The widow of singer Buddy Holly, Maria Elena Holly, is threatening to sue Peggy Sue Gerron, whose name was made known across the world from the song "Peggy Sue." Originally the song had "Cindy Lou" in it, based on the name of one of Holly's nieces, according to Buddy Holly's brother Larry.
For us Buddy Holly fans, the story of Cindy Lou and its changing to Peggy Sue has been known for some time. What happened was the drummer for Holly's band The Crickets, Jerry Allison, at the time was crushing on Gerron, and asked Holly to change the song to her name. Eventually Allison and Gerron married.
Peggy Sue Sung by Buddy Holly and The Crickets
Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash in Iowa on February 3, 1959, along with other pop stars J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and the 17-year-old Ritchie Valens. Holly was 22 at the time of his death.The book by Peggy Sue was written to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of the song. Holly recorded another hit called "Peggy Sue Got Married."
Interview Donna And Peggy Sue from Buddy Holly & Ritchie Valens Songs of the same name
A cease-and-desist letter from Maria Elena Holly said concerning the release of the book: "Confusion and tarnishment of Buddy Holly's name and Ms. Holly's reputation are likely to result from this unauthorized book,"
Maria owns the rights to all things related to Buddy, including his name, trademarks and images.
She also said that the book, called "Memoirs of Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue," was basically made up, implying it's not factual, and the Buddy never considered Peggy Sue a friend. Peggy Sue claims it's based on approxmately 150 excerpts from her diary during that time.
To me Maria made a mistake by taking this on. What it's done is guarantee that the book will be a big seller, as it's all over the Internet and news outlets as a result of her response.
It probably irritated Maria because of the intimacy implied in the title, which may not be based on any facts. Knowing Maria's history of opposing the use of Buddy's name and image, it may of even been done purposely to elicit a response. Either way she did respond, and the book is probably guaranteed to be a big seller.
Comment Preview