Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly

Given how rock and roll was held in such horror in its beginnings, it comes as a shock to hear what good musicians some of the early rockers actually were. Which is a good thing since neither Ritchie nor Buddy had the traditional teen-idol looks of a Frankie Avalon or Fabian.

With Ritchie and Buddy being such an integral part of American culture, stories abound: some true, some false, some ridiculous. For a little sifting of the seeds from the stalks, click here