BUDDY HOLLY LIVES
Buddy Holly News ( 8 )
( You start with page # 1, click on NEXT at the rockbottom and so on )
EMAIL from the SURF
(Updated 9th of August)
On 6 August, PETE POTTS, the marketing manager of the SURF Ballroom
in Clear Lake IA wrote me the following email:
© SURF Ballroom
SURF BALLROOM LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING “NOT FADE AWAY”
IMMERSIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE ON BUDDY HOLLY’S BIRTHDAY
A First-of-its-kind Tribute to Rock ‘n’ Roll Icons
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper
August 5, 2025, Clear Lake, Iowa – This September, the Surf Ballroom & Museum will unveil “Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience” – a permanent first-of-its-kind experience honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Opening festivities kick off on Thursday, September 4, with a book signing and special preview, leading up to the full exhibit debut and ribbon cutting on Sunday, September 7 – what would have been Buddy Holly’s 88th birthday.
Housed in the newly-completed Music Enrichment Center (MEC) adjacent to the historic Surf Ballroom, Not Fade Away is more than an exhibit — it’s a transformative, multi-sensory journey through the birth of rock 'n' roll and the timeless sound that changed American music forever. Through immersive digital storytelling, historic artifacts, restored audio, and original archival materials, guests will walk in the footsteps of legends.
“Not Fade Away reflects the power of public-private partnership and our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Clear Lake’s unique place in American music history,” said Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb. “This project brings national attention, educational opportunity, and cultural significance to our community. It’s an investment not only in heritage, but in our future.”
“This is a moment years in the making,” said Brian Luallen, CEO of the Surf Ballroom & Museum. “We’ve combined cutting-edge technology with the soul of rock ‘n’ roll to tell a story that is as moving as it is unforgettable. Not Fade Away honors the legacy of the artists who helped define a generation—and reminds us why their music still matters today.”
Never-before-seen artifacts on display at the Surf Music Experience Center include:
Les Paul innovations:
- One of only two existing prototypes for the solid body electric guitar called “The Log,”
- hand built by Les Paul in approximately 1937
- Les Paul's original handwritten plans for the very first 8-track tape recording device
- Les Paul's original 8-track console, which revolutionized modern recording
- 1970 custom Gibson guitar owned and played by Les Paul
- Les Paul's signature groundbreaking “Paulverizer,” one of only three in existence
Celebrity musician artifacts:
- Guitar signed by Buddy Holly while on the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour
- Les Paul guitar owned and played by Slash, former lead guitarist of Guns ‘n’ Roses
- Les Paul guitar owned and played by Warren Haynes, formerly of the Allman Brothers
- Stratocaster signed by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy
- BB King signed "Lucille" guitar
- Willie Nelson signed guitar
- Don McLean signed American Pie LP and guitar
- Accordion owned and played by Lawrence Welk
- Leather top hat worn by Slash
Personal effects of Holly, Valens, and Richardson:
- Microphone used by Buddy Holly at his last performance at The Surf Ballroom in 1959
- Red corduroy jacket Buddy Holly wore during his last performance in San Antonio, TX
- Original camera that was used to take the Pulitzer-nominated photos of the fatal plane crash on Feb 3,
- 1959, that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson
- Hand-tooled leather wallet owned by Ritchie Valens and recovered from the crash
- Briefcase owned by J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and recovered from the crash
- A pair of cufflinks owned by Buddy Holly and recovered from the crash
- Ritchie Valens original Del-Fi Gold Record for "La Bamba" and "Donna"
- Upright bass from the final performance of Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets
For the board of the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum (NICCM), the nonprofit that owns and operates the Surf Ballroom, the launch is deeply personal.
“This isn’t just about music,” said Jeff Nicholas, President of NICCM’s Board of Directors. “It’s about memory, emotion, and the voices that continue to echo across generations. With Not Fade Away, we’re creating a space where history comes alive—and where our children and grandchildren can understand just how powerful one song, one show, or one moment can be.”
The experience is offered in multiple ticket tiers, including exclusive VIP packages that provide access to the Surf Ballroom, immersive gallery, and the historic Carl Fox House, once home to the Surf’s founder. Ticket prices start at $19 and group rates are available. Admission is discounted for city and Cerro Gordo county residents, as well as military veterans, seniors and kids. A full schedule of opening events will be released in the coming weeks.
For tickets, event details and more information, visit https://surfballroom.com/mec-immersive-experience-tour/. Not Fade Away will operate year-round and includes educational and group tour components.
# # #
CONTACTS:
Pete Potts
Marketing Manager
Surf Ballroom & Museum
(641) 357-1608 direct line
(310) 909-9557 cell/text
pete@surfballroom.com
2911 Media & PR
Jeremy Westby
+1-833-537-2911 x800
jpw@2911.us
Scott Sexton
+1-833-537-2911 x802
scott@2911.us
Brian Luallen
CEO, Surf Ballroom & Museum
(817) 800-9904 cell/text
brian@surfballroom.com
ABOUT THE SURF BALLROOM & MUSEUM
The legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum is one of only four music venues in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark. Best known as the final performance site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, the Surf has welcomed generations of musical artists and fans since 1933. Today, it is a vibrant year-round venue that amplifies the legacy of music culture, education and performance – it’s where the music lives. The Surf is operated by the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and will expand its offerings with the new Music Experience Center (MEC), an immersive attraction, artifact exhibit and event space, opening September 2025.
Surf Ballroom & Museum • 460 North Shore Drive • Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 • (641) 357-6151
MORE NEWS FROM THE SURF
( From the press release August 5, 2025 )
© Surf Ballroom, 2025
Thursday, Sept 4
and the legendary
Surf Ballroom & Museum
present the world debut of:
Surf Music Experience Center
and its groundbreaking immersive experience
“Not Fade Away”
—-------------------------------------------
Surf Music Experience Center
This state-of-the-art, newly-constructed building is the Surf’s Music Experience Center (MEC). It’s
designed to immerse visitors in the history of the Surf Ballroom, the fateful 1959 Winter Dance Party
and its tragic ending, as well as the evolution of big band, country, blues, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll in
this unique time and place.
The MEC’s primary objective is to preserve the legacy of the Surf Ballroom by honoring its past and
creating opportunities to learn, connect and inspire the future. Through immersive exhibits,
educational programs, and compelling stories, the MEC reaches a diverse audience, from wide-eyed
grade-schoolers to loyal fans of rock and music history to nostalgic patrons who remember what it
was like to bop along to this music in the 1950s.
The MEC is more than a museum – it’s an experience. A setting that lets you virtually step into a
unique time and place in music history. The stories told here are authentic and personal, never
before seen or told. Everyone who comes through the doors leaves feeling like they walked
alongside living legends for a while.
The 10,800 sf facility houses a variety of spaces, including:
- Rooms for private music lessons
- Spacious and well-appointed greenroom for artists performing on the Surf Ballroom stage
- Historical artifact exhibits
- State-of-the-art immersive theater
- Peggy Sue’s gift shop
- The Palms Rooftop Cabana cocktail bar
- The Palms Ballroom event space
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS
Not Fade Away is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind immersive experience at the historic Surf
Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This interactive journey celebrates the lives and legacies of rock 'n' roll
pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. Combining
cutting-edge digital technology, live performances, and captivating multimedia, Not Fade Away
invites you to relive the moments that defined an era and changed music forever.
Crafted with care in rich historic detail and powered by the innovative technology of projection
mapping, Not Fade Away blends immersive storytelling, multi-sensory digital effects, and authentic
archival materials to honor the legends of American music. Using rare footage, archival audio
enhancements, restored audio, and innovative digital art and production, this experience offers
intimate glimpses into the story behind the sound — onstage and off.
Step beyond the spotlight and into the heart of the music with a first-of-its-kind tribute that brings you
closer than ever to the artists who helped define a generation and changed music forever.
Not Fade Away is the country’s only immersive museum experience built to preserve and amplify the
legacy of a still-thriving rock 'n' roll landmark — The Surf Ballroom: Where music history was made
and lives on today.
NOT FADE AWAY HIGHLIGHTS
1. Walk Through Rock 'n' Roll History
Follow the meteoric rise of the Surf Ballroom, rock ‘n’ roll, and three of its brightest stars – Buddy
Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson – from origins to their final fateful
performance at the Surf Ballroom. Encounter the sights and sounds that catapulted them into
stardom and left an indelible mark on music history.
2. Attend The Final Performance
Be a part of the joyous dancing crowd and feel the electric thrill of that final performance in February
1959. Let your heart sink as the noise of the party fades and the three stars board the small plane.
Stand in the piercing cold and blustery snow and hear the deafening silence that echoes down the
ages. Touch the hope that lets that legacy live on and on.
3. Buddy Up to the Legends
Not Fade Away offers an intimate glimpse into the lives, stories and legends of these musical icons,
as well as the many artists who have shared the spotlight at the Surf in the decades since. Peek
behind-the-scenes into private moments and personal stories that bring the music’s legacy to life.
4. Tune In to the Soundtrack of a Generation.
Immerse yourself in the revolutionary genre of American music that defined the 20th century – from
big band and jazz to country and rock ‘n’ roll, from chart-topping hits to lesser-known gems, hear the
songs that continue to inspire artists and fans today.
5. Step Into History
The Surf Ballroom is a National Historic Landmark, a living piece of history where the legacy of
American music and rock 'n' roll still echoes in every note. Explore the original spaces that capture
the spirit of the 1950s. Stay for one of our many stage concerts throughout the year and experience
firsthand the music that lives on and what keeps the heartbeat of the Surf going on and on.
MEC Ticketing and Hours
Hours Mon - Sat 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday Noon to 6 pm
Closed holidays
Adult general admission $27.00 (+ fees and taxes)
Youth admission (ages 5-17) $19
Ages 4 and under Free
Group rates 10-19 people:
$22 per person
20+ people
$20 per person
Special rates: $20
Available in-person with ID
Cerro Gordo County residents
Military veterans
Seniors 65+
First Tuesday of every month FREE ADMISSION
Admission ticket includes Historical artifact exhibits
Entry to the Not Fade Away immersive experience
Access to the historic Surf Ballroom and its displays
Admission to the Carl J. Fox House Museum
To inquire about group reservations, please email: info@surfballroom.com
or call our box office at (641) 357-6151.
More than a ballroom, museum or memorial, The Surf is a lived experience. It’s the unfolding legacy
of a moment in time that changed the world – and its music – forever. Three stars fell from the sky
that snowy night in 1959, but their history-shifting musical innovations still ride the airwaves today.
The Surf isn’t just a place – it’s what happens in that place. What has always happened in that place.
Because once a legend is born, it never fades away.
ABOUT THE SURF BALLROOM & MUSEUM
The legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum is one of only four music venues in the United States
designated as a National Historic Landmark. Best known as the final performance site of Buddy
Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, the Surf has welcomed generations of musical artists and
fans since 1933. Today, it is a vibrant year-round venue that amplifies the legacy of music culture,
education and performance – it’s where the music lives. The Surf is operated by the North Iowa
Cultural Center & Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and will expand its
offerings with the new Music Experience Center (MEC), an immersive attraction, artifact exhibit and
event space, opening September 2025.
MISSION STATEMENT
The North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum is organized to preserve, maintain and manage the
historic Surf Ballroom property as a center utilized to enhance the quality of life in the North Iowa
area by providing cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities.
460 North Shore Drive
Clear Lake, Iowa
The Surf Ballroom is a landmark music hall with a retro beach-club vibe and a booth-lined dance
floor often filled to capacity with fans of live music shows.
The Surf Ballroom has a capacity of 2,100 and accommodates visitors with 30,000 square feet of
entertainment space, including a 6,300 sq ft dance floor. It is often filled to capacity with the music of
internationally-known performers.
After a devastating fire in 1947 reduced the original 1933 building to ashes, the Surf Ballroom was
built and reopened in its current iteration in 1948. Big bands of the swing era hadn’t truly made it until
they performed at The Surf. An early host to rock ‘n’ roll musicians, acts like
The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, Little Richard and Jan and Dean specifically sought
to play this venue.
The Surf Ballroom & Museum is one of only four entertainment venues with National Historic
Landmark status in the entire U.S. This designation is used to recognize and honor the nation’s
cultural and historic heritage. The Surf joins Carnegie Hall in New York, the Apollo Theater in
Harlem, and the Ryman Theater in Nashville (home of The Grand Ole Opry) as emblems of
touchstone moments in American culture and history.
January 2008 The North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum assumes operations of the Surf
Ballroom and operates the venue as a non-profit organization. The building
is leased to NICCM by the Dean Snyder family, who have owned the
ballroom since 1994.
August 2008 The Surf officially becomes a non-profit corporation and achieved 501c3
status through the Internal Revenue Service.
Jan 27, 2009 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio,
dedicated The Surf Ballroom as a historic rock ‘n’ roll landmark as part of
the museum's ongoing Landmark Series, which identifies locations in
America that are significant to the origins and development of rock and roll.
The commemorative plaque reads: "There are few buildings in existence
today that represent a complete shift in our musical history. As the last
concert venue for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper"
Richardson, the Surf is the bedrock of where the sound and attitude of
rock and roll changed forever."
Sept 16, 2011 The Surf Ballroom & Museum is officially listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Jan 13, 2021 The U.S. Department of the Interior designated The Surf Ballroom a
National Historic Landmark, recognizing its enduring role in the history of
American music. The Surf is Iowa's 27th National Historic Landmark.
The Surf Ballroom is a premier venue for live music shows in north Iowa, hosting artists and bands in
all genres – from rock, country, blues and folk to hair bands, reggae, funk, punk and big band
orchestras. Occasionally, the Surf books appearances from notable comedians, as well.
During summers, when Clear Lake is full of vacationing tourists, the Surf hosts its Surf Sounds
Series – free live music by well-known regional musicians on Thursday evenings. There’s also the
beloved Big Band Series, with live performances on Sunday evenings of music of the golden age of
swing, dancing from 6-9 pm. These series are sponsored in part by Raymond JamesⓇ, Clear Lake
Bank & Trust, and Dean Snyder Construction.
The majority of the Surf’s events are general admission (standing only), however upgrades to
seating in the ballroom’s original booths are often available. Occasionally, some shows will have floor
seating or even tables and chairs, like for the Big Band Series.
The Surf provides an extensive and detailed techpack to help performers’ organizations plan their
productions. Our expert electric, lighting and sound production optimizes the live music experience.
Many notable artists and groups have performed at the legendary Surf Ballroom through the years:
Ace Frehley July 5, 2015
Jerry Lee Lewis Feb 5, 2011
Aerosmith Sept 21, 1973
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Sept 10, 2021
Alice Cooper July 20, 2003
Johnny Cash Dec 17, 1961
B.B. King July 1, 2007
Judas Priest July 11, 2002
Bachman-Turner Overdrive June 19, 2024
Kenny Loggins April 20, 2012
Beach Boys May 5, 1963
Kenny Rogers April 9, 1999
The Big Bopper Feb 2, 1959
Kris Kristofferson July 24, 2012
Bill Burr Nov 2, 2017
Louis Armstrong Feb 27, 1960
Bill Haley and His Comets Sept 5, 1957
Martina McBride May 10, 2014
Blake Shelton May 22, 2004
Merle Haggard April 22, 2004
Blue Oyster Cult June 20, 2008
Molly Hatchet Nov 18, 2016
Blues Traveler Aug 19, 2011
The Oak Ridge Boys May 4, 1996
Brian Setzer June 9, 2015
Peter Frampton June 22, 2007
Buddy Holly & the Crickets Feb 2, 1959
The Psychedelic Furs Aug 8, 2018
Cab Calloway July 21, 1935
Quiet Riot Oct 21, 2022
Carl Perkins Feb 2, 1991
REO Speedwagon July 11, 1997
Cheap Trick May 25, 2002
Reverend Horton Heat Nov 22, 2024
Chicago April 25, 2013
Rick Springfield July 1, 2022
Chubby Checker Feb 1, 2014
Ritchie Valens Feb 2, 1959
Conway Twitty Sept 6, 1964
Roy Orbison July 12, 1964
Dion & the Belmonts Feb 2, 1959
Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs Nov 25, 1965
Don McLean Feb 3, 2022
Santana Aug 6, 1974
The Doobie Brothers May 19, 2007
Sir Mix-a-Lot July 2, 2022
The Doors Oct 12, 1967
Slash Sept 6, 2010
Duke Ellington April 8, 1951
Slim Jim Phantom Feb 3, 2024
Dwight Yoakum Sep 15, 2000
Stryper March 22, 2014
Eddie Money March 27, 2015
Styx Aug 19, 1999
The Everly Brothers June 27, 1965
Ted Nugent July 23, 2003
Foghat June 20, 2008
Three Dog Night Aug 26, 2023
Foreigner July 10, 1998
Vince Neil April 28, 2012
Frankie Sardo Feb 2, 1959
The Wallflowers Aug 2, 2017
Frank Sinatra Oct 7, 1940
“Weird Al” Yankovic June 9, 2018
Gene Simmons May 2, 2018
Whitesnake July 14, 2015
George Clinton & Parliament Oct 5, 2018
Willie Nelson May 15, 2013
George Thorogood Aug 3, 2001
The Yardbirds Dec 19, 1965
Guy Lombardo June 14, 1957
ZZ Top Oct 28, 2011
* Dates of first appearance at The Surf Ballroom
A New Book
© Tommy Canale / Amazon USA
Published July 27, 2025
Buddy Holly Center
Buddy's Birthday 2025
© Buddy Holly Center, Lubbock TX 2025
(As seen on Facebook)
2025 Winter Dance Party Lineup
© Surf Ballroom Clear Lake IA
For more information have a look at their website:
https://www.surfballroom.com/wdpLineup.html
Keeping The Memory Alive
Upcoming Jamie & Sherry Gigs In Scotland
© Jamie Bell
Spread The News !
A NEW BUDDY HOLLY MOVIE ?
© 2024 Variety Media LLC
Thanks to Lothar Pedd
NEW BUDDY HOLLY BOOK COMING SOON
© Genesis Publications 2023
Born out of a conversation with Roger Daltrey, who first conceived the idea of Words of Love back in 2017, Genesis Publications is honoured to publish the definitive celebration of musician, songwriter and rock and roll trailblazer, Buddy Holly.
In partnership with María Elena Holly and the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, this seminal volume covers Buddy's life, music and enduring legacy, offering an unseen perspective on the man behind the timeless music. This edition is presented as a limited edition boxed set of just 559 copies and features original cover art created specially by Ronnie Wood, with a foreword by María Elena Holly and an introduction by esteemed music critic Greil Marcus. The proceeds will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.
Screenshot
The book is narrated by over 80 of the world's most influential musicians, such as David Gilmour, Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend and Brian Wilson, explaining what Buddy Holly means to them. Words of Love unravels the complexities of Holly's enduring legacy, from his Texan roots, to his work in the studio and on tour with the Crickets, to his inner creative world and the final months of innovation in New York City that preceded his tragic death.
Words of Love charts the unusual rise of a musical pioneer who defied conventions and changed the course of music history. Buddy's career is presented through a large collection of never-before-seen photography and personal items belonging to Buddy Holly, accompanied by the stories of those close to him, including María Elena Holly.
© genesis-publications.com 2023
CLEAR LAKE - SURF BALLROOM Feb 2024
© Surf Ballroom 2024
NEVER FORGOTTEN
( Forthcoming Events In February, 2023 )
USA
Thanks to Dave Skinner and Roddy Jordan
More about J.P. here on my 'old' website :
- The J.P. McDermott Story -
https://www.buddyhollylives.info/archiv/526962/2503610.html
------------------------------------------------
U.K.
Thanks to Dave Parsons and Roddy Jordan
USA
Thanks to Roddy Jordan for letting me know
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCERT POSTER WORLD RECORD
Unbelievable, but true:
The Rarest Known Buddy Holly Poster For Feb 3, 1959,
Told To Be The Only Existing Poster For The 2 Moorhead WDP Concerts,
Sells For
$ 447,000 !
Thanx to Dave Parsons and Roddy Jordan for the information!
© HERITAGE AUCTIONS and 5d-blog.com, 2022
It happened on Nov 11, 2022
WDP 2023 - SURF BALLROOM
Here is the line-up for the 2023 memorial events honoring the 3 stars Buddy, Ritchie and J.P..
© Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake IA 2022
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonny West in Hemsby
R.I.P. Sonny West
July 30, 1937 - September 8, 2022
Songwriter of Buddy Holly’s ‘Oh Boy’, ‘Rave On’
Sonny West dies
By KCBD Staff (Thank you!)
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD)
It is with heavy hearts we share with Buddy Holly fans
and Rockabilly aficionados, Sonny West, most notably
the songwriter of “Oh Boy” and “Rave On”,
passed away on September 8, 2022 in Grove Oklahoma.
Sonny on stage, SURF Ballroom Clear Lake IA, Feb 1, 2020
Sonny West, was born as Joe Bob West in West Texas on July 30, 1937.
Though Sonny lived many years in Texas and throughout the Southwest,
he resided in Northeast Oklahoma the last two years of his life.
Sonny West with Buddy Holly's brothers, Larry and Travis
Sonny wrote songs, and was a man of many other talents as well,
being a self-taught silversmith and artist of beautiful silver and turquoise
jewelry inspired by the Native Navajo and Zuni American Tribes
of New Mexico. Sonny was also an inventor.
He single-handedly manufactured vinyl record needles for
jukeboxes around the world. In more recent years, Sonny was
a maker of several styles of guitars showcasing
that special sound of a bygone era.
Sonny in the SURF Ballroom, Feb 1, 2020
Many of us in Sonny’s world, felt he was there at the very beginning of real Rock-n-Roll music, and fortunately crossed paths with Buddy Holly at just the right time, when they were mere teenagers. He has now become one of the last to close out that era.
Before his songs made the Billboard charts with Buddy Holly’s rendition, Sonny had recorded the double-sided 45 record “Rock-ola Ruby” and “Sweet Rockin’ Baby” in 1956. These songs are considered by many to be the beginning of the Rockabilly genre, where it led to what we know as Rock-n-Roll Music.
ROCK-OLA RUBY
SWEET ROCKIN' BABY
Sonny's Business card, from Hans' collection
Sonny is one of the original inductees of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame,
the West Texas Musicians Hall of Fame,
The BMI Million Airplays Award for Sonny West
and is a recipient of BMI’s Million Airplays Award.
His songs have been recorded by scores of artists and featured in
dozens of television shows, films, documentaries, and television ads.
2 Friends: Sonny West & Tommy Allsup
Until recently, Sonny performed in live shows in Europe and the U.S.,
entertaining fans with his well-known classics. He was proud to be
a part of the rich history his music had been an integral part of.
He is survived by one sister, two daughters, two step-sons, a step-daughter,
four grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife.
Public visitation date and time are pending.
A public “Rave On” Celebration of Life will also be planned
for November in Oklahoma. If you would like to attend,
inquire by email at RaveOn.SonnyWest@gmail.com
If you were impacted by Rockabilly Music, or specifically Sonny’s songs,
and would like to share memories, photos or other correspondence, please write to:
Sandra Fay West-Haynes
PO Box 451391Grove OK 74345-1391
In lieu of flowers, please send support to the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. (tbhef.org)
© 2022 KCBD. All rights reserved.
Editor's note:
Sonny West was more than a friend to me, he was my buddy
for 17 years. The friendship began in 2005, when I started
my Buddy Holly Fan Pages buddyhollylives.info
Rest In Peace, Sonny ! We all miss you !
Hans
All photos added to this © KCBD article were sent to Hans (editor) by Sonny West himself
with written permission for publication on this website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R.I.P. Jerry Ivan Allison
August 31, 1939 - August 22, 2022
The Last Surviving Member Of The Original Buddy Holly And The Crickets Band,
Drummer Jerry Ivan Allison, Passed Away
Editorial Text © 2022 PA News Agency
/.Crickets.jpg/picture-200?_=182c9c31749 "THE_CRICKETS")
Buddy, Joe B. and Jerry
Musician Jerry Allison, who played alongside Buddy Holly in American rock band The Crickets, has died.
The drummer, who is credited with co-writing hits including That’ll Be the Day and Peggy Sue,
died on Monday aged 82. His death was announced on the official Buddy Holly Facebook page,
with a statement paying tribute to Allison as a “musician ahead of his time”.
/.Jerry%20I.%20Allison%20July%201990%20Happy%20Days%20Club%20Dallas.jpeg/picture-200?_=182c9c08bbf "Jerry Allison 1989 by © Steve Bonner")
Photo by © Steve Bonner, taken December 1989
at the Happy Day's Club in Dallas
Thanks to Roddy Jordan for sharing !
“Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Allison,
drummer in the Crickets, one of Buddy’s very closest friends,
and the inspiration to drummers for decades since,
who passed away today at the age of 82,” the statement read.
“JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy,
ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets,
and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success.
“Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote
and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.”
The Crickets were formed by singer-songwriter Holly in January 1957.
Their first hit record, That’ll Be the Day was released in May 1957
and peaked at number three on the Billboard Top 100 chart in September that year.
/.LP_UK_004_F.jpg/picture-200?_=182c9d0009f "LP")
From Ian Higham's Collection
The cover of their first album, The ‘Chirping’ Crickets, showed
the band line-up at the time of Holly, Allison, Niki Sullivan, and Joe B Mauldin.
Of that four, Allison was the last living member with Sullivan and Mauldin
having died in 2004 and 2017, respectively.
Holly himself died in an air crash in 1959, aged only 22.
The Crickets, who also at one time included country musician Waylon Jennings,
were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
2022 inductees
Maria Elena Holley, Buddy's widow, with the latest posthumous award for our Buddy.
