"Originally with a Calypso beat, Buddy penned 'Cindy Lou' for his niece of the same name. Drummer J.I. Allison was dating 'Peggy Sue Gerron' and they had just had an argument. Figuring a song named after her would impress her, J.I. asked if the title could be changed. Buddy daringly bet that if J.I. could drum the whole song doing 'paradiddles' (the fast beat) that he would change the song. Buddy didn't expect he could, but J.I. did and the song (and rock & roll) was forever changed."
What a fabulous song. I love the beyond-famous instrumental break!
Buddy's girlfriend's name was Echo; his niece's name was Cindy. Here's more behind this song from http://buddyhollyonline.com/questions.html:
"Originally with a Calypso beat, Buddy penned 'Cindy Lou' for his niece of the same name. Drummer J.I. Allison was dating 'Peggy Sue Gerron' and they had just had an argument. Figuring a song named after her would impress her, J.I. asked if the title could be changed. Buddy daringly bet that if J.I. could drum the whole song doing 'paradiddles' (the fast beat) that he would change the song. Buddy didn't expect he could, but J.I. did and the song (and rock & roll) was forever changed."
What a fabulous song. I love the beyond-famous instrumental break!