On this day 45 years ago, a plane crashed, starting a trend that has claimed folks at the top of their game and those just treading water. Of course, there are those who say Misters Holly, Valens, and Bopper were just copying Mr. Miller, so there you go.

(Yes, I left out this guy on purpose, since he can’t even blame coked-up pilots and too much luggage or “faulty heaters” like some others I could name.)