In a message dated 7/31/2001 6:02:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
pixelsmith@gerardsgarage.com writes:
> Don't forget Roy Orbison. I think he's really the foundation of which you
> speak, (inspiration to many even today), but was frequently unappreciated
> by the public at large (maybe still).
Gerard: I agree--Orbison was a driving force, unappreciated, but Elvis
called Orbison the greatest rock and roll singer. Sun Studios in Memphis is
a really nice tour (of one room, yet) to get the feel of where these guys
recorded. Buddy took it to the British in his tours over there, and was even
more loved over there than here at home. Among his audiences were young
unknowns later to become Beatles and Rolling Stones, both of whom mention
Buddy when they talk about their influences. Both John Lennon and Paul
McCartney acknowledged their debt to Buddy, pointing out that the first FORTY
songs they wrote were directly inspired by Buddy. George Harrison, in fact,
learned to play the guitar by listening to a collection of Holly records that
a friend , who had once met Buddy, had lent him.
That is also, I am sure, why the musical play "Buddy!" has played to packed
houses for something like 12 years so far in London. I have seen it twice
there. A truly great play--rocks the entire house of young and old. Highly
recommended!!! You have to keep reminging yourself that you are not
witnessing the real Buddy Holly and the real Bopper. They do a great job.
The last Valens was not as beliveable as the first one I saw.
Anyway I could go on and on, but better quit in favor of the cars.
--David C.
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