The Big Bopper

Birth Name: Jiles Perry Richardson

Date of Birth: October 24, 1930

Place of Birth: Sabine Pass, Jefferson, Texas, U.S.

Date of Death: February 3, 1959

Place of Death: Clear Lake, Iowa, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, small amounts of Welsh, French/French-Canadian, Irish, and Powhatan Native American

The Big Bopper was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and disc jockey.

He was the son of Essie Bernice (Stalsby) and Jiles Perry Richardson, Sr. He was married to Adrienne Joy Wenner, until his death, with whom he had two children.

The Big Bopper died in a plane crash with singers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, and pilot Roger Peterson.

The Big Bopper’s paternal grandfather was Gilbert Beebe Richardson (the son of Nathan Richardson and Amanda Caroline Walters). Nathan was the son of James Richardson and Mary Morris.

The Big Bopper’s paternal grandmother was Ruby Middleton (the daughter of Franklin J. Middleton and Ada Hutchins).

The Big Bopper’s maternal grandfather was James Frank/Franklin Stalsby (the son of The Rev. Samuel Christian Stalsby/Stalvey and Eliza Jane Johnson). James was born in Louisiana. The Rev. Samuel was the son of James Stalsby and Eliza Ann Vick.

The Big Bopper’s maternal grandmother was named Ada A./Ofelia Johnson (the daughter of Thomas Johnson and Margaret). Ada was born in Louisiana.

Source: Genealogy of The Big Bopper – https://www.wikitree.com