Ritchie Valens to Gold Star Studios several times, recording the tracks that would comprise his two albums. In early 1959, Valens was traveling the Midwest on a multiple-act rock-and-roll tour dubbed "The Winter Dance Party". Accompanying him were Buddy Holly, Dion and the Belmonts, J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Frankie Sardo. All performers were augmented by Holly's new backup band, including Tommy Allsup on guitar, Waylon Jennings on bass, and Carl Bunch on drums. Conditions for the performers on the tour buses were abysmal and bitterly cold. Midwest weather took its toll on the party. Carl Bunch had to be
Listen to Me: Buddy Holly Richards, Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, David Campbell and others who were inspired and touched by Holly’s music shared memories via video message. Buddy's widow Maria Elena Holly, seated beside Phil Everly was in attendance, singing along with every song. The event was filmed for a PBS pledge drive special featured throughout USA during December 2011. Listen to Me: Buddy Holly Listen to Me: Buddy Holly is a tribute album to rock ‘n roll pioneer Buddy Holly, in celebration of what would have been his 75th birthday in 2011. The album was released by Verve Forecast in the United States on