Love, Buddy

From November of 1956 we have an endearing letter from then-20-year-old Charles Holley; the highly influential performer - better known to most as Buddy Holly - who tragically died in a plane crash exactly 52 years ago, on February 3rd, 1959. The letter was written in Nashville where Buddy and band were recording after recently being signed by Decca Records — Buddy was keeping his parents updated on their progress. "That'll Be the Day" reached the top of the U.S. charts 10 months later.

Transcript follows. Images courtesy of my good friend Jeff Nolan, curator of Hard Rock's ever-increasing memorabilia vaults. Following them on Facebook is recommended.

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Transcript

Dear Mother and Daddy,

Well here it is, Monday night and there's not much to do. We're just sitting "at home" reading. That's what we did last night, too. The convention was going strong all week-end and it seems awfully quiet now. Nearly every singer in the country was here and we met nearly all of them. Elvis wasn't here but Scotty and Bill were and we talked to them a lot. Gene Vincent was here. We met him and he was tickled about it. He said he had one of my records. We met the Governor - Clements - of Tennessee Thursday night. He came over to us and introduced himself.

I talked to Mr. Denny today and he talked to Paul Cohen on the phone. (He's in town but I haven't got to meet him yet) He said he would set up our session just as soon as he could. It may be about 3 or 4 days though, and if it is I'll have to call home for some more money. I wouldn't have but I had to buy a battery for the car. I'll call tomorrow and let you know, although it will probably be yesterday to you (By the time this gets there)

Well that's about all there is to say except that we're doing just fine. A little homesick, though. I guess we'll come home right after the session. See you soon.

Love, Buddy