The Big Bopper

The Big Bopper
Richardson in 1958
Richardson in 1958
Background information
Birth nameJiles Perry Richardson Jr.
Also known asJ.P. Richardson
Born(1930-10-24)October 24, 1930
Sabine Pass, Texas, U.S.
DiedFebruary 3, 1959(1959-02-03) (aged 28)
Clear Lake, Iowa, U.S.
GenresRock and roll, rockabilly, country
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • disc jockey
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1949–1959
LabelsMercury Records

Jiles Perry Richardson Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), better known by his stage name The Big Bopper, was an American musician and disc jockey. His best-known compositions include "Chantilly Lace," "Running Bear", and "White Lightning", the latter of which became George Jones's first number-one hit in 1959.

Richardson was killed in an airplane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, in February 1959, along with fellow musicians Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, and the pilot, Roger Peterson.[1]

  1. ^ "1959: Buddy Holly killed in air crash". On This Day. London: BBC. February 3, 1959. Retrieved November 2, 2008.