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This book is currently unavailable. If you wish to be informed when it is back in stock, please sign up for updates or write to us by email: sales@rollercoasterrecords.com “The King of Clovis” is a biography written from the perspective of Norman Petty. Though he intended to write his autobiography, he never did. Apart from making a few notes, Norman shelved the project in favor of creating new music. Essentially, Norman devoted time to what he did best – recording music. Frank Blanas, the author of “The King of Clovis,” became interested in Petty’s productions as a child in 1977, primarily through the music of Buddy Holly and The Crickets to which he was introduced by his father. His final collegiate project in 1991 was a lengthy thesis on the influence of rock’n’roll and its impact upon American society. In part, it was written following a visit to Vi Petty, Norman’s widow, in Clovis, New Mexico. Vi encouraged young Frank to study the Petty’s story and allowed access to their archives. Sensing his enthusiasm, she told him, “Once you’re done with college, maybe you’d like to come back and write a story about Norman? I think you can do it.” Despite Vi’s death in early 1992, Frank vowed to complete the task and in 1993 he moved to Clovis, living for a while with Robert and Anne Linville. This enabled him to undertake further research and to interview those still around with first-hand knowledge of Norman Petty and his life in music. Twenty years later, the book is complete and contains over 500 pages of in-depth biographical information, together with photographs and memorabilia associated with the Norman Petty Studios, The Norman Petty Trio and the artists who recorded in Clovis. “The King of Clovis” is a must-have story of a musical era enhanced by Norman’s production/management. Everyone knows about Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Roy Orbison and The Fireballs but there is much more to Clovis than these artists and Norman’s name was linked with many musicians and singers who went on to even greater fame. Much has been written about Norman Petty and most of it has been inaccurate. Many assumptions have been made by other authors who did not have access to the real story; the triumphs, the tragedies and the Petty’s own love story. This book will appeal not only to anyone with an interest in rock’n’roll’s greatest artists who came from the Texas-New Mexico area and whose names are known throughout the world, but also to those with an interest in popular music of the 50s and 60s. “The King Of Clovis” will be published in hardback by Rollercoaster Books in the UK and distributed in the US by Scylax Publications. Books will be numbered from 1-1000. Please note that extra shipping charges may be due for some destinations outside the UK and Europe - please ask for details before ordering. UK and European orders will include a 33 track CD of highlights from Norman Petty's productions.
