Buddy Holly Name Agreement
By: Import User
Updated: January 26, 2009
The Lubbock City Council approved a deal with Buddy Holly's widow that will allow the city to use Holly's name and likeness to promote Lubbock and honor the legendary musician.
The City of Lubbock will pay Maria Ellana Holly $20,000 over a period of 20 years for the rights along with 15 percent of the profits made form merchandise sold at the Buddy Holly Center.
While the use of his name has been an issue for years, a new controversy has popped up.
As part of the negotiations, Buddy Holly's statue and the West Texas Walk of Fame will be moved to 19th Street and Crickets and be renamed the Buddy and Maria Elana Holly Plaza.
Many feel Maria Elena's name is inappropriate.
Councilwoman Linda DeLeon voted against the agreement due to the name change and the rocky past between Maria Elena and the City of Lubbock.
"This is his hometown," said DeLeon. "He is our native son. The city should have a lot more liberties instead of the restrictions that she has placed on his hometown and community."
According to city sources, the addition of Maria Elena's name to the Plaza was a bargaining chip in the deal.
The deal did not include any negotiations on renaming the West Texas Music Festival to the Buddy Holly Music Festival.
