Buddy Holly was already a big star before he ever went to New York to record, due mostly to the 12 songs of Brunswick Records' "The 'Chirping' Crickets" album and his Coral Records' solo release of "Peggy Sue". In fact, his biggest all-time hits, while he lived, were all recorded at Norman Petty's 7th Street Studio in Clovis, New Mexico, in 1957.

By now well known in most of the world, The Picks have received greatly appreciated localized and sporadic media coverage in recent years, but no national coverage in their own country, where distribution has been very difficult. Now listed in most books about Buddy Holly, The Picks are supportive of the music and the memory of Buddy Holly, the Star.

It cannot be denied that The Picks helped Buddy Holly succeed with their overdubbed backup harmonies, especially in the crucial early stages of his career. For example, "Oh Boy", as recorded by Buddy Holly & The Picks/Crickets, has already received for writer Sonny West BMI's Special Citation of Achievement in recognition of the great national popularity as measured by over one million broadcast performances attained by the song. Recently, a picture of that citation held by Sonny West was received by John Pickering, with the following inscription: "John, I owe a lot to you for this - Sonny".

It should be mentioned that in 1987, John and Vicky Pickering returned to Clovis, New Mexico, where John recorded three gospel albums (as well as a solo version of "True Love Ways").  Many of the gospel songs were written by John. The couple stayed in the apartment in the back of the old 7^th Street Recording Studio. They were there off and on for a period of three months. While there, they helped plan and organize the first "Clovis Music Festival".

In December 1987, John and Vicky attended the filming of "A Tribute To The Crickets" (with the instrumental Crickets and numerous other legendary artists) filmed at Austin City Limits. Backstage, Kris Kristofferson told John "I learned harmonies listening to you guys on 'The Chirping Crickets' album".  His autograph to John stated "Thanks for showing us the way". Acting as master of ceremonies, Kris introduced Buddy's family members, his widow Maria Elena Holly, Norman Petty's widow Vi Petty, and John Pickering of The Picks to the studio and film audience. John Pickering's introduction was removed from the edited film version that was released for television viewing audiences.

Later overdubs are designed to help keep Buddy's memory alive by making it possible for fans to hear more "Crickets-like" group-sound versions similar to the nine originals of 1957. They are also designed to bring recognition of The Picks overall contributions - especially on behalf of the late Bill Pickering.

In December 1957, Buddy Holly personally thanked The Picks for their work on his behalf.  He stuck out his hand and said "You guys made that album ("The 'Chirping' Crickets"), and I'll never forget it". His public compliments of "Oh Boy" and his desire for The Picks to perform with him on the "Ed Sullivan Show" were additional proof that he appreciated their work. [Buddy Holly bought them tickets, but for reasons still not clear, the trip and their appearance with Buddy Holly was cancelled.]

The Picks will always appreciate Buddy Holly's personal show of confidence and appreciation. They are grateful to him for allowing them to be a part of his legendary career. John Pickering has exemplified The Picks respect for Buddy Holly with his compositions "Buddy Holly Not Fade Away" (1980s) and "Forever 22" (1990s). These songs are found on many "Buddy Holly & The Picks" CDs released worldwide. Recently, Buddy's brother Travis, who posed for the Buddy Holly statue in Lubbock, wrote to John and said "It takes the best to sing with the best".  [The Picks were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of  Fame (as seen on that web site) in 1998.]

Almost 43 years after The Picks sang with Buddy Holly in July/October 1957, the Buddy Holly Museum was opened in September 1999 at Lubbock, Texas. Featured there is the first and only group-sound album released while Buddy Holly was alive. This is "The 'Chirping' Crickets" album (Brunswick BL 54038, 33 1/3 LP, 1957), which contains all nine of the original Crickets' releases containing the voices of The Picks: Bill Pickering, John Pickering and Bob Lapham. Songs like "Oh Boy" and "Maybe Baby".

Once again, there is no mention of The Picks - this time on the museum's Buddy Holly Day-by-Day exhibit.                  An interesting question is this - Why not?