Buddy Holly records "Peggy Sue" this day in 1957

Buddy Holly records his classic "Peggy Sue" this day in 1957 for Coral Records.  He simultaneously recorded for their sister Brunswick label with "The Crickets".  Watch his performance from December 29, 1957 on the Arthur Murray Dance Party.

Dion talks about Buddy Holly's influence and the plane he chartered

Listen to Dion reflect on the Winter Dance Party tour and giving up his seat on the plane to Ritchie Valens.  Buddy's influence has been felt for over 50 years.

Waylon Jennings born this day/ Buddy Holly's bass player

Country superstar Waylon Jennings was born this day in 1937.  Even though he left us in 2002 his music still remains a big influence on country music today.  While working as a DJ in the 50's, Waylon befriended Buddy Holly.  Buddy produced a couple of early Waylon singles on the Brunswick label and then toured as Buddy's bass player on the Winter Dance Party tour that also featured Dion & The Belmonts, Ritchie Valens and "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson.  Waylon got on the bus with Dion and the other band members as Buddy, Ritchie and J.P met an untimely death as their plane crashed shortly after takeoff.  Pictured above from left to right from the Winter Dance Party tour are Waylon, Buddy and guitarist Tommy Allsup.  In the video below, hear a tune Buddy and Waylon wrote called "You're The One".  Buddy sings and plays guitar while Waylon provides the handclaps.

Fats Domino hits #1 with "Ain't It A Shame" in 1955

Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino Jr. hits #1 on the R&B charts this day in 1955 with "Ain't It A Shame" (also known as "Ain't That A Shame").  It spent 11 weeks at the top of that chart.  It also hit top 10 on the pop chart.  Here's Fats singing this classic...

Howlin' Wolf born this day in 1910

Chester Arthur Burnett ("Howlin' Wolf") became one of the most recognized voices in blues music.  That voice was as big as his 6 foot 6 and 300 pound size.  His recordings for Chess Records are essential to any blues fan.  Here's his classic "Smokestack Lightning" done in only a way the Wolf could do it...

Dion talks about his good friend Buddy Holly

Dion lost his friend and touring mate Buddy Holly back in 1959.  He decided not to get on the plane only to find out that the plane crashed as he arrived to the next town.  Here's part 1 of Dion talking about Buddy.

Johnny Cash Show debuts this day in 1969

The Johnny Cash Show debuts this day in 1969 on ABC.  This great variety music show showcased the talents of Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many others.  Here's Johnny singing "Pretty Woman" with Roy Orbison.  The 2 were Sun Records label mates in the mid 50's.

Elvis performs "Hound Dog" on the Milton Berle Show in 1956

On this day in 1956, Elvis performs "Hound Dog" on the Milton Berle show.  Later the show received complaints of his suggestive dancing style.  You be the judge...

Bo Diddley passes away this day in 2008

The great Bo Diddley (born Ellas Bates....used his songwriter name as Ellas McDaniel and went by Bo Diddley on stage) passed away this day in 2008.  His signature guitar style was one of a kind.  In tribute to him, here he is singing his classic "Road Runner"...