You would also be acquainted with the Night the Music Died - February 3, 1959. That's the night that Buddy Holly's plane crashed on it's way to Moorhead, Minnesota to put on a concert in the armory for all the teeny-boppers. That's the night that Bobby Vee got his start because he and his band had to fill in the space that was left by the deaths of Buddy, Richie and the Big Bopper.
Left to right are Dick Dunkirk, Bobby Vee, Ward Dunkirk and Bob Korum
Bobby Vee was only 15 years old at the time, and was a neighbor of Ole's. They grew up just a few houses apart in north Moorhead. Ole says he remembers him as being rather "nerdy" because he drove around in a station wagon all the time. But I guess that was a good vehicle to be hauling all your instruments around in.
Anyway, back to the concert on Thursday night. Two of the original members of Bobby Vee's band were on stage - the bass guitarist and the drummer. There were impersonators for Richie Valans, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. Buddy Holly was excellent but the one that really stole the show was the guy who did Roy Orbison. His voice was astounding - it was powerful and he could hit all those high notes that Roy did. It just made the hair stand up on your arms, if you know what I mean. The music brought back so many memories for all of us as all four of us couples were dating back during the time all those songs were popular.
The concert lasted two hours and wasn't nearly long enough. You can imagine all those gray-haired attendees dancing in the aisles, clapping to the music and standing in their seats singing along. I didn't know "we" had it in us anymore!!
Dreaming of days gone by, Love Lena
