DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, May 28, 1958. Contract between composers Buddy Holly and John Mackey and the music label Nor-Va-Jak Music, run by Norman Petty, with the former party granting the latter the right to publish and produce the song ‘I Know I’ll Have the Blues Again.’ Signed boldly at the conclusion in clean blue ballpoint by Holly, Mackey, and Petty. The consignor notes that the agreement derives from the former UK secretary of the Buddy Holly Fan Club, who acquired the contract directly from Vi Petty, Norman Petty’s widow. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.
Petty was Holly’s favorite producer/engineer and manager, as well as Holly’s co-writer of choice as evidenced by his brief but impressive discography. Serving as a central figure in Holly’s career, Petty published and produced the majority of Holly's recordings from 1956 through 1958 at his studio in Clovis, New Mexico, while some recordings were recorded at Bell Sound in New York. Following Holly's death, Petty was put in charge of overdubbing unfinished Holly recordings at the request of the Holly family, specifically his parents, which resulted in further success in the music charts.
The song ‘I Know I’ll Have the Blues Again’ was a demo recorded by Holly in his Greenwich Village Apartment in New York City. Using his new Ampex tape machine, Holly’s final recordings, dubbed The Apartment Tapes, were recorded between December 3, 1958, through January 22, 1959, just before Holly departed for the Winter Dance Party tour. On December 3, 1958, Holly recorded at least two takes of the song ‘I Know I’ll Have the Blues Again.’ Holly also recorded several other songs, including ‘Peggy Sue Got Married,’ all of which would be released posthumously following his death on February 3, 1959.
Given the brevity of his life and career, very few authentic Buddy Holly-signed contacts are known to exist. A rare and historically significant document from one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history.
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