– Buddy Holly – The Apartment demos – December 1958-January 1959 –
Without question, Buddy Holly was one of the most influential figures in the early days of Rock n’ Roll. That his career was cut short by a tragic plane crash at the height of popularity only fuels discussion, even to this day, about the what-ifs and might’ve been’s had he continued for decades more.
These tapes, which were found in his Greenwich Village apartment shortly after his death may offer some clues. Recorded on his newly-acquired Ampex tape machine, the tracks are remarkably clean. So clean, that several of the recordings were issued commercially with a band dubbed in. But many of the tracks, the ones we’re playing tonight, weren’t issued and have languished until recently when they were circulated to several collectors around the country, along with several rarities and sessions he played on, but didn’t sing on. All of these were recorded between December 3, 1958 and January 22, 1959.
Here’s a breakdown of the songs featured:
Wait Til The Sun Shines Nellie
Recorded between January 1 and 22, 1959
Buddy Holly – vocal and acoustic guitar,
Recorded at the request of Buddy’s mother.
That’s What They Say
Take 2 – Home Recording Undubbed
December 3 1958
Buddy Holly – vocal & accoustic guitar.
What To Do
Home Recording Undubbed
December 3 1958
Buddy Holly – vocal & acoustic guitar.
That Makes It Tough
Home Recording Undubbed
December 8 1958
Buddy Holly – vocal & acoustic guitar
Slippin’ And Slidin’
Take 1 Fast Version – Home Recording Undubbed
Recorded between January 1 and 22, 1959.
Buddy Holly – vocal & electric guitar.
Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Take 1 – Home Recording Undubbed
Recorded between January 1 and 22, 1959.
Buddy Holly – vocal & electric guitar.
Slippin’ And Slidin’
Take 2 Slow Version
Recorded between January 1 and 22, 1959.
Buddy Holly – vocal & acoustic guitar
Peggy Sue Got Married
Home Recording Undubbed
December 5 1958
Buddy Holly – vocal & acoustic guitar.
Dearest
Take 2 – Home Recording Undubbed
Recorded between January 1 and 22, 1959
Buddy Holly – vocal & acoustic guitar.
A historic document from a pivotal figure in the history of Rock. Luckily for everyone, the recorded sound is excellent, which is sadly not often the case with recordings like these. Anyone who has even a passing interest in the early days of Rock and what happened, how things evolved, will find these of incredible instructive value. Buddy Holly was a wildly influential figure, certainly in the years of the British Invasion of the early 1960s. His music and his style were closely studied and copied; there was even a band named after him.
And tonight you get to hear why.
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Gordon, this was fantastic – a great trip down memory lane for me. I hail from England originally, where Buddy was HUGE. He was my first rock star.
So glad you liked it. Buddy Holly was such a pivotal artist to so many people – he really was an enormous influence. When I ran across these recordings it brought home just what a great influence he was. Hearing him in this raw, very pure and uncluttered setting you get the unmistakable impression he was no ordinary musician. This is the sort of stuff I love sharing with people – it becomes a very enjoyable learning experience.
Gordon