Jay Richardson, son of rock-n-roll legend J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, has died. It was reported on a website dedicated to his legendary musician father that Jay Richardson died on August 21st.
“It is with great sadness that we must tell you that Jay P Richardson has passed away,” BigBopper.com reported. “After a long hard fight, JP succumbed on the morning of August 21st, at the age of 54.”
Jay P Richardson, also known as “Big Bopper Jr.” was in Clear Lake about two years ago for a dedication ceremony for the Three Stars Plaza, a monument located near the Surf Ballroom dedicated to rock n’ rollers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and JP Richardson.
“As I stand here today, this is the third memorial that your city has done in my father’s name,” Jay P Richardson said that evening in Clear Lake.
“That’s cause we love you,” shouted someone from the audience that day.
“Thank you, love you too,” said Richardson.
The Surf Ballroom said Wednesday through social media that “Our hearts are heavy as we learn Jay Richardson has passed away. Jay was a dear friend and a part of the Surf family, may he rest in peace – we will treasure our many memories with him forever.”
According to the Surf, Jay P Richardson’s birth came less than 90 days after a plane crash on February 3, 1959 in Clear Lake, Iowa that took the life of his father, along with the lives of fellow rock-n-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and pilot Roger Peterson.
The surf said that Jay is survived by his wife Patty, sons Jay Jr. and Thomas, along with daughter Ashlyn, her husband Kevin Ray Adams, and their daughter Hadley. Please keep Jay and the Richardson family in your prayers during this time. Letters and cards of sympathy can be sent to:
Big Bopper Music
P.O. Box 6926
Katy, Texas 77491
