock and roll in my blood for ever from these talented musicians, and there is no music like it ,to lift me up . Dion thank you! for this video , for passing on the true story as you have lived through it.God bless you all .
Ritchie had such a lovely beautiful face with an amazing smile. So sad he died at only 17, he wasn't even classed as an adult. A true tragedy losing all three stars in one night. Bless them all. Thanks for sharing Dipn. xx
Hammy Cats69 oh yes, totally love Ritchie. ❤
Incredibly sad day.
If you haven't seen the movie La Bamba it's a must see. I enjoyed that movie as much as the Buddy Holly Story.
joe lizak I agree. I saw both movies at the theater when they came out and thoroughly enjoyed both of them.
@wayne pitty...I think Los Lobos was the group that sang most songs in La Bamba.
@wayne pitty Lou Diamond Phillips can be heard singing a cover of Bill Hayley's hit "Rip It Up" when as Ritchie, he auditions for a place in The Silhouettes & when he and Esai Morales as Bob play that pub where he does a cover of Buddy Holly's classic "Oh Boy!" but I believe the rest of it was overdubbed by Los Lobos during the post-production.
Been a major fan of Buddy's and all of you for decades. I play "I Wonder Why" in my car. Thank you, for sharing your memories with us.
i've never heard Dion talk about this before, this was excellent.
Eric Lewis Notice that he has that different story about how the flight passengers were determined (3 of them, excluding the pilot).
Why didn't he ever talk about it? Because he JUST made it up to sell his stinking book.
Eric Lewis lies,Waylon Jennings and Tommy allsup have truth on TH-cam videos
Do you really think Dion is gonna to remember every detail ? This was almost 60 years ago. I would know how close I would have been in that plane or not !
@@StagPreston I think this is true. Dion is capitalizing on an event that happened so long ago, he thinks people won't remember, but, we do.
Thank you Dion. This video went straight to the heart. Rest in Peace, love & music Buddy, Ritchie & J.P.
Thanks Dion for taking the time to share this story with us. You tell it so beautifully. Your talent is really amazing as is your devotion to the memory of these three music treasures. (I enjoyed your humor too.
What an absolutely beautiful tribute to the dear three lost souls lost but not forgotten.
Thank you Dion Francis DiMucci.
The Big Bopper was from Beaumont, TX, my home town. He was a DJ on one of the radio stations in Beaumont. I believe it was
KFDM - 560. Thank you for the story. I am sure, even after all these years, it was hard to tell.
We saw Dion (2) times in Rochester, Michigan at Meadow Brook on the Oakland University campus by the Dodge Mansion in the 1990's & he put on a great concert! We sat right up front about 5 rows back.
Also, at the concert were the great Everly Brothers! What a show for they did all their hits!
The Wanderer gets everyone rocking! Dion still has it!
Tony Trotta
Jeannemarie Trotta WOW. wish I was there.
Here it is 2023 and I still listen to Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Thank you Dion for telling the true story
i was stationed in clovis several years after the plane crash and you would not believe how much you guys music was alive at foxy's drive and pretty much all over the LUBBOCK area. i still live in that era; thanks for all those great years!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dion, thanks for doing this. You told the story in an exceptionally clear way. If you are an Italian Roman Catholic, you should know the purpose of human existence on this earth. To know, love, and serve Our Lord. We are approaching our end biologically and we want to be right with God before we go. As a Wisconsinite, riding the yellow school buses, shoveling snow, getting frostbite in the cold winters, you made the story come alive. Glad to see you are a fingerpicking guitarist. I used to listen to the AM radio with my brothers in the 1950’s and used to hear and enjoy your music. Wishing you and your family the best.
Dion still sounds great!
Looks good 2
AMAZING AT 80
@@denieledwards6893 this video was 6 years ago
@@Schnitzeldawg I KNOW STILL LOOKS THE SAME.
@@clarkkashton1623 k
wow....so moving. I started tearing up around the 56 minute mark and was crying my eyes out by the end. Thank you Dion for sharing this with the world. I have a feeling Buddy, Richie, and JP are very proud. God bless you ❤️
I really loved the way you explained that it was not the day the music died but the day that the music gave birth to harmony, melody and a voice to the world. Just like a seed seems dead while it's planted in the soil but only it grows to multiply and be fruitful.
The most truthful truth I've ever heard from someone who was there loved it you put a bigger smile on my face love you as a fan great job
Dion gave such a good account of what happened at the time. I have always loved the music of the rock and roll era ...rock on..🎸
Wow, Dion, thanks for doing this man. We've all heard so many versions of this experience; thanks for sharing your first-hand version. You are a treasure and an inspiration.
He never answered any comments, did he?
Funny when you are the only one living you can say whatever you want! Tommy alsulp said this guy is full of shit! Deon even said he flipped the coin with Ritchie! Total bullshit!!!! This guy is really trying to amp himself up because nobody else is living to tell the story. Walylon Jennings knows what happened. the real truth.think about it, he wasn't in the crickets . How would he know so much of what went on with band members down to the coun toss
@@juanitaarrington3330 Look up the videos, The Day the Music Visited, Parts 1-5 and then watch the last one, The Day the Music Died. They also tell about the coin toss.
Joey Figgiani right girl
Especially grateful for how he describes Buddy's amazing personality qualities. What an incredible human being he was - and only 22 yrs old!!!!
Dion and the Belmonts are a awesome group my dad had the album when I was young and I loved Teenager In Love that song was awesome and still like it today
This guy is amazing. To bad that he is not as well known as the others.A real talent and great to listen too. Honestly he could tour again , and I would be happy to go watch him!
Don't know how you got thru this without tears - you're an incredible man, period. Thank you for the gift of music you've shared with us all. Thank God for YOU!
Dion is a master talent. He tells a great story and pays homage to his comrades accurately. What a good guy. Underrated talent and good guy.
But lying about the coin toss. He has never played at the Buddy Holly tribute held at SURF every year. It is well documented that it was Tommy A and Richie tossing the coin. And Buddy booked the plane for himself and 2 band mates. Why would he make his band mates freeze their ass off and make dion cozy. Tommy and WAYLON had done him a favor of playing when Crickets quit. And Buddy and WAYLON were friends in Texas. Lying is an insult to their memory. th-cam.com/video/TPgC4Aiu5Gw/w-d-xo.html
@@PK-bh1ww Go back and listen to the reason he never talked about it. I talked to enough veterans and there reasons for not talking about a traumatic event. I don't know if you ever interviewed people about a traumatic event but if you have ten people you can have nine different story's. Now none of them are lying they just perceive thing differently. This interview stands as a lot of new information from a person who was there.
Thanks Dion !! This is exactly what was missing from this story..the real human touch
Thanks so much for sharing this !!
I loved you guys in the 50's when I was a teen - this wonderful - I started playing guitar after seeing Buddy at a Mpls Alan Freed show in '58 - in '59 , in Buffalo NY - I heard the news - it broke my heart - I was so happy back in the 80's when I discovered your Christian music - - this is a great great video - thanks man - you're the best that is, was or will be.
Thank you for telling the truth and Thank you for keeping music alive!
Thank you, Dion, for another angle on this whole sad affair. I remember as a kid only hearing about Buddy dying, and not much about the other guys in the crew at all. That's modern society/media for you. You all had parents and loved ones who would have been devastated. Those still alive will likely still be crying themselves to sleep. But as you say, out of the darkness and sadness came a new vibrant sound bringing us the Beatles and many other talented folks who further inspired youngsters like myself. Thank you Thank you!. Peace and Love my Rock n Roll Friend.
You’re very welcome James
@@senecaknowledge2274 Dion? Is that you?
When I need to go back to my first love, I listen to your Gospel stuff that I listened to when I first gave my life to the Lord! Thank you so much.
Dion Is Crazy Talented!!!
yep...but he lies like a rug.
+James W yo dimucci say..the rug pulled out..i like .dion dimucci lies like rug...www.dionthewanderer.com
He's also very full of himself
U r fanastic
Bullshyt.
I've always been in awe of Dion. Heard an alternate take of "Wanderer" and couldn't believe your ability to just fall into the cool groove like you do.
I've never heard any details about the Winter Dance Party, much less personal memories. I cried through the last part...what a tremendous loss. Thank you for this.
You're the real deal, babe.
Singer, song writer, musician and story teller. Dion!
Still one of the best singers around. I grew up with your music. Ya still got IT. I'd be honored to record with you anytime. THANK YOU for your memories and the songs.