Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
It is interesting to wonder if Kay, the original owner of this yearbook, thought any of the kids who signed her book would ever amount to anything extraordinary. She most likely had no idea that within four years the skinny sophomore named Buddy who signed across his portrait on page 128 would revolutionize the music industry. The tragic death of Buddy Holly just five short years after he signed this yearbook has become part of rock and roll lore, a story told so many times it has made the man almost mythical. Immediately after graduating Lubbock High, Holly and two of his pals formed The Crickets and began playing what would be called rock and roll. Holly's approach was from a Country-Western background and his band became the first successful rock band to both write and perform their own original songs. After numerous hit records Holly began experimenting in the studio, overlaying and dubbing his tracks to get a wholly unique sound that is still employed by bands today. And then, just barely three years after beginning his recording career, Holly was killed along with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper in a plane crash. Holly was just 22 years old and not even six years removed from day he signed Kay's yearbook. The sophomore has signed his photo on page 128 "Buddy Holley" (10/10) in bright blue pen. Of note is that Buddy's last name was spelled "Holley" at this time - he would later drop the "e" when he began playing music. Buddy has also signed one of the blank autograph pages at the back in blue ink: "Kay, I'll always remember the days when I was in your Biology class. Best of Luck, Buddy". The yearbook exhibits usage wear to the covers and the binding tight and intact. A numbered piece of paper has been taped to the spine but can be removed if desired. One of the earliest examples of Buddy Holly's signature and a poignant piece of rock and roll history.