The Crickets drummer Jerry Allison, who played alongside Buddy Holly, has died aged 82.
Known as “JI”, the star has tragically died after reportedly suffering “serious medical issues”.
Jerry's death was announced in a statement posted on his official Facebook page – a cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
“Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Allison,” it read. “One of Buddy’s very closest friends, and the inspiration to drummers for decades since, passed away today.”
The statement added: “JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success.
“Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.
“There’s more to be said and posted here in the coming days. For today, we think about his family and friends and wish JI to rest in peace.”
He helped write some of the rock band’s greatest hits and family, friends and fans have been paying tribute to the musician after the news was announced.
“In recent months, J.I had some serious medical issues that frankly I don't know how he handled,” said The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Joe Chambers in a tribute.
“He never complained. Always upbeat. I only hope I can be as gracious if need be,” he added.
He is credited on major Crickets hits such as That’ll Be The Day and Peggy Sue and met Buddy in the 1950s when they began playing together as a duo.
One year later, Holly and Allison met bassist Joe B Mauldin and officially became Holly and the Crickets in January 1957 – That’ll Be The Day was their first hit.
The band split in 1958 when Buddy died in a plane crash, but the remaining members continued to tour and record into the 60s as The Crickets.
Allison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and went on to become known as one of the most influential musicians in early rock n' roll.
One friend said in tribute on Facebook: “Today has been one of the hardest days of my life.
“I’ve been preparing myself for this and thought knowing it was coming, it would be a little easier, but it hasn’t been.
“Today I lost one of my very best friends, heroes and role models, Jerry Allison, better known as JI.
“The world knew him as a legendary rock n roll hall of fame drummer with Buddy Holly and The Crickets.
“To me, he was that, but he was a simple man and the most down to earth guy you could ever meet. He loved his wife, Joanie, who he was married to for over 50 years, farming, carpentry and would never hesitate to offer a hand in helping someone.
“He could tell you a story about any musician and his stories were great!”
