The Norman & Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum in Clovis, N.M., tells the story of one of the birthplaces of popular music. Norman Petty created the “Clovis Sound,” and helped establish Buddy Holly as a rock & roll innovator.
The museum, in the basement of the chamber of commerce offices, showcases memorabilia from a musical era that lasted only a few years. There are rare photographs, musical instruments, and recording equipment from the Petty collection. The 20-minute movie is entertaining and informative.
Norman and his wife were already accomplished musicians when they opened their recording studio in 1955. A long roster of rock & roll pioneers worked in Petty’s studio. Norman claimed co-writing credit on Holly’s greatest songs recorded before 1960. His last hit was “Bottle of Wine” by the Fireballs in 1968. Norman passed away in 1984.
Before her death in 1992, Vi started the Norman & Vi Petty Music Festival, which evolved into the Clovis Music Festival. This year’s event happens Sept. 7-9, and features Chubby Checker and the Fireballs.
The Norman & Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum is at 105 E. Grand in Clovis, N.M. It is open Monday through Friday from 8am to noon and 1-5pm. Admission is $5. Norman Petty’s Seventh Street Studio, where the Clovis Sound originated, is open by appointment only. Call the chamber at 575/763-3435 for information or go to www.pettymuseum.com.
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This article appears in August 31 • 2012.
