Surf Ballroom Named Rock & Roll Landmark

Nearly 50 years ago (February 2, 1959 to be exact) Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper played their final concert at the Surf Ballroom. And it was their last show ever, because the three boarded an airplane for a fatal trip later that night when -- as noted by Don McLean's now famous "American Pie" -- the "music died."

In honor of the three rockers and their musical and cultural contributions, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has now added the Surf to its list of designated rock 'n' roll landmarks.

Travelers may be particularly interested in visiting Clear Lake, Iowa over the next week to check out "50 Winters Later", a festival designed to celebrate the passing of the three musicians and to help recognize the Surf and its historical museum.