Ritchie Valens to Gold Star Studios several times, recording the tracks that would comprise his two albums. In early 1959, Valens was traveling the Midwest on a multiple-act rock-and-roll tour dubbed "The Winter Dance Party". Accompanying him were Buddy Holly, Dion and the Belmonts, J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Frankie Sardo. All performers were augmented by Holly's new backup band, including Tommy Allsup on guitar, Waylon Jennings on bass, and Carl Bunch on drums. Conditions for the performers on the tour buses were abysmal and bitterly cold. Midwest weather took its toll on the party. Carl Bunch had to be
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story his pregnant wife not to fly, as he and the other two headliners board a small plane and take off into the night destined for their next show. During a snow storm, in the dead of night, the plane crashes and spares no survivors. Joseph Butcher took over the role of Joe B. Mauldin for the 2016/17 tour to high critical acclaim. Alex Tosh also originated the newly written role of Denzel Jefferson Macauley. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story a musical in two acts written by Alan Janes, and featuring the music of