The Music Died Today 50 Years Ago

Percussion: Buddy Holly’s recordings were nothing if not inventive, specifically in the use of percussive effects. On "Everyday," Buddy has Jerry Allison simply slap his knees in basic rhythm for the song’s backbeat. The use of a cardboard box was something used readily by Norman Petty in his studio ever since Buddy Knox used one in place of a snare drum on his hit "Party Doll." The Crickets were no exception to the rule, using it on such songs as "Not Fade Away," "I’m Gonna Love You Too," "(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care," and "Take Your Time." In the song "Well All Right," Allison just plays his ride cymbal, alternately choking it and letting it ring out. "Peggy Sue," though appearing to be played on several tom-toms and done that way live, was only played on one tom in the studio while Norman Petty changed the equalization and echo patterns on the drum’s microphone.