R.I.P.: Jerry Allison, Drummer For Buddy Holly & The Crickets

Jerry Allison (1940-2022)

Jerry Allison, drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets and co-writer on some of their biggest hits, has died. He was 82, reports Rolling Stone.

The official Facebook page for Holly announced Allison’s death, though no cause or date of death was given. “JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success. Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.”

Jerry, Buddy Holly

“JI was more than just the drummer in the Crickets; he was one of the most influential musicians in early rock n’ roll, who pioneered new ways to play and record,” the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation wrote in a statement. “[He was] the blueprint for the rock n’ roll drummer that has been adopted by every single three-, four- and five-piece band ever since. JI could play his kit, or a cardboard box, or even slap his knees and give rhythm to records that weren’t just hits, but became legendary releases.” 

Allison, born in 1939, met Holly in the Fifties and the two began playing as a duo — Allison on drums, Holly on guitar and vocals. Per a bio on AllMusic, Allison even accompanied Holly to Nashville for his first unsuccessful recording session in 1956. 

One year later, Holly and Allison linked up with bassist Joe B. Mauldin and officially became the Crickets. Not only did Allison’s drums anchor the pioneering rock and roll group’s sound, but he also played an important role in crafting the group’s songs. He’s credited as a co-writer on some of Holly and the Crickets’ most famous tunes, including their debut single, “That’ll Be the Day,” and classics like “Peggy Sue” and “More Than I Can Say.”

Despite their swift, trailblazing success, Holly and the Crickets split in 1958; Holly died in a plane crash the following year. The Crickets, however, continued to tour and record into the Sixties and beyond, and Allison established himself as a go-to studio musician, working with artists like J.J. Cale and Johnny Rivers.