The Legend Of The Big Bopper

If you ask most people today what they know about Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr., often simply known as J.P., you would most likely see a lot of blank stares. However, if you asked people about The Big Bopper, you would probably get a lot of information about this truly legendary musician, disc jockey, and entertainer. Now he is also memorialized on RTG offering of The Big Bopper Slots.

Early Life

The Big Bopper was born on October 24, 1930 in Sabine Pass then moved to Beaumont, Texas where he attended school and even played on the football time as a defensive lineman. A good student, he also worked part-time at the Beaumont radio station, even as he started his pre-law program at Lamar College in the same city.

By 1949, he decided radio was his chosen career, and he left college to work full -time. Two years later he married Adrianne Joy Fryou, and they had a daughter in 1953. By 1955, he was drafted into the Army and served for two years at Fort Bliss, Texas as a radar instructor.

Back into Radio

By 1957, he was back at the KTRM station in Beaumont, and he had several different shifts. His name came from a dance craze, The Bop" which was popular at the time he moved into the 3 to 6 pm slot. He later when on to become the station manager, breaking records for the longest on-air continuous broadcasting (5 days, two hours and 8 minutes) ,and also creating the first music video in 1958.

Music

The Big Bopper is legendary for his music, which is what The Big Bopper slots really highlight. He wrote songs that artists like George Jones and Johnny Preston recorded, including White Lightening and Runny Bear.

However, it wasn't until 1958 that he became famous on his own with his song, Chantilly Lace. This song actually is the background to the free games feature on the slot. It was shortly after the amazing 20 week run on the Top 40 charts, The Big Bopper joined up to Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and Dion and the Belmonts on tour.

The rest, as most people know, resulted in a tragedy remembered in the song "The Day the Music Died." Through being sick, The Big Bopper took a seat on the plane, and Waylon Jennings rode the bus, and Richie Valens replaced Tommy Allsup to end up on the plane as well.

Playing The Big Bopper slot is a great look into this legend of a man. While he only lived to be 28 years of age, he made an impression on the world, which is why this slot is sure to be a favorite for players who remember his music.