The Buddy Holly Center

Some years back, I went through a phase where I was really into 50s music. Not to say that I’m not into it anymore, but I was really into it then. I wore white shirts with a leather jacket over it, I sported a pompadour (a fro-like pomp) and used Brylcreem to slick back the sides. I listened to a lot of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino and plenty others. But the one that got me on this kick was Buddy Holly.

I remember seeing an infomercial for a 50s CD box set and Buddy came on my TV screen playing “Peggy Sue.” Now, before my 50s kick I was really into punk, but the poppier punk bands. I heard “Peggy Sue” and thought, “This song is so simple. There’s no horns or piano… It sounds like a pop punk song.” I was very intrigued. I immediately went out and bought Buddy Holly’s Greatest Hits and I was hooked. “That’ll Be The Day,” “Words Of Love,” “I’m Gonna Love You Too,” I fell in love with these songs. My very first professional recording I ever did included a cover of “Everyday.” My very first band even covered “Rave On.” There was even a time when I actually hoped I needed glasses so I could find a pair of frames that looked like Buddy’s. Luckily I got the 20/20 vision. 

While on tour playing bass for Jack Littman a couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to play a show in Lubbock, TX. The birthplace of Buddy Holly. I knew they had a statue and the Buddy Holly Center. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was blown away by what I saw. The museum had his grade school homework, his boy scouts uniform, records, recording equipment, guitars, personal photos and clothes. They had his room with his bed and drawers all set up how he had it. Optometrists papers and stuff… They even had the glasses found at the wreckage. They were all scratched up, it was a little eery. Unfortunately, there was no photography allowed in the museum, because I would have taken a picture of everything. It was really something else. Here are some photos from my visit.  

Ok, I snuck one photo… I had to! Look how cool these shoes are!!!

Also, unfortunately the statue was being moved and they hadn’t made the big unveiling of it in the new location. So I didn’t get to see it. But here’s a replica from the gift shop…

Crickets Ave… so bad ass…