A few stories ago, I wrote that I had never met J.I., the great drummer who partnered with the late Buddy Holly, and who has kept the faith for over 40 years with his band, The Crickets.

Well... things changed!

I met up with J.I. and his wife, Joanie and their dogs at their home. Visited the adjacent recording studio, went through memorabilia and discussed the power of the Internet and showed him how to find the Drum Center of Indianapolis.

While researching story material for Modern Drummer, I visited J.I. for a look back at the fabulous 50s as well as all points from then to now.

As a rock 'n' roll survivor, J.I. has seen, known, and played with a lot of legendary performers. He is also listed in Rolling Stone's list of "25 Best Rock Drummers" as number 3. Only Keith Moon and Charlie Watts outscored him.

In September, the Buddy Holly Center will open in Lubbock, Texas and J.I. and The Crickets will be on hand to recognize their old "compadre" (That's Texan for pal!). And although his famous old WFL white marine pearl set is long gone, we are hoping to have a vintage sister kit there for him.

Join us in wishing well to a great guy and hoping he rocks on for years and years to come.

If you'd like to see examples of the great drums of the 50s, then I invite you to order my book, The Great American Drums ! We will send you an autographed copy anywhere in the continental US for $19.95 plus $2.75 shipping and handling. Just email us for details. We also ship all over the world.