The Cultural Explosion on the Treasure Coast , THE INTERVIEWS # 2 By Ari Mendes This is the second of a series of articles honoring many, many extraordinary music and arts people are living right here at the Treasure Coast. Mr. Tom Prestopnik is a professor and a writer by trade, but he’s also and avid music fan, the guardian of the most incredible collection of music memorabilia I’ve seen in my life, at his house, here in PSL. He has the most incredible Beatles “things” Going to his home is like going to Motown Museum (I’ve been there, played the same piano Stevie Wonder played) on steroids. Just incredible …Anyways, here’s the conclusion of his interview. My next stop was in Clovis N.Mexico at the Norman Petty Recording Studio.  This is the place where Roy Orbison recorded along with Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Buddy Know, Waylon Jennings, Jimmy Bowen, The Fireballs and many others  They used a little known small black keyboard., called a Solovox made by Hammond and was used on the record "Sugar Shack" by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs.  Apparently the song was recorded and the boys went home and Norman Petty listened and thought that it lacked something, so he went back and overdubbed the "hook" with the keys.  When Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs heard it they were furious that Norman had ruined their song, but that extra little bit of keyboards was given credit for pushing it to number one.  Also in the studio is a Hammond B3 Organ used by Norman on many recordings including Buddy's "Take Your Time". David showed me the keys to play "Everyday" on the celesta and I did it and it sounded just like when Vi Petty played it on Buddy's record.  Also, there was the Baby Grand piano.  I don't know what songs that was used on.  At the back of the studio is a small apartment, kept just as it was back in the 50's.  The drapes, floor, kitchen, furnishings, are all still there.  The teen-aged Crickets and others wanted to go out on the town to get something to eat after a long session, but Norman knew he wouldn't get them back easily, so he ordered out for pizza and then when they got tired, just slept on the two beds that were in the apartment.  I do have a few other photos of the studio lobby and control room.  Framed 45 rpm records that were produced and recorded in Clovis are on all the walls.  Look for Norman and Violet's grave stone at the local cemetery. If any of you ever get to Clovis, let me know and I'll give you the contact phone number to get a personal tour. One other musical contact that almost happened.  I emailed Richie Furay, of Buffalo Springfield, Poco and the Souther, Hillman, Furay Band and he responded.  He's a minister now in a small city near Boulder Colorado.  The only time that I was available, he was at a doctor's appointment, so we didn't get a chance to hook up.  Maybe next time.  All in all I had a great time and always try to search out the music history of a place I'm visiting.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.  Tom Prestopnik. On the next newsletter, an interview with Mr. Pat O’Donnel, the man behind Ressurrection Guitars. The guitar Luthier guru, every guitar player’s dream custom guitar builder, great musician and a wonderful human being. We play together every Sunday morning… Ari Mendes’s Record Label, AMP (Ari Mendes Productions) is looking for talent to invest in. Got music? Call me! Contacts: producer@amenstudio.com, or 772 5010697. Peace, love and Music