Sonny West was a songwriter and musician who wrote the early rock classics “Oh Boy!” and “Rave On,” which were hits for Buddy Holly.
- Died: Thursday, September 8, 2022. (Who else died on September 8?)
- Details of death: Died in Grove, Oklahoma at the age of 85.
- We invite you to share condolences for Sonny West in our Guest Book.
Rockabilly Legend
Sonny West and his band recorded a double-sided single in 1956 at Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, New Mexico featuring his songs “Rock-ola Ruby” and “Sweet Rockin’ Baby.” A teenager at the time, these Sonny West songs are considered rockabilly classics today. In 1957, another Texas teenager Buddy Holly and his band the Crickets recorded the Sonny West song “Oh Boy!,” retitled from West’s original “All My Love.” Their version would reach number 10 on the US charts. West recorded and released his song “Rave On” in 1958 but it did not have commercial success. Buddy Holly recorded a version of the song the same year for his debut album, and it reached the top 40 on the charts. West continued to release music and play live shows. His songs have been featured on many TV shows and movies including “Happy Days” and “Pleasantville.” He is an original inductee into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Notable Quote
‘I’m sort of a footnote in rock ‘n’ roll history, but I wouldn’t even be a footnote if I hadn’t had the drive and ambition.” – He told the magazine Now Dig This in 2008
Tributes to Sonny West
Full Obituary: KCBD Texas
