Richardson had seen the college students doing a dance called The Bop, and he decided to call himself "The Big Bopper"
The Big Bopper's birth name is Jiles Perry Richardson Jr..
The Big Bopper went by J.P., and Jape.
Big Jake goes by Big Jake.
Jim McIlvaine goes by Big Mac.
Michelle Wie goes by Big Wiesy.
Zane Casablanca goes by Big Z.
Neville Southall goes by Big Nev.
Paul Sutera goes by Big Bopper.
Rick Danford goes by Dancin Man, The Big Bopper, and Bo Bob Didley.
The Big Bopper was born on October 24, 1930, in Sabine Pass, Texas, USA.
Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper and pilot roger peterson
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Vidor texas
The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson.
Big Bopper
His bandmates were supposed to fly with him (Holly chartered an airplane because he was tired of riding in a bus, whose heater kept breaking down), but the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens persuaded them to give up their seats. NO to the above. J.P. Richarson (The Big Bopper) was ill and was Buddy's first choice to go with him. The other person was supposed to be Tommy Allsup (Buddy's band member and friend) but at the last moment flipped a coin with Ritchie who "won" the seat. (The movie shows the coin toss between Waylon Jennings and Ritchie)
Big Bopper and Richie Valens. Interestingly enough, Waylon Jennings (who played in Buddy Holly's band at the time) was supposed to be on the plane, but gave up his seat to the Big Bopper because Big Bopper had a cold and felt bad, and didn't not think he could handle a bus ride.
Big Jake goes by Big Jake.
Big Tigger goes by Big Tigg.