WORDS OF LOVE 1959-2009 - A book by Gary Clevenger An innovative idea from Gary has lead to a completely new book about Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson), and Roger Peterson, the pilot on the ill-fated flight of February 3, 1959. Read for the first time in this A4 sized 130 page book the many memories these four young guys left with family members, friends, fans and fellow artists. Read about their music, their personalities and how they affected the lives of the people who knew them, who saw them perform or who just heard their recordings. They have gone, but they are not forgotten. Amongst the photos in the book are SEVEN of Buddy and the Crickets, on and off stage in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1957 and 1958, which are published here for the first time. This book is like no other book, and gives a completely different view of these four young men!

Reviews of the US version of the book include:

“….not a typical Buddy Holly book….an amassment of many of the most heart touching thoughts, memories (and) anecdotes….” Caroline Erin Smith.

“….it puts a whole new perspective on their lives…. They were just the same as you and me, same hopes, same dreams.” Mike Havens.

“….the comments and interviews in the book are actually ‘words of love’ from friends and family….” Vicky Pickering.

“A truly great addition to our….libraries.” Ryan Vandergriff (Author).

" Gary's book brought back some poignant memories. A night to be remembered with great shock, sadness..and great appreciation for their talents. As emcee of their last night, I found Gary's work to be informative and great fun. A lot of people were affected by that night...and I was one of... them. So, thanks, Gary, for refreshing our memories, and ...for bringing additional voices to the collective recollection of four lives ended way too soon!
(Roger was a neighbor who lived five doors down!)

It's good reading; it's good history; it is excellent work!"

Bob Hale
Winter Dance Party
Surf Ballroom