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Buddy Holly’s Widow Honored in Green Bay
Maria Elena Holly, the widow of the late Buddy Holly, was honored in Green Bay, Wisconsin during their Winter Dance Party 2001. The city of Green Bay presented Ms. Holly with the key to the city during a tribute to her husband, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. All three phenomenal musicians were tragically killed in a plane crash following a concert in Clear Lake, Iowa, on February 3, 1959. Their music still lives fervently in the hearts of fans as Green Bay’s Winter Dance Party proved to be a huge success. In celebration of the artists, audiences were told to expect an evening of “infectious energy,” and that is exactly what the performers delivered. Renowned celebrity impersonators took over the party and for a brief period concertgoers were made to believe they were in the presence of the legendary Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper. Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller intrigued the audience and Ms. Holly. After enjoying a lovely evening of celebration, Ms. Holly is quoted saying, “I’ve never endorsed anyone [impersonating] Buddy, but I was really impressed with John Mueller.” Green Bay, Wisconsin commemorated January 17th as Maria Elena Holly Day.