Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly’s Drummer and Co-Writer of ‘Peggy Sue’ and ‘That’ll Be the Day,’ Dies at 82
variety.comChris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticRock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jerry Allison, who played to screaming crowds as a teenager as a member of the seminal 1950s rock band Buddy Holly and the Crickets and co-wrote some of their biggest hits, died Monday at age 82.Allison’s writing contributions included co-penning “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” He said he also co-wrote “Not Fade Away” with Holly but went uncredited, due to the producer allegedly switching his own name in instead.Allison’s death was announced on the official Buddy Holly Facebook page. “Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Allison, drummer in the Crickets, one of Buddy’s very closest friends, and the inspiration to drummers for decades since, who passed away today at the age of 82,” the notice read. “JI 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.
Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.
There’s more to be said and posted here in the coming days. For today, we think about his family and friends and wish JI to rest in peace.”“That’ll Be the Day” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and placed in the U.S.
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