Day: May 13, 2023

May 13, 1958 – Three young and newly successful musicians – Buddy Holly, Joe Maudlin, and Jerry Allison found their way to Ray Miller’s Motorcycle Shop in Dallas, Texas. Having just returned from a world tour, Buddy Holly and the Crickets each bought new motorcycles to celebrate their hard work and good fortune. Joe Maudlin, the Crickets’ bass player, immediately fell in love with a Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle. Jerry Allison, their drummer, bought a Triumph Trophy. Holly was transfixed by a black Ariel Cyclone 650cc and purchased the limited-edition model – one of only 200 that were ever built. To go with their new wheels, the trio purchased matching Levi’s jackets and peaked caps adorned with wings and rode the 350-mile trip home in a thunderstorm. @buddyholly @BuddyHollyCtr #ROCkabillyHop #buddyholly #TheCrickets #RocHop #OTD #RockNRoll
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May 13, 1955 – At tonight’s show in Jacksonville, Florida, Elvis Presley tells the girls who make up the majority of the 14,000-plus crowd that he’ll “see [them] backstage.” The crowd proceeds to do just that, causing a riot and, reportedly, convincing Tom Parker about Elvis’ popularity once and for all. #ROCkabillyHop @ElvisPresley #Elvis #theKing #RocHop #OTD #RockNRoll
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May 13, 1941 – Ritchie Valens was born “Richard Steven Valenzuela” near Los Angeles in Pacoima, California. Ritchie Valens made history as rock music’s first Latino star. His promising career, however, was cut short by tragedy. Valens died in a 1959 plane crash while on tour, along with Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. #ROCkabillyHop #RitchieValens @buddyholly @BuddyHollyCtr #RocHop #OTD #RockNRoll
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