His personality laid bare on the classic 1958 hit single "Chantilly Lace," disc jockey, songwriter, and rockabilly singer the Big Bopper embodied the raw energy, unbridled hedonism, and hinted-at sexuality that permeated early rock & roll. His place in music history was cemented when a case of the flu landed him on Buddy Holly's ill-fated puddle jumper on February 3, 1959. In addition to his landmark hit, the Big Bopper penned hits for Johnny Preston & George Jones and is credited with coining the term "music video."