Hey Buddy: In Pursuit of Buddy Holly, My New Buddy John, and My Lost Decade of Music

by Gary W. Moore

The “thoroughly fun . . . [and] crazy good” memoir about one man’s life and how it was changed by the legacy of a rockabilly legend (Chicago Sun-Times).   Buddy Holly, black horn-rimmed glasses, blue jeans, a white T-shirt, white socks, loafers, and “Peggy Sue.” Not so much to Gary W. Moore. Admitting he “grew up in a Rock & Roll vacuum,” Gary favored jazz. He couldn’t name a single Buddy Holly song. Buddy Rich? Yes. But that changed in a single evening when Gary was dragged along to a Winter Dance Party in Cedar Falls, Iowa—a tribute to Buddy’s final, tragic 1959 tour. It was headlined by musician extraordinaire John Mueller, whose uncanny recreation of the legend was hailed by Buddy’s own brother Travis as “the best I’ve ever seen.” It took just one song to seize Gary’s heart and soul. From then on, for Gary, it was everything Buddy.   In this inspiring “rock-and-rollercoaster of a read”, Moore shares his personal journey to learn more about Buddy’s life, music, his influence, his impact, and the times in which he lived (Bill Guertin, author of Reality Sells). He’d meet Buddy’s friends and family, celebrities, Buddy Holly fans, and make a new friend himself in John Mueller. The result is “as American as apple pie and as compelling as Don McLean’s legendary hit about The Day the Music Died” (James Riordan, New York Times–bestselling author).

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Gary W. Moore is known worldwide as an inspirational and motivational speaker of choice, successful entrepreneur, accomplished musician and award winning and critically acclaimed author.
As author of Playing with the Enemy, Gary tells the story of his father, Gene Moore and his remarkable life in baseball and war, soon to be a major motion picture.
Gary is a recipient of the prestigious Sam Walton Leadership Award and because of his unique speaking and writing style, has become known as "America's Storyteller!"™

Reviews

[Jan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly 3 1/2☆.

Buddy Holly wasn't exactly on my radar either - until I heard The Best of Buddy Holly (or maybe it was called Greatest Hits) at my friend's house. Either way it was a good album. But I just don't recall that he made much of a dent on my brother or sister. She and I were 9-10 years old when he died. Our brothers and sisters were of the age who would have purchased his music. Hers did, mine didn't. Mine were more "folkies" than hers were.

But I didn't know that you could be of an age and rock had no effect on your life. Like me, the author was a suburban Chicago kid. But we followed different musical paths. He listened to country (WJJD? before it turned talk) and was in a marching band. We listened to 'JJD until '58 when we moved closer to the city and learned WLS played some version of rock & roll.

This guy got taken to "winter dance party" (name of Buddy's last tour) by his wife and mother-in-law. And he just flipped out over the pseudo-Buddy, John Mueller. "Hey Buddy" was title of Mueller's tribute song - it is apparently available on YouTube. He was apparently up all night od'g on Buddy's music. A couple of friends tried to tell him about rock & roll - didn't the Lovin' Spoonful have a song, or at least a line, like that. But, here he was, trying to catch up on 50 years of music all at once! They knew he needed help. Cut him some cds.

I began to wonder what kind of nut is this?

Actually, the book wasn't too bad. After all, I finished. Better editing would have helped though. We are left with the implication that Michelangelo did the Mona Lisa and that there was once a singer named Jimmy Hendrix. These were the major things that got to me.

Maybe I'm just too picky.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a five star, amazing rating only because I have never read a book that made me feel like I was sitting next to the author on a bar stool listening to him tell me this story over a couple of beers.

This is not a biography of Buddy Holly. It is about the author's quest to understand how he could of blown off the rock and roll era that was influenced so heavily by Buddy Holly. Gary Moore takes us with him as he runs into Buddy Holly fans all over the country. In the process they explain to him what they know about Buddy and how they feel when they listen to his music. Gary makes many friends along the way as he takes us in the most intimate way to the crash site in Clear Lake, Iowa.

My favorite parts of the book were when his closest friends try and teach him the history of rock and roll and the photos Gary included that were taken on his iPhone.

If you are looking for an easy, comfortable read about a guy who falls in love with something he can't understand, this is the book for you. The Buddy Holly parts will be just a bonus.

[Peggy Sue 33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Gary Moore fan, I picked up my newly purchased autographed copy of Hey Buddy and dove in. Immediately, I became entranced by Buddy and his story through Moore's eyes. Slowly I started listening to more and more of Buddy's music until I became obsessed. Now Buddy's in my top five artists. Especially as a young person, I love having this connection to Buddy Holly and it's all because of this wonderfully written book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nostalgic visit with the people that were effected by Buddy's music and death. Gary's search for his lost decade was a revelation to me because I just assumed everyone had heard of rock & roll. And even listened to it if not actually danced to it. Very interesting information about Buddy's advanced music writing, playing, and recording skills. Pretty amazing for someone SO very young.

[Cindy Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I, like the author, get obsessed with something or someone and have to know EVERYTHING. So when he went nuts over Buddy Holly after taking his mother in law to a tribute show, I could really relate to his quest for knowledge. I learned a lot from this book, even though it isn't a biography. I couldn't put it down, and finished in 3 sessions of reading. If you love the 50's music, you will most likely enjoy this book. I want to add a copy to my personal collection.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed it! I liked it better than what I expected. A great look into the author's journey to learn about Buddy Holly and his influence on the lives of those who encountered Buddy and/or his music.

[Craig Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Hey Buddy is a wonderful and magical journey to find Buddy Holly -- the man, the legend, and his music. You will be blown away by what you hear and what you learn from Holly. From the crash investigations, talking to the Dwyers', and just exploring a decade of music, you thought you knew. This one is a keeper."

“Hey Buddy”- In pursuit of Buddy Holly, My New Buddy John, and My Lost Decade of Music

by Gary W. Moore
2011, Savas Beatie Publishing
219 Pages

I must start this review by saying I have never in my life, borrowed, checked out, read, listened or reviewed a book on music or musical artist(s). It is just not a subject that interested me. I was looking over Savas Beatie’s offering for 2011 and for some reason this book stood out to me, almost calling me. I went back to the page several times before ordering my copy.

“Hey Buddy” is Not a Biography on Buddy Holly. It IS a wonderful and magical journey to find Buddy Holly – The man, the legend and the music. We learn quickly that the author shared my view on music history; knowing a little but not really interested until that one night changed his life forever.

After being dragged to an event called the “Winter Dance Party” performed by John Mueller who impersonates Buddy, Gary W. Moore was transfixed, mesmerized and struck to the core. What this entire book revolves around his the quest to find the music.
Gary W. Moore book “Hey Buddy” is a Masterpiece. He takes us on the journey with him. We are there from the first moment that these emotions hit to the final visit to the crash site. You will find yourself researching, looking, listening and reading to what he did. Seriously, do not be surprised if you find yourself on the computer until 2-3AM.

Even though this book is a personal journey for Gary; his writing, his research; it is strangely perceived at the end as personal journey for you the reader. The reason I am stating this as a Masterpiece is that although this is his journey. I found myself not really seeing him that much in the book. I was in his skin, in his shoes and experiencing this journey for myself. It was my story!

Along this epic ride we take with us a host of characters; some serious, some funny, some sad and some angry. All of them culminate to bring this story to life. “Hey Buddy” will be one of your all-time favorites as it is now for me. This is a book and a journey you will have to experience for yourself and I promise you will not be disappointed.

“Hey Buddy” is for the hardcore Holly Fans and for those who have just heard about him. You will be blown away by what you hear and what you learn about Holly. From the crash investigations, talking to the Dwyers’ and just exploring a decade of music you thought you knew. This one is a keeper.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have always been a big fan of Buddy Holly so I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to read how the author discovers all that he does about the life of Buddy Holly. I envy him being able to do all that he did in the course of writing this book.
This book was won in a giveaway and I'm so glad that I won it.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy when I got this book in the mail as Buddy Holly is one of my favorite singers from that era. I think that the book is well written and a fun read for anyone interested in this topic :).

(Will update with full review soon)

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant enough. I will be reading a Holly biography soon as my interest was piqued.

[Gary Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every moment in the pursuit of the legacy of Buddy Holly!

[Marie]

Learned about author Gary W. Moore from a required reading book from my daughter Ellie. This book is stating with a bit self aggrandizement style, it is a quick read and interesting.

[Lori McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. I, too, want to learn more about Buddy Holly now. A fun memoir; a quick read.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review here:
http://d1000words.tumblr.com/post/628...