June 23, 1937 - April 6, 2004
Raised in Lubbock, Texas, toured
and recorded as a member of Buddy Holly's band during their climb to
stardom in 1957. He met Buddy and Jerry Allison at a jam session in
Lubbock in the fall of 1956. Incidentely, he was a third cousin to Buddy.
Sullivan's name will forever be associated with many of Holly's hits, including "That'll Be the Day," for which he sang back-up vocals and played rhythm guitar. On "Peggy Sue", after many attempts, Niki knelt at Buddy's side a flipped the switch on Buddy's guitar enabling Buddy to achieve that master piece guitar break. In addition to playing rhythm guitar, Niki also did backing vocals on "Not Fade Away" and the early, cha-cha version of "Maybe Baby". Niki is listed a writer on Buddy's classic "I'm Gonna Love You Too" which became Holly's third solo Coral single issue. Niki's composition of "Look To The Future" was recorded in 1957 by The Picks (who also did backing vocals for The Crickets) and Gary Tollett. When The Crickets started touring in early August, 1957, Buddy developed laryngitis and Niki took over the lead vocal honors. Niki was with The Crickets when they made their historic appearance at the famed Apollo Theatre in New York City. He was also featured on the cover of the group's "Chirpin' Crickets" LP on Brunswick as well as the famous "t-shirt" publicity photos used to promote The Crickets in 1957. Niki also appeared with The Crickets when they were on the Ed Sullivan Show on December 1, 1957. After their appearance on Sullivan's show, Niki left the group explaining that the touring pace was too much for him. Sullivan never seems to have fit in with the other Crickets and often had pranks played on him, which probably made leaving easier too.
Sullivan's name will forever be associated with many of Holly's hits, including "That'll Be the Day," for which he sang back-up vocals and played rhythm guitar. On "Peggy Sue", after many attempts, Niki knelt at Buddy's side a flipped the switch on Buddy's guitar enabling Buddy to achieve that master piece guitar break. In addition to playing rhythm guitar, Niki also did backing vocals on "Not Fade Away" and the early, cha-cha version of "Maybe Baby". Niki is listed a writer on Buddy's classic "I'm Gonna Love You Too" which became Holly's third solo Coral single issue. Niki's composition of "Look To The Future" was recorded in 1957 by The Picks (who also did backing vocals for The Crickets) and Gary Tollett. When The Crickets started touring in early August, 1957, Buddy developed laryngitis and Niki took over the lead vocal honors. Niki was with The Crickets when they made their historic appearance at the famed Apollo Theatre in New York City. He was also featured on the cover of the group's "Chirpin' Crickets" LP on Brunswick as well as the famous "t-shirt" publicity photos used to promote The Crickets in 1957. Niki also appeared with The Crickets when they were on the Ed Sullivan Show on December 1, 1957. After their appearance on Sullivan's show, Niki left the group explaining that the touring pace was too much for him. Sullivan never seems to have fit in with the other Crickets and often had pranks played on him, which probably made leaving easier too.
He cut one single for Dot Records
in 1958 "It's All Over" / "Three Steps To Heaven"
which failed to chart but remains very popular with collectors today. He
teamed up with Gene Evans to form the Hollyhawks in 1960 that produced one
45 on Jubilee "When Came The Fall" / "I Cry All The
Time". The single was produced by Norman Petty who got the career of
The Crickets going in 1957 and were managed by L. O. Holley - Buddy
Holly's father.
Shortly after he formed Soul Incorporated for a brief time before retiring from the music business in 1966 upon meeting and marrying his wife Fran on October 13th of that year. They exchanged their vows again on August 26, 1967. Niki stated that this marriage was the most rewarding experience of his life and considered his wife "his best friend". His father Matt passed away in 1974 and his mother Kathy in 1998.
Niki made his living in the
electronics business (Sony Corporation) and retired in 2003.
Over the years, Niki granted many
interviews regarding his days with The Crickets and even reunited with
Jerry and Joe Mauldin at a 1978 Buddy Holly convention. Sadly, this turned
out to be a one time performance. Niki also made numerous appearances at
Buddy Holly gatherings in both Lubbock, Texas and Clear Lake, Iowa (where
Buddy Holly gave his final show) and was very good at keeping in touch
with the fans both by phone and mail. Despite his apparent good health, he
passed away suddenly of a heart attack April 6th, 2004.