The Steel House by Robert Bruno overlooks Lake Ransom Canyon just outside of Lubbock.
Hardin Holley on September 7, 1936, his music and his legacy are very much alive. You don’t have to be a fan to be fascinated by the Buddy Holly Center. As an added bonus, visitors can also tour the J. I. Allison House— childhood home of The Crickets’ drummer J. I. Allison and the place where he and Buddy Holly wrote many hits including, “That’ll Be the Day.” Inside the center there’s a detailed timeline and exhibits focused on Holly’s life from his childhood, his marriage to Maria Elena, his signature glasses, and his band, even his Fender Stratocaster. You can even peek into his recreated bedroom. Guided tours are available and since the heart and soul of the museum are the stories, don’t miss the opportunity to hear what it was like on that unfortunate road trip that ended up costing Holly his life, or how his name changed from Holley to Holly, and the other fascinating bits of music history. When in the Allison House, definitely ask about the phone conversation between Holly and his former producer. It’s taped and available to “listen in” on the kitchen phone. Additional Holly stops include the West Texas Walk of Fame at Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza at 19th
The inside of the Steel House by Robert Bruno offers stained glass panels, large windows, and steel jutting out at odd angles.
DISCOVER LUBBOCK, TEXAS Story and photos by Neala McCarten
I carefully picked my way across the uneven surfaces and even a tiny chasm to the huge windows of the Robert Bruno house and gazed at Lake Ransom Canyon below. The bluff setting is spectacular as was the dream behind this sculpture-cum-house. Lubbock may be Buddy Holly’s hometown, but this west- Texas outpost offers more than rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. Think quirky art district, ranching history, wind power museum, and a house of steel. Buddy Holly Center When Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson died in a plane crash on February 2, 1959 (along with pilot Roger Peterson), singer- songwriter Don McLean declared it the day the music died. But in Lubbock, Texas, where Holly was born Charles
DISCOVER LUBBOCK, TEXAS
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2018
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