Author Tommy Canale sitting in Norman Petty's chair in the control room of the Norman Petty Studio.

There are people in this world who can be ahead of their time. Norman Petty was really seeing and thinking forward when it came to his creativity in making music. While visiting the Norman Petty Studio, located in Clovis, NM, you are instantly spun back to a different time. A lobby full of hit 45 framed records with furniture to match the era of the 1950s. For those who are into music history or have been in the industry, your first step into the control room will overload your eyes and what to take in first. Kenneth Broad the tour guide does an excellent job of explaining what took place, how it did, and if you are lucky enough you will be asked to sit next to him behind the control board in a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to sit where Buddy Holly sat when listening to a playback of his recordings. 

A reel of tape spooled on the Ampex Tape Recorder in the Norman Petty Studio Control Room.

The rest of the tour consists of entering the recording studio with several original pieces from the days of Holly and The Crickets and the apartment in back that seems like they have just stepped out for a bit and will be back at any moment. Those that grew up in the 50’s or 60’s will recognize the furniture, kitchen appliances, as well as the tile and décor. It is simply magnificent!

Norman Petty was part of numerous hit records from “That’ll Be the Day” to “Sugar Shack” by The Fireballs. He founded the Norman Petty trio that included his wife, Vi and friend Jack Vaughn that recorded, “Mood Indigo” which sold over 500,00 copies! From this trio he created NorVaJak Music whose offices can be found next door to the studio. I mentioned above that Norman was ahead of his time. An example of which is how he used an echo chamber from next door to the studio that utilized different lengths of ceramic drainage tile to create reverb. 

My reason for visiting was to get a firsthand look at where Buddy Holly recorded as I am writing a book about the 1959 Winter Dance Party to which here is a summary: 

 If you could travel back to the 1950s with Doc Brown and Marty from Back to the Future, you’d find a simpler, more innocent time. At gas stations, attendants greeted you by name, pumped your gas, checked your oil, and cleaned your windshield. Full-service experience often taken for granted. Teens were happy and energetic, and artists sang with enthusiasm, delivering carefree lyrics like “Why do birds sing so gay?” without concern for misunderstanding.

February 3, 1959, marked a tragic day in rock and roll history with the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper in a plane crash after performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. These artists significantly shaped the genre: a DJ-turned-musician known for his comedic style, a hit from “La Bamba,” and the iconic headliner recognized by his signature glasses.

This book explores the 1959 Winter Dance Party, the Surf Ballroom, and the impact of that fateful flight. It shares stories from witnesses and reflects on the profound loss felt by the teenage generation, whose legacy endures 65 years later. As Buddy Holly said, the sounds and memories of the '50s will “not fade away”.

Tommy Canale - Before the Lights Podcast Host and Author