1959: On what would become known as “the day the music died,” rock ’n’ roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson died in the crash of a small plane near Clear Lake, Iowa.

In the world

1943: During World War II, the U.S. transport ship SS Dorchester, which was carrying troops to Greenland, sank after being hit by a German torpedo in the Labrador Sea; of the more than 900 men aboard, only about 230 survived.

Today’s birthdays

Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton is 83. Actor Blythe Danner is 81. Football Hall of Famer Bob Griese is 79. Actor Morgan Fairchild is 74. Actor Nathan Lane is 68. Musician Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) is 68. Musician/author Lol Tolhurst (The Cure) is 65. Actor-director Keith Gordon is 63. Actor Michele Greene is 62. Actor Maura Tierney is 59. Actor Warwick Davis is 54. Actor Isla Fisher is 48. Human-rights activist Amal Clooney is 46. Actor Brandon Micheal Hall is 31. — The Associated Press