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Jiles Perry (J.P.) Richardson, Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), called Jape by friends but commonly known as The Big Bopper, was a disc jockey who parlayed a big voice and exuberant personality into a career as an early rock and roll star. He is best known for his hit song “Chantilly Lace”.
Richardson was born in Sabine Pass, Texas, the oldest son of Jiles Perry, Sr. and Elise (Stalsby) Richardson. His father was an oil field worker and driller. He had two younger brothers, Cecil and James. Within a short time the family moved to Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1947 and was a member of the “Royal Purple” football team, wearing number “85” as a defensive lineman.
Richardson later studied law at Lamar College, and was a member of the band and chorus. During this time he worked part time at KTRM radio, where in 1949 he was hired full-time and left school. On April 18, 1952, Richardson married Adrianne Joy Fryou from Montegut, Louisiana; in December 1953 their daughter, Debra Joy, was born. Earlier that year Richardson was promoted to Supervisor of Announcers at KTRM. In March 1955 he was drafted into the United States Army. His basic training was at Fort Ord, California after which Richardson spent two years as a radar instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas. Upon his discharge at the rank of Corporal in March 1957, Richardson returned to KTRM radio, where he held down the “Dishwashers’ Serenade” shift from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Richardson was born in Sabine Pass, Texas, the oldest son of Jiles Perry, Sr. and Elise (Stalsby) Richardson. His father was an oil field worker and driller. He had two younger brothers, Cecil and James. Within a short time the family moved to Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1947 and was a member of the “Royal Purple” football team, wearing number “85” as a defensive lineman.
Richardson later studied law at Lamar College, and was a member of the band and chorus. During this time he worked part time at KTRM radio, where in 1949 he was hired full-time and left school. On April 18, 1952, Richardson married Adrianne Joy Fryou from Montegut, Louisiana; in December 1953 their daughter, Debra Joy, was born. Earlier that year Richardson was promoted to Supervisor of Announcers at KTRM. In March 1955 he was drafted into the United States Army. His basic training was at Fort Ord, California after which Richardson spent two years as a radar instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas. Upon his discharge at the rank of Corporal in March 1957, Richardson returned to KTRM radio, where he held down the “Dishwashers’ Serenade” shift from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Chantilly Lace
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Hello Baby!
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Hellooo Baby! The Best of the Big Bopper,…
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Shoutbox
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FaygoBro420 wrote:
>"The Romones? Are they like the Ramones' retarded cousins or something?" >Implying the Ramones weren't retarded.
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peeves111 wrote:
53 years ago yesterday. NEVER forgotten R.I.P J.P
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King_Creole_35 wrote:
The Romones? Are they like the Ramones' retarded cousins or something?
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DaddyPobbin wrote:
Big Bopper in The Simpsons: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/Dobbination/thebigbopperthesimpsons.jpg
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artrush wrote:
HEllo baaaaaaaaaaaaby!
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evanisreallyok wrote:
The Beatles,Stones Carlos Santana,Dylan,Los Lobos and The Romones are just some of the many who been influenced by three men who are gone but not forgotten. RIP JP,Buddy and Ritchie.
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daria12342 wrote:
The day the music died ;<
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Kali0str0 wrote:
ОФИГЕТЬ! анбиливебл! напор,энергия,голос,яркая гитара-пусть мелодии не идеальны,но это заставляет его слушать еще и еще
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Gotham_Rat wrote:
Отличный был рок-н-ролльщик...
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Manoloxines wrote:
Briiiiiiiiilliant!
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Rapture5212011 wrote:
This singer/musician had a very unique voice & sound which made many radio listeners of the 'baby boomer' generation of the 50s & 60s some fond memories. His legacy continues on recordings, radio play & the internet of course. Check out his Biography on www.findagrave.com <click on Famous Grave Search. Rest in PEACE. God bless~!
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pureneasy wrote:
If you like the Big Bopper and rock n roll music you should read the book Not Fade Away by Jim Dodge It's an excellent tale of spirit and music. Rock on Bopper!
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Pryde wrote:
Please vote for Elvis Presley in The American Rock League!!
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evanisreallyok wrote:
RIP
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nolteCOD wrote:
RIP man :(
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alexbigman wrote:
JP....i miss you man, i wrote a whole song dedicated to you and buddy on my new album...i really hope I did you proud, I put everything into it...you're a legend everything I aspire to be...RIP BIG BOPPER
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PaulFromOz wrote:
how is their such low plays!?
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Old_Bull_Lee wrote:
But ... but ... but ...!
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nasion wrote:
Just visited the memorial where you went down, always'll be listening! Go Big Bopper!
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bLASTfmY wrote:
ooh babie thaz what I like!
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