Richie Valen and the Big Bopper
 

How famous would they be right now if the plane never crashed?

I think part of the mystique (at least as far as Ritchie Valenz - I don't know all that much about the Big Bobber) is that he died so tragically at such a young age. I think that has actually propelled him from being a famous singer to being a legend he would have never been had he lived.

I was just discussing this with my husband the other day. They would have never had the movie made about them, and their songs would just be collecting dust at an oldies station. Sometimes death can do great things for a person's career.

Yea, Elvis seems to be about the only guy from that era to continue popularity big time.

In country music, Patsy Cline still has some popularity, although she died in a plane crash about the same time.

We shouldn't forget Buddy Holly, who was really the lead act on the tour.

Holly might have become more of a rock legend as a prolific writer and singer. I think he was producing a lot of his band's stuff as well. Hard to say.

Richie Valens had a great voice, but probably would not had the staying power.

The Big Bopper (Dallas DJ J.P. Richardson) would probably have been a one hit wonder. Chantilly Lace was a novelty at best.