C3 Takes on The Big Bopper

C3 Entertainment has been appointed to represent rock ‘n’ roll legend The Big Bopper for licensing and merchandising.

C3 was appointed by Patty Richardson, who represents The Big Bopper estate.

The famous disc jockey, songwriter and singer was known for his big voice and matching personality. The Big Bopper’s signature song, “Chantilly Lace,” went gold and multi-platinum as one the earliest hits in rock ‘n’ roll history. In 1958 he made a pioneering video of the hit song and was the first to coin the term “music video.”

The Big Bopper, real name Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr., also wrote “White Lightning," which became a No. 1 country hit for George Jones in 1959. In the same year his song “Running Bear” hit the top spot in the charts for Johnny Preston.

"The Big Bopper is a legendary personality, so we have added another classic brand to our roster,” says Ani Khachoian, executive vice president of licensing and consumer products, C3. “Adding The Big Bopper and his music also expands the entertainment genres we represent for licensing. The Big Bopper was an important figure during the formative years of rock 'n' roll and is well remembered by the generations that grew up listening to his songs and radio show. His talent and foresight still resonate today with audiences, as many of the songs he wrote and performed are considered classics, and his music video concept obviously was way ahead of its time.”

The Big Bopper died in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959, along with musicians Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, during their Winter Dance Party tour, a day often referred to as The Day The Music Died.