One of the focal points in the early recordings of Buddy Holly & The Crickets, was the talented lead guitar stylings, which were done by Niki Sullivan, whose birthday is this week on June 23. Not widely documented, is that Sullivan’s work graced no less than 27 songs released by the act, and on Buddy Holly’s solo entities. Although his involvement with the band lasted a short period from 1956 thru late 1957, his talent is boldly heard on The Crickets hits “That’ll Be The Day,” “Oh Boy,” as well as Holly’s “Peggy Sue,” and others. Sullivan passed on at age 66 in 2004.
Watch Niki Sullivan in action with Buddy Holly & The Crickets, on The Ed Sullivan Show – 1958