The Ed Sullivan Show on December 1, 1957, was a historic day in the music world, marked by the performance of Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ classic “Peggy Sue.” The performance has been hailed as one of the best drumming performances ever captured on film. The drummer, Jerry Allison, was a rock and roll legend who passed away on August 22, 2022. He was only 18 years old when he played the drums for the song that would become one of the greatest hits in rock history.

The crowd was electric as they watched the band play, and the audience’s positive reactions were undeniable. The band’s performance captivated everyone in the audience, and the applause was deafening. Even Buddy Holly seemed surprised by the crowd’s reaction as he stood there with a huge smile, soaking it all in.
It’s interesting to note that this performance was filmed in 1957, and how much has changed since then is amazing. A gallon of milk costs just 28 cents, and the gas price is only 25 cents a gallon. These figures may seem quaint by today’s standards, but it’s a great reminder of how different things were back then.

The simplicity of the performance and the music is a testament to the unique and nostalgic nature of old-school rock and roll. The drumming by Allison is still impressive to this day, with his flawless execution of paradiddles adding a layer of finesse to the performance. In many ways, it’s easy to see why people still hold this performance in such high regard.
Watching the performance can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, especially for those who remember the era. Mary Guy, for instance, recalled how the song’s release in 1957 coincided with her own discovery of rock and roll. She remembers a babysitter she had at the time, Peggy Sue, who went wild over the song. These are the kinds of personal memories that help make “Peggy Sue” such an important song in rock history.

It’s amazing to think that Buddy Holly and The Crickets played this performance on live television. They were only in their early twenties then, and they had already made a lasting impression on rock and roll. It’s a reminder of how talented these musicians were and how influential they became. The performance was simple yet powerful, and the legacy of Buddy Holly and The Crickets lives on to this day.
It is important to watch this video and share it with friends, especially those who remember the era. The performance is a timeless classic that will never lose its power to evoke feelings of nostalgia and excitement. The audience’s reaction to the performance is proof that this song is a classic for a reason.




