Rock Love, Day 23: Hula Love

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While I said today’s country and rock entries in the month-and-a-half countdown to Valentines Day with “love” titled songs were comparable, that’s not to say they’re cut from the same cloth. While the Leon Payne tune is a love song for the ages, this is more a lighthearted tune. But, the 45 was in my house when I was a kid, so it’s a long time favorite. Hula Love - Buddy Knox The ORIGINAL Buddy! Buddy was actually Buddy Knox’s real name (as opposed to that Charles Holley fella); and he was born three years earlier!! Other than “Buddy,” the two had something else in common: recording in Clovis, New Mexico. That’s where Knox’s biggest hit, “Party Doll,” was produced by Norman Petty (the same man who produced Holly’s hits). Of course, Knox never had the widespread popularity that Holly did, so he’s usually jokingly referred to as “the other Buddy” from the early days of rock and roll. That’s not to say his career was nonexistent (he was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame). Just not as remembered. That’s okay. We. Had the Roulette 45s of “Hula Love” and “Somebody Touched Me,” and I grew up with those two Knox hits. You’ve probably never heard of him, or may have an “Oh, he did that song?” moment at the mention of “Party Doll.” So enjoy “the other Buddy.” Hula Love Written by Buddy Knox Recorded by Buddy Knox From Buddy Knox, 1957 They fled in his canoe: