The Big Bopper

Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959) also commonly known as The Big Bopper, was an American disc jockey, singer, and songwriter whose big voice and exuberant personality made him an early rock and roll star. He is best known for his recording of "Chantilly Lace".

On February 3, 1959, a day that has become known as The Day the Music Died by Don McLean, in his song "American Pie", Richardson was killed in a plane crash in Iowa, along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.