norman petty studios

The place where the first great music I ever heard was made. The host Reverend Kenneth Broad was charming and very well informed. It is amazing to see how Norman Petty provided a home from home for stars like Buddy Holly and The Crickets, not just charging them by the hour by allowing them time and space to develop their ideas. There is a kitchen a lounge a bedroom and shower as part of the studio complex. Very innovative. And the sound from the speakers is quite wonderful. While Listening to Listen To Me, I found David Bigham of the Roses was singing the exact harmony next to me that he sang on the record. Wonderful. Go and see it. Make your day.

The Norm Petty Studios are a national treasure. They are a must see for classic rock n roll fans. I felt like I was stepping back in time. Everything seems to have been left as it was over 50 years ago... . Visitors should call to book about a week in advance of their planned visit date. Also, since the studios do not appear to have been updated since the 60's they ask that you not use the restroom. I recommend planning to visit the Studios after seeing the Norm and Vi museum run by the Chamber of Commerce. The museum is great, but because the studios are so special the museum can be anti-climatic if not visited first.

I grew up in Clovis, used to see Norm Petty around town in the 70's. The studio is interesting, but other than that, Clovis is so lacking in interesting things to do. It is very boring. If not for this recording studio, people from Europe would not be flocking here. And yes, Buddy Holly was a great artist. But one must remember the words Holly once humbly stated , Holly said, "If it weren't for Elvis, none of us would be here." John Lennon said similar. Elvis was the true King of rock and roll.

I have written about this studio in the review from Norma & Vi Pettys Rock'n'roll Museum. You had to go to both and get the true Buddy Holly story. Mot even mentioned in the movie Buddy Holly story. They are minutes away from each other.

The original 7th street studio is still in its original mid-century condition with all of the original equipment operational. The people who provide the historic discussions / demonstrations of the studio know their stuff. It is too cool to miss!

One year today Ken since I visited this iconic studio, the image of which had lived in my mind's eye for some fifty five years before the dream became reality. To many of my generation, Buddy was simply the greatest of them all, and to follow in his footsteps in this priceless building was an overwhelming experience. His music provided the backdrop to my youth, and to visit the birthplace of that poignant music was a privilege beyond description. Thank you. Mike Turner.

We visited Clovis NM the weekend of the Rock n Roll Music Festival. We took this tour of the original recording studio of Norman Petty where he recorded artists like Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

To find such a significant piece of history is a true gift! Tons of history here, with authentic items used during its hayday. The back area that was used as a house is a little full and feels like an antique store rather than a museum, with dishes, glasses, bowls, etc. and I didn't understand the significance of these, but the studio section was awesome. I would suggest that those with children watch them carefully because they don't seem to understand or care about what is going on.

Really nice exhibits for Norman Petty/Buddy Holly fans. Lots to see with many displays. Fun atmosphere.

I enjoyed my visit to the Norman Petty Studios very much. A lot of the original stuff is there and the man who showed me around was very knowledgeable. The best time to see it is when Clovis has their annual Music Festival - it is usually open for several days and there is free entrance.

Our visit to the Norman Petty Studio was a totally awesome experience. My husband, a great fan of the Fireballs as well as Buddy Holly, was so excited to see the studio as it stood when these great artists recorded here. Our guides, artists themselves, were so terrific in answering questions, and bringing the place to life. I would highly recommend this venue.

My Wife booked a surprise 50th birthday holiday to Lubbock to see everything about Buddy Holly one of my goals was The Norman Petty Studio in Clovis I managed to EMail Ken Broad who looks after the studio he mailed me back and within 4 days I had arranged a visit WOW.The history of the place his knowledge was outstanding I was the only person on day of visit and he said take as much time as you want.to wander around the place and see and touch things that Buddy and the Crickets and a whole host of R N R singers and been at was very emotional if you ever get chance to visit Texas or Clovis make this a No 1 item on your list than thanks to Ken I spent nearly 4 hours there a wonderful gentleman and place

What an amazing experience. To be able to see everything and touch it all was tremendous. Ken broad is a wonderful man; so full of knowledge and enthusiasm. You can tell its a labour of love. It was great too to meet and chat with David Bigham of the Roses. Another lovely man. It's a must for any Buddy Holly fan and it was well worth the trip from England. To sit in the same chair that Buddy did and listen to his music coming out of the same speakers he did was awesome. Many thanks to Ken and to David for taking the time to help me live a dream.No charge but you can and should make a donation.

This is an amazing tour, Ken is a wonderful man full of knowledge and a passion for preserving the life of Norman and Vi Petty. Was amazing to sit on the very seat Buddy Holly had sat on and see where all the magic happened. Top 5 highlight of our 6 week trip. Thank you again Ken.

We spent the morning with Ken on the 18th Sept 2013 and it was a wonderful time, my husband Dave is a great Buddy Holly fan and to see and sit in the chair used by BH was the highlight of the tour, a big thanks to Ken for making this a wonderful time for us both we are greatly appreciative of the time and effort he gives to keep the memory going to all these wonderful artists.