Beaumont, Texas: Grave of The Big Bopper
One-hit wonder J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson gained immortality by dying in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- Address:
- 4955 Pine St., Beaumont, TX
- Directions:
- Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Enter cemetery at the intersection of Lucas Drive and Pine St., then quickly make the first right. Follow that road, then make the third left. Follow that road straight to a dead-end turnaround. The Big Bopper's grave is to the right, just before the dead end. Look for the large historical marker.
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28-year-old musical artist J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson was at the peak of his fame when the plane he was traveling aboard crashed in Clear Lake, Iowa, on February 3, 1959. The singer was killed instantly, along with fellow stars Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. The Big Bopper was laid to rest in his hometown of Beaumont, where a historical marker educates visitors about his life and The Day the Music Died.
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Not mentioned -- although there's certainly room enough on the lengthy historical marker -- is that The Big Bopper was buried in a different part of the cemetery until 2007, when he was dug up and reburied here, in a nicer casket. The original casket was placed on display in the Texas Musicians Museum, which has since closed.