Your Buddy John

Sonny West, a rockabilly hall of fame inductee and west Texas walk of fame is perhaps best known for being the main writer on two of Buddy Holly's very beloved songs, "Oh, Boy," and "Rave On."   Sonny discusses his background, working with Buddy's producer Norman Petty and how he felt when he heard the news about the "day the music died" and much more.

John interviews his fellow Winter Dance Party performers Ray Anthony and Linwood Sasser on their humble beginnings, favorite memories of the tour, memories of Jay Richardson, the Big Bopper's son and much more.

Billy Vera has written songs recorded by Ricky Nelson, Barbara Lewis, Fats Domino, the Shirelles and even Dolly Parton's "I really got the Feeling." Billy himself had a smash #1 hit in 1987 with his song "At this Moment." He worked with Atlantic records great Jerry Wexler and was later signed by Warner music publishing and then got a record deal with Capitol records.  Somewhat of a renaissance man, Billy has acted in movies and TV shows, does lots of voice over work and won a Grammy award for his extensive album notes for a Ray Charles Box set and has his own memoir book out about his life called "Harlem to Hollywood" and there is also a documentary out about him with the same title. Hear his great stories, career highlights and more here!

Connie talks about Ritchie Valens's legacy and how he was like a father figure for her when she was growing up, her relationship with her mother, how Ritchie's spirit is still with her, how the "La Bamba" movie impacted the family, where his first guitar came from, Ritchie's induction ceremony to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, her involvement with the community in Iowa and her annual speech she gives for at risk youth at Forrest Ridge plus a whole lot more!

David Bigham sang backing vocals on Roy Oribison songs, Buddy Holly songs, Buddy Knox songs and more. He also toured in the fall of 1958 with Buddy Holly and the Crickets and many other stars on Alan Freed's Fall show of stars and worked quite frequently at Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, NM where Buddy recorded most of his popular songs. He has lived next door to the studio for over twenty years and still to this day will conduct a tour of the studio.  Enjoy his unique rock and roll recollections.