The radio station to be forever linked to “The day the music died”, has been inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mason City Iowa station KRIB was a sponsor of ‘The Winter Dance Party’ at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2nd, 1959.
KRIB on-air personality Bob Hale emceed the event, featuring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and ‘The Big Bopper’ J.P. Richardson. The three and pilot Roger Peterson died when their plane crashed shortly after take-off in a field just northwest of the Mason City Municipal Airport.
KRIB, owned by Alpha Media is an adult contemporary station featuring music local news and sports. Each year the station pays respect to history changing its music format to late 50’s early 60’s music during the week of remembrance.
KRIB, which signed on in March of 1948, enjoys the distinction of being one of just 16 radio stations to receive recognition from the Hall of Fame.
