Jiles perry richardson biography jacksonville fl

Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), better known as The Big Bopper (but called ‘Jape’ by friends) was a disc jockey who parlayed a big voice and exuberant personality into a career as an early rock and roll star.

Jiles perry richardson biography jacksonville fl death

He is best known for his hit song ‘Chantilly Lace’.

He was born in Sabine Pass, Texas, the oldest son of Jiles Perry, Sr. and Elise (Stalsby) Richardson. His father was an oil field worker and driller. He had two younger brothers, Cecil and James.

Within a short time the family moved to Beaumont, Texas.

Jiles perry richardson biography jacksonville fl

He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1947 and was a member of the ‘Royal Purple’ football team, wearing number 85 as a defensive lineman.

Richardson later studied law at Lamar College, and was a member of the band and chorus.

During this time he worked part time at KTRM Radio. On April 18, 1952, Richardson married Adrianne Joy Fryou from Montegut, Louisiana, and by 1955 he had joined the United States Army, where he spent two years a