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Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly and The Crickets' drummer, died. He was 82.
The Crickets lost its last surviving member after its drummer, Allison, passed away. The musician's other collaborator, Buddy Holly, revealed the news on Monday through a Facebook post.
It described Allison as an inspiring member who helmed eternal classic songs.
"[Allison] was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas, and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n' roll itself, becoming such a success," the statement said.
Rolling Stone also confirmed the tragic details of his death.
Allison's death broke people's hearts and led the public to offer their deepest sympathies to his bereaved family.
We remember and honor the legacy of Jerry Allison who passed away yesterday, August 22nd, at the age of 82. He was a crucial part of The Crickets and musical collaborator with Buddy Holly. The Ed Sullivan Show sends their regards to Allison's family. pic.twitter.com/Wp7oZouM1X
— The Ed Sullivan Show (@EdSullivanShow) August 23, 2022
Deeply saddened to hear that Jerry Allison, drummer with Buddy Holly & The Crickets, has passed away. Back in June I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful chat with Jerry for Vintage Rock magazine. He was a true gent, thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends...
— Danny Biggane (@Danny_Biggane) August 22, 2022
RIP JI pic.twitter.com/hlstSdx7lU
Very sorry to hear Jerry Allison of the Crickets has died at 82, on right in this 1997 photo with band mates et moi. With Buddy Holly and Joe B Mauldin, Jerry helped invent the pop group, the rock band, and start a musical revolution that would change lives. A lovely chap. RIP pic.twitter.com/kNQ4KKcvaY
— Will Birch (@Will_Birch) August 22, 2022
Jerry Allison's Journey as Musician
The Texas native grew his interest in music when he was young and continued to work on it until he met Holly in middle school.
From there, they became friends and grew together while sharing musical interests. In the mid-1950s, the duo played together before Joe B. Mauldin joined them to form The Crickets.
The late drummer contributed to their two hit songs, "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue."
Unfortunately, the band did not last due to issues with management logistics. The band called it quits in 1958, months before Holly's death in 1959.
Although Allison lost his long-time collaborator, he continued pursuing his career and performed with other artists. He joined Waylon Jennings in 1974 for his record "This Time."
His other collaborations included "L.A. Reggae" (with Johnny Rivers in 1972) and "Troubadour" (with J.J Cale in 1976).
Before his death, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Allison's career was not smooth-sailing, though, as he was once axed out of credit by musician-turned-producer Norman Petty.
In an interview with Record Collector magazine, he revealed that he did not feel anything bad about the credit since The Rolling Stones was able to record the song. He also clarified that he did not mind the money at all.
In 2005, "That'll Be The Day" made it to the National Recording Registry.
Although Allison kept his profile private in the years before his death, he offered his last gig with The Crickets in 2016 before his retirement.
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