Jerry “JI” Allison — drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, as well as a co-writer on some of the group’s biggest songs — has died. He was 82.
The news was posted to Buddy Holly’s Facebook page on Monday.
“JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success,” the announcement read.
“Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.”
“There’s more to be said and posted here in the coming days. For today, we think about his family and friends and wish JI to rest in peace,” the statement closed.
No cause of death was listed in the announcement.
Born in 1939, Allison and Holly met in the 1950s and started playing music as a duo. In 1957, the pair met bassist Joe B. Mauldin and formed the Crickets — who would go on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
In addition to playing drums, Allison is credited with co-writing some of the acts’ biggest hits, including their debut single, “That’ll Be the Day,” and Holly’s classics “Peggy Sue” and “More Than I Can Say.”
Holly died in a plane crash in 1959, but the Crickets continued to make music, even collaborating with Paul McCartney on their 1988 single “T Shirt.”
Allison also became a popular studio musician and worked with J.J. Cale and Johnny Rivers.
