Surf Ballroom National Historic Landmark Nomination
McDowell A. 2021. Surf Ballroom National Historic Landmark Nomination. National Historic Landmark Nominations. 100006243_NHL. National Park Service. Washington, DC
This document is the National Historic Landmark (NHL) nomination for Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. The NHL nomination for Surf Ballroom documents its national significance under NHL Criterion 1 as an outstanding representation of regional dance party tours in the early years of rock 'n' roll and as the final performance venue of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The three musicians died in an airplane accident in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959, following their performance at Surf Ballroom as part of the Winter Dance Party tour through the Midwest. The Surf Ballroom is the most well-preserved among the extant Winter Dance Party tour venues. The period of national significance is 1959.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- McDowell, Alexa
- Date of Issue
- 2021-01-13
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Keywords
- Buddy Holly, Clear Lake, Iowa, J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), music, National Historic Landmark, performing arts, popular culture, recreation, Ritchie Valens, rock 'n' roll