Your Buddy John

Robby Vee is a guitar slinging rock and roller from very good stock, his father being the one and only Bobby Vee who had many hit records including "Devil or Angel," "Take Good Care of My Baby," "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," "More Than I can Say," and many others.  In this episode Robby discusses his father filling in for Buddy Holly on a very fateful Feb 3rd, 1959, how Bobby got his career started, what it was like being raised in Bel Air, California when your father is a major recording star, working with the Shirelles, Bo Diddley, and getting invited to jam and hang with Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones.  Robby also talks about his weirdest, most hilarious gig ever, his upcoming projects and much more!

Dickie Harrell was the original drummer of Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps who were inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2012.  Dickie recounts that night, how he first got hooked up with Gene Vincent, some wild stage antics involving firecrackers, recording at Capitol records, the time he met Elvis and a whole lot more.

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!