The son of the legendary rock artist Big Bopper has passed away at the age of 54, according to the family's web site, BIGBOPPER.com
Jay P. Richardson, 54, died Wednesday morning. His father, Jiles P. Richardson, better known as the "Big Bopper" was born in Sabine Pass and raised in the Beaumont area before his career took off. His son, "JP" never knew his legendary father, who died in a plane crash in Iowa 80 days before he was born. That same crash claimed the lives of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.
FROM THE BIGBOPPER.COM:
It is with great sadness that we must tell you that Jay P Richardson has passed away. After a long hard fight, JP succumbed on the morning of August 21st, at the age of 54.
Known around the world as "Big Bopper JR," JP was, in fact, the son of the legendary rock 'n roll artist, The Big Bopper, who is most well known as the singer of "Chantilly Lace." JP never got to know his dad because he was born some 80 days after his father was killed in a plane crash in Mason City, Iowa, after a performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa — a crash that also took the lives of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens and became known as "The Day The Music Died."
Jay is survived by his wife Patty, sons Jay Jr. and Thomas, daughter Ashlyn, her husband Kevin Ray Adams, and grandchildren, including granddaughters Hadley and Justine, and grandson Jimmy.
Please keep JP and the Richardson family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. And if you'd like to send cards of sympathy or other fond memories, please send them to:
