Hey Buddy

Buddy Holly, American music icon, was a versatile Talent. He was a composer as well as an exciting performer.

His music inspired many artists of his time: Elvis, Fabian and Ricky Nelson. His musical inspiration reached around the world to musicians like Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon, The Knack. Performers today like Martina McBride still cover Buddy's songs. His music inspires musical generations from Don McClean's "American Pie" to Weezer's "Buddy Holly".

Me with John Mueller

I had an opportunity to speak with Joe Esposito, Elvis Presley's best friend, and I asked if Elvis had ever met Buddy or covered any of his songs. Though the artists covered some of the same songs, Joe did not believe they had ever met, and said that Elvis liked Buddy's music and respected his talent.

Beyond rocking the guitar, Buddy was one of the early rock and roll pioneers to use multi-track recording. Using creative license to play with tempo and rearrange scores, he often made multiple recordings of a song. Lucky for us there are literally hundreds of recordings of these musical arrangements waiting to be released.

John Mueller is the nation's premier Buddy Holly tribute artist. His portrayal is awesomely uncanny. Watching John perform, you'll think Buddy is in the theater! Buddy Holly's family endorses him as the "closest thing to Buddy." I have had the pleasure to meet John at several of his performances over the years.

With the Winter Dance Party Stars!

Like Buddy, John also composes his own music. His closes his shows with an original ode to Holly in a whimsical song called, "Hey Buddy."

John tours with the "Winter Dance Party" that includes performances by J.P. Richardson, Jr., the son of "The Big Bopper", and Ray Anthony who does an electric portrayal of Ritchie Valens.

Today marks the anniversary of the plane crash that took Buddy's life, and the lives of J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Ritchie Valens, and pilot, Roger Peterson.

Buddy Holly's inspiration lives on.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It is with a sad heart that I update this posting. J.P. Richardson Jr. "The Big Bopper Jr." passed away on August 21, 2013. I had the pleasure of seeing "Big Bopper Jr" perform several times at the Winter Dance Party Tours when it came to southeastern Wisconsin. His performance would have made his Dad proud. I had the opportunity to meet him and speak with him after one of the shows. He was cordial and funny, and it was clear he enjoyed being a part of his father's legacy. It will be difficult to attend future WDPs because JP Jr. was a true link to history, and he will surely be missed. Condolences to the Richardson family and a great big "Thank You" to them for sharing their husband/father/grandfather with the rest of us by allowing JP to tour. He brought much happiness to thousands of people.