Buddy Knox promotional photo from 1957.

In 1954 Buddy Knox enrolled at West Texas State College in Canyon. It was here he met Jimmy Bowen (bass) and Don Lanier (lead guitar). The three formed a group calling themselves “The Rhythm Orchids” named from the color of their band shirts.. After graduation, a song written by Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen called “Party Doll” was recorded at Norman Petty Studios featuring Buddy on the vocals with his sister and two friends providing the back-up vocals. During this same session they recorded “I’m Sticking With You” featuring Jimmy Bowen on the vocals. Since Jimmy couldn’t play the up-right bass well enough two session players were brought in that included David Alldred (drums) who would later join the group. Buddy and Jimmy had wanted to make a record where they could sell it locally to fans and friends around West Texas. The group spent three days and nights at the studio, which was located on 7th street, sleeping during the day recording at night due to trucks and traffic noises that would filter through the building and into the tapes. After paying their $60.00 fee to Norman Petty they left with the master tape containing 3 songs. Knox recalls: “I don’t think Norman really took notice of us and our type of music...not really alert of what was happening in the music business at the time”. Chester Oliver, Blue Moon Records/Seminole Publishing heard the tapes suggesting they get some 45 copies pressed. They formed a small label Triple-D with “Party Doll” b/w “I’m Sticking With You”. After the record became a local hit getting air-play selling 200 copies Don Lanier’s sister in New York dropped a copy by Roulette Records. Roulette released each song on a single with “Party Doll” climbing to #1 and “I’m Sticking With You” #14 in 1957. The group began touring and made an appearance on American Bandstand. Buddy Knox became a star of the Rockabilly era, a contemporary of Buddy Holly and Elvis. Buddy had 5 top 25 charted records with one, “Rock Your Little Baby To Sleep” as Lieutenant Buddy Knox plus “Hula Love” #9 featured in the movie “Jamboree”. Buddy Knox became known as one of the nice guys of the Rockabilly era spending his life touring.

Born in Santa Rita, New Mexico Jimmy met Buddy Knox (vocal/guitar) and Don Lanier (lead guitar) at West Texas State College forming The Rhythm Orchids. After his Rockabilly years with The Rhythm Orchids Jimmy became a producer and a top record executive on the West Coast producing 20 Dean Martin hits. Since the 70’s Jimmy has been a powerful executive in the recording industry working for various labels. and is acknowledged as being one of the most influencial. In 1977 he moved to Nashville and in 1982 became president of MCA Records (later became Universal). “I’m Sticking With You” was his only charted song.