The debut album by The Crickets was perfectly reviewed in the BBC 4 Series on Classic Albums. For me, it was all about Buddy. The LP was released on Norman Petty's Brunswick label in the USA in 1957 and the UK in 1958. When it was re-released by Coral in 1962 it was by Buddy Holly and The Crickets. Of course.
There were contributions from many musicians, past and present, none more important than that from Jerry Allinson. He was the drummer who missed that ill fated flight that ended in tragedy. But he was always closer to Buddy than anyone else. He has song writing credits on "Tell Me How" and "That'll Be The Day". But just how much he contributed is in doubt. I guess very little. But still more than the producer Norman Petty who steals a song writing credit on nine of the twelve tracks! Buddy just gets five.
However, those are five classic Holly songs. The two mentioned above are supplemented by "Not Fade Away" ( the programme includes a terrific clip of a very early Rolling Stones live version at The Hollywood Palace in 1964 that can be found on YouTube), "Maybe Baby" and "I'm Looking For Someone To Love".
There is one track on the album that is by Chuck Willis called "It's Too Late". I had never heard of Chuck until one of his songs was played on Call The Midwife and I posted a review on 16th March 2015 entitled Searching for Chuck Willis.
Although popular music in those days owed a lot to the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and even earlier Fats Waller, The Crickets could be the first of the guitar bands. Two guitars, bass and drums. Sometimes they were just a trio as in the classic "Not Fade Away" notable for Jerry on cardboard box that helped give the recording it's raw sound.
The Radio Times review:
The making of the debut album by the Crickets, and the only one featuring Buddy Holly released during his tragically brief career, which ended with his accidental death aged 22. It survives as the purest testament to his skill and diversity as a singer, a pioneering guitar player and not least as a songwriter in an age when few of his peers composed their own material. This documentary celebrates its success and assesses its influence. Contributors include former band member Jerry Allison, singer Cliff Richard and writers John Beecher and Frank Blanas.
There is also some useful information on:
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/buddy-holly/thatll-be-the-day
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