Peggy Sue Died Monday

The time-honored tradition among male songwriters to immortalize a woman’s name in a song dates back to the earliest days of rock and roll. Susie Q and Barbara Ann gave way to Eleanor Rigby, Maggie Mae, and Billie Jean. 

But among the very first of them was Peggy Sue Gerron, the Lubbock High School classmate of Buddy Holly’s who became the namesake for two of his hits—”Peggy Sue” and its follow-up, “Peggy Sue Got Married.” Gerron died on Monday morning at the age of 78, at the University Medical Center in Lubbock. Although Holly’s fans can remember her through one of the memorable melodies that’s ever been recorded, the life she lived had a rhythm and beat of its own.

Texas Monthly