Last updated May 6, 2008

In the Winter Dance Party Section, a new permanent article with quotes
from Bob Hale & Tommy Allsup about the Feb. 2nd, 1959 "Coin Toss".

New photos, information & vintage ads about Buddy's '58 Ariel Cyclone are up.

Harmony guitars has done a reissue of Ritchie Valens' first guitar,
will Fender ever do a Buddy Strat repro? RITCHIE GUITAR

A long overdue documentary/project solely on the Winter Dance Party
is in the works. Target is for January '09. There will be many "firsts" on this release!

If you attended any of the Winter Dance Party '59 Shows,
they are looking for you and your information to be a part of this show.
And...of course PHOTOS. If you know anyone with PHOTOS
please give me an e-mail.

One reporter recalls his opinion of the Duluth Amory Show: LINK  

ARTICLES:
WILLMAR, MN LINK
MANKATO : LINK
GREEN BAY: LINK
EAU CLAIRE: LINK
DAVENPORT: LINK
FT. DODGE: LINK
MONTEVIDEO: LINK
KENOSHA: LINK
MASON CITY: LINK

An information page is now up on this site.
We also have a MySpace page up - help spread the word!

For fans of the Winter Dance Party, there have been a number
of new photos surface, all unreleased,
that will be included in the upcoming documentary.
There is also a possible chance of some 1959 on-stage video! 

There is now a photo gallery up (documentary section), 
with shots taken by Bob Hale
featuring producers Sevan & Jim
at the Surf Ballroom Weekender this February.

Here is THE FIRST public photo to be released since 1959
of Frankie Sardo, below with Sevan Garabedian last September.
Frankie's on-board for the documentary!

ADDED: to Crickets Discography - "Other Appearances"
(anyone with a finished list of their appearances?)
I didn't know they had a Christmas song!
Added is a scan & listing for "Deck The Halls" from 1990

ADDED: Lyrics section "Everyday"
An alternate verse recorded by Tina Robin on Coral,
that apparently didn't make Buddy's recording.

Mason City Globe Gazette report:

Longtime Clear Lake resident Jerry Dwyer is the latest recipient of two Federal Aviation Administration honors. Dwyer, a longtime pilot and mechanic, will receive the FAA Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” and the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” awards in ceremonies on Feb. 1st.

According to the FAA, it is rare to earn either award, let alone receive both at the same time. A pilot or mechanic must prove 50 years of spotless aviation experience to earn either award. The Wright Brothers Award recognizes pilots who have practiced and promoted safe flight for 50 consecutive years or more. Each award requires three letters of recommendation from peers.

Dwyer was born in Chicago on Oct. 11, 1930. He began flying at the age of 13. He earned his student pilot rating at age 16 and that same year became an apprentice aircraft and engine mechanic. In 1952, he started Dwyer Aircraft in Oelwein. He moved the business to Charles City in 1954 and to Mason City in 1957. Dwyer also earned commercial pilot and aircraft transport pilot certificates. He is still a pilot, licensed mechanic and is now president of Dwyer Aircraft Sales Inc.

Jerry is also working on a book, to be released next year.
Should be interesting! Will some new facts come out about the crash?


A new book by Larry Holley "I Don't Know How I Did It",
is available at Sherry Holley's site: WEBSITE

As the Holley Family was gracious enough to send me a copy,
I'll have full info & a review on the book in the next few weeks.
If you send in an order, tell 'em you heard about it on BuddyHollyOnline.