I posted a song on my Web site today in memory of someone who has touched my life and music: http://www.glennabell.com
The way that I met John Pickering is a matter of twists and turns. Back in 2006, I received a phone call to meet with a producer from Palm Springs, California. Ronnie King (the Offspring, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Slim Thug, Mariah Carey, and Rancid) was in Houston recording rap acts at the time. Ronnie told me that he wanted to record an artist who really “sounded like Texas,” so that’s why he had arranged to get together with me. On a trip to Dallas, I stayed up all night after a show, writing a song called “Can’t Get My Mind Off You” in a small room atop the old Sears Building, overlooking the lights of downtown. Back in Houston, Ronnie and I ended up recording a traditional country version of that song, which is a very heartfelt and beautiful waltz. Then, the following year when I was recording The Road Less Traveled (2008) at Sugar Hill Studios, I happened to be “reading the wall” during a break, and noticed a newspaper clipping about a man named John Pickering of the vocal group, The Picks, who recorded three-part harmonies behind Buddy Holly on "That'll Be the Day," "Oh Boy!," and "Maybe Baby." To my surprise, John was living right here in the Houston area, and I’d had no idea! I mentioned John to chief engineer, Andy Bradley, and Andy put us in contact. As they say, the rest is history. I decided then and there to re-cut “Can’t Get My Mind Off You” as a rollicking, rockabilly tune that would suit John’s style and technique. I’ll never forget the wonderful day that we spent together at the studio or our lunch at the Mexican food place out on old Telephone Road with Sonny West, who wrote "Rave On," and John’s first-hand recollections of his touring with his family act in the 1940's and his time in Clovis, New Mexico in the studio with Buddy Holly, who went to grammar school with John's wife, Vicky. We've kept in touch through the years, and I'm so glad that I had the chance to meet John and Vicky along the way down this road less traveled. I will always remember John's good advice and encouragement in my music—he said I reminded him of Buddy.
"John Winton Pickering, age 77, of The Picks, The Pickering Brothers, The Pickering Family Quartet and various musical groups died of complications following a stroke in Houston, Texas, at 9:47 p.m. 2-28-2011."
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/ThePicks.html
I will miss you, John.