Hello All, I wanted to annouce a very important addition to the Buddy Holly music catalog. A new CD called "Stay All Night - Buddy Holly's Country Roots" was just released and it features previously unheard tracks by Buddy Holly and his bandmates. Here is a site dedicated to this rare find and the history behind the artist and his peers... http://www.westtexasroots.com "Stay All Night - Buddy Holly's Country Roots" is the first account of Buddy Holly's West Texas Roots, performed by those who knew Holly best: Buddy's bandmates: Tommy Allsup, Carl Bunch, and Larry Welborn, and Buddy's earliest professional collaborator Jack Neal. They are joined by that swinging big band from down the road in Turkey, Texas - Bob Will's Texas Playboys. Adding to the account are Buddy's older brothers and mentors, Larry and Travis Holley, and his contemporaries Al Perkins and Billy Grammer. Featured also are a new generation of stars from Lubbock - The Flatlanders; Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock; and some Holly disciples from far beyond Lubbock including Robert Reynolds from the Mavericks, and blues masters Judy Luis-Watson and Paul Watson. Stay All Night is a must for Buddy Holly fans, vintage country fans and anyone who appreciates American roots music. Go to this website to learn more about Buddy Holly's Country Roots and to preview and purchase the Stay All Night Buddy Holly's Country Roots Project CD! http://www.westtexasroots.com Cheers, West Texas Roots

I've been a fan since 1957 hope I have compete record collection

Thank you to everyone who has signed our Guestbook. There is an interesting article in the July issue of Texas Highways magazine titled "Lubbock Makes Music Not Fade Away". Their web site is www.texashighways.com if you would like to read it. Vicky

Hey, I loved they music at the very start, and I love it today. cant tell you how many times i've sang these songs with you. the music just holds together and thats a fact. Every once in a while I get to see the miracles of the past, the music you and Buddy put together still makes me smile and I still get the warm feeling that it produced way back then. What can I say? THANK YOU and God bless.

Very nice and useful website. Please visit my website!!! :)

Just know these guys are a part of rock-n-roll history and are the real last of the cowboys of rock-n-roll.Appreciate them while they are here. You are best of the best God Bless all of you!!!:o)

buddy holly rocks,the picks rock,the whole fifties sound lives on,good luck guys in whatever you do and thanks for the music :)

Greetings! We are pleased to announce the launching of the NEW APACHE ELVIS 2004 WEBSITE @ URL: http://www.geocities.com/apache_elvis2004/ There are many features, including: *NEWS *THE FIFTIES *THE SIXTIES *THE SEVENTIES *THE STORE *LINKS *AUDIO/VIDEO *68 COMEBACK AND MUCH MUCH MORE! Please visit soon and leave a message in the Guestbook.

Happy Birthday, John!!! And many more great years! Your friends, Sonny and Dottie West

god save thepicks.

Thanks so much for your site!! I love Buddy Holly and the Picks! and I enjoy this site very much! Thank you all! Rave on!

Hello, I visited your site " http://www.pickrecords.com ", and I am quite impressed by the same. It is quite interesting to know about The Picks and their musical achievements. Best regards, Stella James stellaj@addr.com www.addr.com

Greetings

the picks were the saftey net in buddy holly's high wire act. their un-named voices are part of the fabric in the tapestry of popular culture. the picks sing to everyone. chas.pike

I've enjoyed my visit very much. Your site is really great. Keep up the excellent work you are doing! Sites like yours make it a pleasure to explore the web. When you have some free time I invite you to stop over to visit us again, and to offer any comments or suggestions you might have. Warmest Regards, Beverly aka Heartbeat Two.

PRESS RELEASE: Author Bob Lapham's schedule of events re Holly week. Author Bob Lapham will make three appearances in Lubbock during the third annual Buddy Holly Music Festival and Symposium Aug. 28-31 and will authgraph copies of his novel, "Meet Me at the River Buddy Holly." Lapham, of Abilene, will be at Hastings Books, 50th and Slide Road, Friday Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m.; at Ralph's Records, 3322 82nd, Saturday Aug. 30, 1-4 p.m.; and the Buddy Holly Center Sunday, Aug. 31, 3-4:30 p.m. "Meet Me at the River Buddy Holly," recently published is a story that includes contemporary drama, action, romance and intrigue, created around the actual happenings of the summer of 1957 in Clovis, N.M., when Holly and the Crickets were becoming established and recording at Norman Petty Studio. Lapham was a member of the pop vocal trio The Picks, who recorded with Petty and also included John Pickering and the late Bill Pickering. The three arranged and sang vocal backup to Holly on most of the early Crickets' hits, including "Maybe Baby," "Tell Me How" and "Oh Boy," as well as nine of the 12 songs in the now-classic rock 'n' roll LP, "The Chirping Crickets." "Meet Me at the River Buddy Holly" is published by 1st Books Library, 1-888-280-7715 or www.1stbooks.com. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase at all three stops during Lapham's appearances in Lubbock. The book will also be available on www.buddyhollyandthepicks.com web site Congratulations Bob!

Dear Everly Friends ! Again an update of my Everly Brothers Curiosities site. Included: -some unknown Everly pics- -great links- -Nice Everly Girl- -Everly musical- -Don and Phil swimming in the Green River- -and more……… Have fun folks ! Martin Alberts Kentucky Colonel

The PICKS - Exciting, Soulful, and Inovative...Absolutely the best vocal group to pass through the doors of the Petty Recording Studio in Clovis, New Mexico. Hey, John, You made lots of people sound mighty good.

Thanks for the Harmomies, and for the Memories. My very 1st LP was The Chirping Crickets - for which I worked 2 solid weeks during a 1958 school vacation. An incredibly beautiful legacy you guys have left for us all. God bless, VJ

Hi guys, great music you made with Buddy, great web site also, many thanks for all the enjoyment your CDs give

Congratulations to Paula Robinson for being the 10,000th guest to visit the web site. Thanks, Paula. John Pickering of The Picks

Hello,everybody.i am a guy from Hong Kong. i am a 22 years old guy. i love buddy holly very much for 4 years already. so, i would like to ask anyone can send me or post the chords(guitar) of his songs especially the song of true love ways. i love this song very much.i start to learn guitar in this week becoz of this song^_^. so, pls tell me if anyone can help me or tell which website has this kind of information. thanks a lot. kwanhei@hotmail.com

hi poppy hi mommo, i like your website. Love, your grandson jacob

never even looked at the website but what the heck it was great!!!!!!!!

I have only just become aware of The Picks because I, like many others, was under the apparent wrong impression that The Crickets were Buddy,s backing vocals. I have recently bought 'The Best of Buddy Holly and The Picks' and subsequently carried out a search on the Internet and discovered you. Thanks for a very informative website and be assured that I will correct anyone from now on as to who the 'real' backing vocals for Buddy realy was. All the very best from Hull, England.

John and Vicky...it was great to finally meet both of you in Lubbock last August. Thanks for signing for me there and for telling me about your website here. Best regards to you both.... Bruce

John and Vicky...it was great to get to meet both of you in Lubbock last August. Thanks for signing for me there and for telling me about your website here. Best regards to you both.... Bruce

Hi John! I do have more questions for you so you will be hearing from me again in a day or two. I finally had time to come and look at your website. I am very impressed. I still wish I knew what Rick Tucker sounds like. lol All the best. I will bug you later. Teresa from Ebay

Wow!, what can I say. Long, long time Buddy fan-have seen the theatre show 28 times - will go another 100 if am able. Enjoyed the Picks addition to Buddy's songs-Thanks

your page is awesome, all the best

I only came on here to find out who you are as me an my parents are going to a musical based on Buddy Holly! Loved the website, but we want to hear some real music All the best in health and safty Sarah

found the site by mistake, but im glad i did...Alan

Hello John and Vicky: This is the first time I found your site...but glad I did. Stay healthy and happy and keep the flame going!!!!!!! All My Love, All My Kissin' - SW

I have always thought that the songs made by Buddy Holly along with The Picks and The Crickets were some of the greatest in Rock Music history. I am very happy to learn that most of the people involved in Buddy's music are still with us.

HELLO VICKY AND JOHN GREAT WEBSITE.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND DON'T FORGET YOU HAVE MANY FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OUT THERE IN MUSIC LAND. WILL SEE YOU IN LUBBOCK IN SEPTEMBER 2003 WHERE I WILL HAVE ANOTHER BONUS RECORD FOR YOU.

DEAR JOHN AND VICKY, I AM AN OLD OLD FRIEND OF YOUR'S AND BILL'S. WE APPREARED IN SHOWS TOGETHER. I AM THRILLED TO READ ABOUT MY GOOD FRIENDS, ESPECIALLY, THAT YOU DID THE BACK UP FOR BUDDY HOLLY.I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT ALL ABOUT BILL, AS WE WERE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS. SINCERELY, JOANN FISHER MOTE

I always knew that the crickets never sang backup to buddy holly's big hits, but i knever knew the name of the real group that sang backup. You guys are great.It is a shame that you never got the recognition that you so deserve.Buddy's music would not have been the same without you.Good luck in the future, and i hope that someday you will get the recognition that you deserve.

A great site--very interesting and informative! I had no idea The Picks had been so ignored, neglected and diminished. This site will go a long way in righting this wrong. Keep up the good work!

Great website, but we want to hear some tunes.

I enjoyed looking at the site. I will always cherish the memories of you singing at my wedding. God Bless you both.

Thanks for the very interesting website.I remember the last time Buddy played in Duluth. I believe it was his last performance.

Thanks for signing my Guestbook. Have put your website in my Favorites. I have take the time to go through your site. Very good site. Lot of information. For other visitors, please visit my Everly Brothers LP/CD collection site. Thanks, Best wishes and KEEP IT EVERLY. Piet Piekstra from The Netherlands.

Thank you for the e-mail and informational web site. It's always great to read about the legends of our younger years. Keep up the good work!!!!!!

Hey BO DIDDLEY fans! After you've visited this great Pick Records website, you are invited to visit BO DIDDLEY-The Originator at http://members.tripod.com/~Originator_2/index.html and celebrate his unique contribution to Popular Music. Don't forget that the great new CD "Buddy Holly & The Picks In 2000 AD" released on Pick Records PCD 3331 includes 2 songs that were written by BO DIDDLEY: "Bo Diddley" and "Love Is Strange". Buddy Holly & The Picks' wonderful music will "Not Fade Away".

Hi John & Vicky! THANKYOUTHANKYOUVERYMUCH for your KIND RBHoF invitation to this FAB FULL of R N'R History Web Site.Please keep up the EXCELLENT work!Please visit and please sign the Elvis guestbook to tell ALL the Elvis Fans & Music Lovers Worldwide about your ROCKIN' Web Home.KINDEST REGARDS,AMIGO,Lee.

Thank you very much for your info and e mail, what can i say...rock and roll is my life style, yes it's the truth!!! I dont know if i will be in TX for the next month but probably i will go there soon... Sincerely Massimo

Dear Sir, thank you so much for your E-Mail. You makes me very proud. It´s the first time that i have contact with great Rock and Roll Legends. Buddy Holly and the Picks wrote Rock and Roll historic. Thank you so much. God bless you Michy

I enjoyed my visit to your website very much !! Thanks for inviting me !! Buster

I have wonderful memories of enjoying the music of Buddy Holly and you guys: the first LP I ever bought was the "Buddy Holly Story" back in 1959.

That era of music will never be equaled again.most of what we are getting now is crap.

Hi John, Thought I'd look a the website again! love it - so interesting and informative! Thankyou Sir! regards mags

Hey guys-this is a great web site.I have been a huge fan of Buddy Holly and the Crickets for years now.It's nice to see this.

Excellent web site and History Lesson.... god bless

JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO ANOTHER PICKERING HAVE YOU EVER CHECKED OUT THE PICKERING NAME AND WERE WE ALL CAME FROM. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOMETIMES WHEN YOU HAVE TIME TO WRITE

I have been a Buddy Holly fan for more years then I care to remember. What a sound he has. I never realized that you guys existed. I aways thought that the Crickets were his back-up group. You guys need to be recognized for who you are and your contribution to Rock & Roll. God Bless and Thanks for the memories.

Dear John & Vicky, We enjoyed looking at your web site and reading the comments from fans. Those were great times in the 50's and we all have memories that we will never forget. Keep serving The Lord with your music. Love, Gary & Ramona

I always wondered who the background singers were on the original Holly/Cricket recordings!! I wish that recognition had come sooner to The Picks but that is the nature of that business. You guys were at the heart of young 20th Century America's explosion of change & growth thru the simplicity of the heart-felt music. Buddy was a great talent and above all a great human being. I had the privelege of meeting his Mom along with MY Mom at a BHMS Convention in Lubbock back in 1979, and also brother Travis, former bandmate Nikki Sullivan, Bill Griggs and other friends, and it was a wonderful time. I am glad to hear that Gospel is the main musical emphasis these days for the remaining Picks, Thank You Jesus!!! God Bless You All and know that regardless of past lack of recognition there are many who appreciate your contribution to the music. Yours In The Lord, JO-EL SOBOUL

I vaguely remember Buddy Holly from my formative years. You guys had good stuff. Keep it up! Cousin Tony

I vaguely remember Buddy Holly from my formative years. He had good stuff. Keep it up! Cousin Tony

buddy and u guys r the best ever, not a day goes by that i dont listen to you. long live buddy

WHAT A GREAT WORK YOURSELVES AND BUDDY DID. IT IS QUITE A CHANGE FROM JUST DRUMS AND BASS. I HAVE A 3 CD ALBUM OF HOLLY AND THE PICKS AND NOT A DAY GOES BY WITHOUT ME LISTENING TO SOME OF IT. GREAT WORK ADRIAN FARACI

Just been listening to double CD Buddy Holly & The Picks. Was unaware of your story which I've learned from the net. Loved the CDs and glad to know the truth

A Great site it is,thank you all for what you did for the music we love so much. King regards Nol.

Good luck with your site and your recordings; I look forward to hearing more about the book! (And thanks for putting me straight!)

WE VISITED THE BUDDY HOLLEY SHINGDING LAST AUGUST. WE DID ENJOY VERY MUCH. IF THERE ARE ANYMORE ACTIVITIES OF THIS TYPE; WE WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED! TERESA SAGER

It's really amazing that I never heard of you guys until I accidently came across your website (another story).Born in Houston in 1939, moved to Lubbock about 1945, went to LHS w/Joe B.Mauldin, took guitar lessons w/Jerry Allison, listened to Waylon on KDAV, The Crickets played at our "home room" at least once while at LHS, I remember the Norman Petty Trio, and yet it amazes me, I NEVER heard of you guys. I am VERY glad to learn of your part in the MUSIC. May the MUSIC never DIE!!

Great website! Yeah! Keep it up! The VIDEO BEAT! Rare 1950s & 1960s Rock n Roll on Video! http://www.thevideobeat.com

Buddy has always been my favourite artist. I found a CD of Buddy Holly & the Picks and did a search for "The Picks" as I had never heard of them. Thank you for informing me of the facts. Great Website. Keep on Rockin' - Bill

I've always been a Buddy Holly Fan and now as Paul Harvey says I know the rest of the story!!! Very informative site guys. After reading about the Picks I realize Buddy Holly wasn't the only guy to get the shaft from Norman Petty. Good Luck Guys

Great website! Yeah! Keep it up!

I was weaned on Buddys music along with all the others of the time, Little Richard, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Chuck, Ritchie, etc. and it is great to see your site keeping Buddys` memory and music alive, and letting people know the hidden facts of these days. I wish you all well for the future.

I grew up with Buddy's music in the 50's and 60's and did it influence us some! I never realised the existence of the Picks until recently. There were two sides to the Norman Petty coin apparently.

glad I found your site...very interesting and thanks for all you have done for Rock and Roll...from a re-inspired guitarist from the 60's

Have just found a copy of "Buddy Holly & the Picks Vol 1" with mixes I didn't remember so I visited an un-named site and Ziltch! but Google found you. 30 years late!! A very good site.

This GROUP was all mine in my YOUTH, this was part of me then and still is. THE MUSIC NEVER DIES.

This site is just soooo good! WELL DONE!!!

GREAT , INFORMATIVE WEBSITE! I FIRST HEARD A BUDDY HOLLY 78 BACK IN 1967 ON AN AUTIES RADIOGRAM! THE SOUND OF HOLLY JUST AMAZED ME! HEARD NOTHING AS GOOD AS IT SINCE!! RAVE ON FOREVER........DAVE UK

John: Great Site! This is Cord Coslor with Celebrity Direct Entertainment (and also the publisher of The Archive News magazine)... and look forward to getting back in touch with you. Maybe we could book you at a few shows? :-) I'll be in touch soon, CORD COSLOR www.CelebrityDirect.net

I STILL LOVE BUDDY HOLLY - HIS MUSIC HAS BEEN WITH ME ALL MY LIFE - THANK YOU JOHN PICKERING.

GLAD TO SEE THIS. VERY INTERESTING. I WILL PASS THIS TO A FRIEND.

Very interesting website and information on The Picks. Always been a big Buddy Holly fan and always interested in learning more. Thanks!

Thanks much for setting the "record" straight.

send me information on your products

Great site,will look at buying some of the stuff when the Aussie dollar becomes worth money again, in the meantime, come and have a look at my "Buddy Holly Lives" site http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Amphitheatre/9791/index.html or alternately the link page which includes Duane Eddy and Eddie Cochran http://members.nbci.com/jtboot/ Regards from Paradise

Great site,will look at buying some of the stuff when the Aussie dollar becomes worth money again, in the meantime, come and have a look at my "Buddy Holly Lives" site or alternately the link page which includes Duane Eddy and Eddie Cochran Regards from Paradise

Thank you John and Vicky for your impact on my life and efforts in ministry. God bless you both in all that you do.

Hi John I met you a few years ago at the Clovis Music Festival 1987. You signed my limited ed Buddy Bolly white lp. I was in a wheelchair and you came up and introduced yourself to me. Hope you are doing well. I would like to purchase a copy of each item that is available. Didn't know you released LOOK TO THE FUTURE. Thanks for the music!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! Hope you have a great one (March 8th)

We would like to say thank you to the fans who have visited our web site.

What a fascinating story, about which I knew nothing. I have just found www.kdav.com and listen as often as possible. The sound of Buddy will NEVER die. Thank you.

Thank you for the great music, it will live forever! Your site is great as well - very interesting! Greetings from a Norwegian Buddy Holly fan.

Buddy Holly and The Crickets and The Picks are still the best. It's still great to listen everyday to Buddy's music. It gives me a good feeling. Thanks, Greetings Albert

Buddy Holly and The Crickets and The Picks are still the best. Thanks for giving me the pleasure in your music. Greetings Albert

just want to let you know i love and appreciate the great music you've created over the years!!

We really enjoy the time we spend with you guys.

Hi guys !

Great site with accurate info Thanks John and Vickie

great site with accurate info thanks John and Vickie

WOW!!You learn a lot of truth, from days that have passed. These sound like they where days fun and joy. Thanks and keep it coming.

great sight we learn something EVERDAY Ill be back

GREAT TO SEE THE SITE!! I DJ SAT NITES 8-12 @ KDAV...ANY CHANCE OF YOU GETTING SOMEMORE OF THE 50'S & 60'S 45'S OF THE DUO STUFF,OR A CD OF THE EARLY STUFF?WOULD LOVE TO PLAY SOME ON THE AIR!!!!!!

Great Website-great to preserve precious memories. Inspires me to contruct mine.

We hope you enjoyed our site. Check back in the future for more updates on The Picks and their music.