Classic Arena – Peggy Sue: Tales of Rock and Roll airs on BBC Four Fri 9 February

BBC Four’s Arena series presents an insightful documentary, “Peggy Sue: Tales of Rock and Roll,” set to air on Friday 9 February. The program takes viewers back to Lubbock, Texas, where Peggy Sue Gerron Rackham attended the same high school as Buddy Holly. Peggy Sue was not only the inspiration behind Holly’s famous song but also married his drummer, Jerry Allison, which led to another tribute song titled “Peggy Sue Got Married.” This documentary offers fresh insights into Buddy Holly’s tragically short career and explores the stories behind these iconic songs.

Alongside Peggy Sue’s account of her time with Holly and Allison, Donna Fox, a neighbour who inspired Ritchie Valens’s classic song “Donna,” also shares her memories of that era. These firsthand recollections provide a unique glimpse into the cultural landscape and musical history of the 1950s.

Originally part of the BBC Arena series and initially broadcast in 1993, this episode delves into the recording process and creative inspirations behind Buddy Holly’s renowned track “Peggy Sue” from 1957. It offers audiences an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the dynamics between Peggy Sue Gerron Rackham, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Allison during their shared experiences at high school.

The documentary also sheds light on Peggy Sue’s later endeavours beyond her connection with Buddy Holly. It delves into her entrepreneurial venture running a drain clearing company named Rapid Rooter in Sacramento, California.

The program incorporates footage from the earlier 1985 episode of Arena titled “The Real Buddy Holly Story (also airing on BBC Four tonight),” mostly this is old interviews and drumming demonstrations from Jerry Allison.

Don’t miss out on this engaging exploration of rock ‘n’ roll history when “Classic Arena – Peggy Sue: Tales of Rock and Roll” airs on BBC Four at 10:05 PM on Friday, 9 February 2024.