Holly Festival Demise
MARIA ELENA HOLLY, widow of famed rock ‘n’ roller Buddy Holly, held out too long in the negotiations for the rights to use her husband’s name, likeness and image for the annual September music festival in Lubbock.
It was a costly lesson for Ms. Holly — one that will cost her more than $50,000. At this point, the only positive thing that can come from the experience is for her to gain wisdom as a result of her experience, and we wish her that.
The city of Lubbock’s final offer to Ms. Holly was $50,000 in cash and 15 percent of the gate from any concerts and events connected with the festival. C. David Sharp, president of Market Lubbock Inc., said the offer was significantly more than she has been paid at past music festivals.
For most people, $50,000 would be an acceptable sum for a whole year’s work. But it was not enough to convince Ms. Holly to sign on the dotted line.
This is a dispute in which everyone loses, as we see it. Ms. Holly lost a lot of money. The city loses the opportunity to promote its rich rock ‘n’ roll heritage as the hometown of an innovative star. And music fans lose out on the opportunity to honor a favorite performer.
Ms. Holly says she wants to protect Buddy Holly’s name and reputation while not giving up her rights. We submit that Mr. Holly’s name and reputation would have only shined brighter after another Lubbock music festival honoring him.
The sum of $50,000 was a more than reasonable offer, and city officials were wise not to up the ante even further. Who knows how high they would have had to have gone before Ms. Holly was convinced that Buddy Holly’s name and reputation would be “protected” at an event designed to enhance them?
It was an unfortunate situation, but the city was wise to draw the line. The world does not revolve around Ms. Holly’s say-so. The new festival name and focus are no one’s first choice, but we hope that the city’s first Music Crossroads of Texas West Texas Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival will be a huge success on the Labor Day weekend.
