The music refused to die

Fifty years ago, early on a snowy Midwestern morn, the music died ... or so it seemed. The date was Feb. 3, 1959. A Beechcraft Bonanza four-seater piloted by 21-year-old Roger Peterson slammed into a frozen cornfield just minutes after takeoff.

The pilot, along with his three passengers, were killed instantly. The passengers were rock 'n' roll stars Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson, the Big Bopper. Don McLean referred to this date as "the day the music died." Only the music refused to die.

Better than half a century ago, these talented musicians, songwriters and performers played their last concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Then they were gone, but their music refused to die. Millions of people still sing along with Valens, Holly and the Bopper, word for word, whenever they hear those familiar songs. The music became something much larger than the artists themselves. The influence of their body of work has landed Holly and Valens in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Their moving words have become their legacy.

What will our legacies be in word and deed? What positive difference will we make in the lives of others? Who will we influence for good? Why not leave a legacy of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to as many as possible? Here's a legacy long lasting and ever expanding. Christ's words will be remembered long after the heavens and earth have passed away. Like the music, His words refuse to die.

- Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City and is a member of the Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship.