Norman Petty Studio Documentary Airing June 4 on PBS (Albuquerque, Clovis: 2009, live)

[clairz]

The New Mexico Music Commission has produced a documentary film on the Norman Petty Studio in Clovis and its historical significance. The studio is where Buddy Holly recorded "Peggy Sue" and other hits. Other musicians who recorded there: Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Knox. The studio is no longer in use but is open for tours by appointment.

You can watch the film on PBS stations across New Mexico on Thursday June 4, 2009 at 7PM.

Article in the Clovis News Journal

Norman Petty Studio website

~clairz

[DOUBLE H]

This is definitely a must see! I've been to the studios twice, but the last time was over a decade ago. My understanding was when Vi (Norman's wife) passed the kids at first had no interest in the place and the property was fenced up for a long time, but fortunately that changed. Clovis celebrates Buddy Holly's birthday with some great oldies bands, people who remember Buddy and knew him personally; people like Bobby Vee. Vee plays a great set of his classics with Buddy's songs mixed in.

Another group who recorded in that era is the Fireballs. I've met George Tomsco and the other members of the band several times. They've appeared at different record/cd/memorabilia meets not only in Denver but also the ones that SW Collector promotes in Albuquerque. They get a table themselves and sell their own merchandise, and they love it when people bring old album and e.p. covers for them to sign. The Fireballs have a little New Mexico connection about themselves, as they are originally from Raton. When touring inside, you'll see the extra room they have with just RIAA music awards presented to Norman from Decca Records with Holly, from Atco records with the Fireballs, and other artists Petty was involved in, including albums Petty himself recorded in the late 50's-early 60's on the Top Rank and Columbia labels.

Looking forward to the documentary. There is a LOT of old history that was made in that studio. For 50's and early 60's rock and roll music, Norman Petty was an important figure.Thanks for the info Clairz!

[desert sun]

Leann Rimes also recorded there when she was first making a scene in the country music world.

[clairz]

After you've seen the documentary on Thursday, you'll probably want to come and visit the studio itself. As Double H points out in his memory-filled post above, the best time is during the Clovis Music Festival. Quotes below are from the Festival website:

The Clovis Music Festival will take place at Marshall Auditorium on September 10-13, 2009. We are excited to have the following artists performing at this year's festival, they are: The Nelson Brothers, The Originators of Rock & Roll featuring Johnny Rogers as Buddy Holly, Darell Croy as Jerry Lee Lewis, Pete Peterkin as Little Richard, Johnny Tillotson, Shirley Alston Reeves of The Shirelles, Dave Somerville of The Diamonds, The Fireballs, Tommy Allsup, Kevin Montgomery and more.

In September of last year, Clovis opened the Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum, which is another place to visit.

Another quote: [The museum] celebrates the achievements of record producer Norman Petty. The museum features unique items from his life and times. The museum is located at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, 105 E. Grand Ave. The museum hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission to the museum is $5 per person. Check back for information about festival hours.

~clairz

[loborick]

I saw A Black and White Night at the Lensic a couple of weeks ago, a live concert film of Roy Orbison along with a bunch of friends including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne and many others. After the film Barbara Orbison, Roy's wife, spoke and answered questions. She said it was good being back in NM and that this is where Roy's recording career began, at the Petty Studios.

[rybert]

Thanks for posting clairz!

(Perfect... Burn Notice @ 8pm too!)

[catman]

I second what rybert said. I'll be watching!