2/3 The Day Music Died

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The distance between venues and the conditions prevalent aboard the poorly equipped tour buses adversely affected the performers. Cases of flu spread among the band members, and Carl Bunch was hospitalized due to frostbite. Frustrated by the conditions, Holly decided to charter a plane when they stopped for their performance in the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, to reach their next venue in Moorhead, Minnesota. Carroll Anderson, owner of the Surf Ballroom, chartered the plane from the Dwyer Flying Service.

Richardson, who was affected by the flu, swapped places with Waylon Jennings, taking the latter's place on the plane, while Tommy Allsup lost his place to Ritchie Valens on a coin toss. Dion DiMucci (of Dion and the Belmonts fame) decided not to board the plane for the $36 fee.

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From left: Waylon Jennings, Tommy Allsup, and Buddy Holly during the Winter Dance Party, January 1959:

Dion is still going strong and sounds great to be so old!
one of his best albums....

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Richardson, who was affected by the flu, swapped places with Waylon Jennings, taking the latter's place on the plane

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Buddy jokingly told Waylon "I hope your damned old bus freezes," and Waylon shot back "and I hope your plane crashes." That exchange haunted him until he died.