The music world has said goodbye to numerous artists this year,

but on this day in 1959, three young stars died in a plane crash in Iowa.

One America's Cameron Cramer has more on the tragedy that's called The Day The Music Died.

* Well, that'll be the day when you say goodbye, Yes, that'll be the day when you make me cry *

Cameron Cramer: Buddy Holly was famous for hits like that, as well as his iconic glasses.

On this day in 1959, the 22 year old singer, including two fellow musicians died in a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa

Holly spung onto the rock and roll scene as an opening act for Elvis Presley,

But soon, crowds would be flocking to see Holly, with singles like That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue and Maybe Baby.

* Maybe Baby, I'll have you, maybe baby, you'll be too *

In early 1959, Holly and his band were in the midst of a Winter Dance Party tour across the midwest.

Joining Holly's band were two other young musicians, 17 year old Ritchie Valens...

* Para bailar La Bamba *

* Para bailar La Bamba *

* Se necessita una poca de gracia *

And 28 year old JP Richardson, known as The Big Bopper.

* Chantilly Lace has a pretty face and a ponytail *

Commuting by bus on the tour,

the harsh winter climate, combined with poor routing decisions marred the festivities.

Heating problems with the bus played a role in many of the musicians catching the flu, while a drummer suffered frostbite

By early February, the musicians needed to make a change.

Holly decided to charter a plane after playing in Clear Lake, Iowa.

The flight would take him and two other passengers to Fargo, North Dakota.

Valens got his seat on the plane by coin flip.

While Richardson was not supposed to be on the flight, but after falling ill, he convinced Waylon Jennings to give up his seat in order to rest.

In poor weather, a 21 year old pilot named Roger Peterson took off with the three passengers.

Minutes after takeoff, the flight would encounter trouble.

The wreckage was found just six miles from the airport.

All aboard were dead.

An investigation showed the young pilot was not trained to fly in the inclement weather,

as that required knowledge of specific instrument sets.

Today, a tribute featuring Holly's iconic glasses is located near the crash site.

While fellow musician, Don McLean addressed the tragedy in this 1971 number one hit.

* But something touched me deep inside *

* The day *

* the music *

* died *

Cameron Cramer, One America News

* Bye, miss American Pie *