According to ultimateclassicrock.com, Jerry “JI” Allison, a drummer who was best known for working alongside Buddy Holly in the band the Crickets, has passed away at the age of 82 years old. Holly’s official Facebook page confirmed the news in saying, “Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Allison, drummer in the Crickets, one of Buddy’s very closest friends, and the inspiration to drummers for decades since, who passed away today at the age of 82, 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. 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.” Allison was born in 1939, and started collaborating with Buddy Holly om the 50’s. The two originally working as a duo, in 1957 they paired up with bassist Joe B. Mauldin and rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan and forming the Crickets. Alison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Crickets in 2012.
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