Created August 24, 2023

Jay and Amy read and discuss an article in the Clovis News Journal written on Sunday, December 20, 1959. The article was written by Norma Jean Berry who was Petty’s personal secretary. The article discusses Petty’s beginnings, growth, and directions late in the year that Buddy Holly died. This article is a fascinating insight into the Petty’s business, art, and life and its impact on city of Clovis, New Mexico and music worldwide. The origin of Nor-Va-Jak studio, rockabilly, Tex-Mex sound and Buddy Holly as well as the Fireballs are discussed. Petty’s business operation and discovery of new talent is detailed, and information about his Clovis studio and the New York studio is described. The original echo chamber of the studio is merited as is the sale of sheet music. Vi Petty’s professional input and guidance is described. Norman Music and Dundee Music originated in the Studio in Clovis. The Norman Petty Foundation is initiated in Clovis in 1959, fostering benevolent missionary charitable work.

Songs and albums mentioned in the article:
Mood Indigo
Almost Paradise
Party Doll
That’ll Be the Day
Peggy Sue
Sugar Time
Since You Went Away to School
Compromise
Fireball
Torquay
Bulldog/ Nearly Sunrise
Moondreams
Songs for Christmas

Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com

Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org

Engineered by Amy Fisher