Frequent releases during the mid-60s included many cover versions of popular songs, as well as a few group-penned hits and many songs written especially for them by professional songwriters.
The Hollies were formed in 1962 in Lancashire, England. By 1965,the group had been established as one of Britain's pre-eminent singles bands. As part of the British Invasion, they enjoyed huge chart success in many countries in the mid-Sixties, releasing a string of classic harmony-pop hits including Bus Stop I'm Alive, a UK No. 1, I Can't Let Go, Stop Stop Stop, Carrie Anne, On A Carousel, Look Through Any Window, and Jennifer Eccles.
In 1972, the hit Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress reached #2 in the US. Their last mega hit was He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, hitting #1 in the UK in 1988 (albeit 19 years after its first release).
The band are noted for their longevity, with their 2006 tour chalking up 45 years. Despite numerous changes in line-up, Tony Hicks & Bobby Elliott have been with the band almost from its inception.
Lead singer Allan Clarke left The Hollies in 1971, though he rejoined the band at later times. He was eventually replaced by Carl Wayne, ex lead singer of The Move, who passed away in 2004. Wayne was replaced by Peter Howarth. The 2007 line up is, Ian Parker on keyboards, Ray Stiles (Ex Mud, remember 'Tiger Feet') on bass guitar and Alan Coates on guitar and vocals by Steve Lauri.
Original bass player Eric Haydock died in January 2018.
The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 2010.
Allan Clarke (vocals, 1962-71, 1973-99), Graham Nash (guitar, vocals, 1962-68, 1983), Eric Haydock (bass, 1962-66), Vick Farrell (guitar, 1962), Don Rathbone (drums, 1962-63), Tony Hicks (guitar, banjo, mandolin, electric sitar, vocals, 1963-present), Bobby Elliott (drums, percussion, 1963-present), Bernie Calvert (bass, 1966-81), Terry Sylvester (guitar, vocals, 1969-81), Mikael Rickfors (vocals, 1971-73), Denis Haines (bass, 1981-86), Alan Coates (guitar, 1981-2004), Ray Stiles (bass, vocals, 1986-present), Ian Parker (keyboards, vocals, 1991-present), Carl Wayne (vocals, 2000-04), Peter Howarth (vocals, acoustic guitar, 2004-present), Steve Lauri (guitar, vocals, 2004-present)
Peggy Sue Got Married
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please don't tell, no, no, no.
Please don't tell I told you so.
I just heard a rumor from a friend.
I don't say that it's true.
I'll just leave that up to you.
If you don't believe, I'll understand.
Do you recall a girl that's been in nearly every song?
This is what I heard. of course, the story could be wrong.
She's the one, I've been told,
'cause she's wearing that band of gold.
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
Verse 3
Verse 4
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
Peggy sue, she got married not long ago.
The Hollies's song "Peggy Sue Got Married" tells a story about a rumor that the band heard from a friend. The lyrics are sung by the lead singer who begs the listener not to tell anyone that he told them about it. He then goes on to say that he heard that Peggy Sue, a girl who's been in nearly every song, got married not long ago because she's wearing a band of gold. The lead singer doesn't necessarily believe the rumor, but he'll leave it up to the listener to decide whether it's true or not.
The song's title and lyrics pay homage to the popular hit song by Buddy Holly, "Peggy Sue." In fact, the song was originally going to be called "Peggy Sue Got Divorced," but the record label executives thought it was too negative and requested a change to "Peggy Sue Got Married." Interestingly, Buddy Holly's version of "Peggy Sue" was playing on the radio in the background of the recording session for The Hollies's song.
The song "Peggy Sue Got Married" was one of the last songs recorded by The Hollies with their original lead singer, Allan Clarke, before he left the band in 1971. The song was released as a single later that year and peaked at number two on the UK charts.
Line by Line Meaning
Please don't tell, no, no, no.
I would appreciate it if you don't reveal what I am about to say.
Please don't tell I told you so.
I hope you won't blame me for sharing this information.
I just heard a rumor from a friend.
I received some news that may or may not be accurate, but I wanted to share it with you.
I don't say that it's true.
I am not claiming this information to be factual, but I am passing it along regardless.
I'll just leave that up to you.
I trust your judgment to decide whether or not you believe what I just told you.
If you don't believe, I'll understand.
I won't be offended or upset if you choose to disbelieve what I just told you.
Do you recall a girl that's been in nearly every song?
Can you remember a woman who was prominently featured in many popular tunes?
This is what I heard. of course, the story could be wrong.
I'm not sure if this is true, but this is what I was told. It's possible that it's incorrect.
She's the one, I've been told, 'cause she's wearing that band of gold.
According to what I heard, she's the person that got married because she has a wedding ring.
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
The person in question, named Peggy Sue, recently got married.
Peggy sue, she got married not long ago.
Repeating the previous line to emphasize the statement.
Peggy sue got married not long ago.
Repeating the previous line
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BUDDY HOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@graham1332
I was at Blackpool when they did this live on stage with the recording off Buddy it was amazing , and I've just come across this, but the stage live i will never forget,
@stuartshire
Incredible ! Would love to have witnessed this !
@Transterra55
KILLER guitar solo......Hooray Tony Hicks!
@ianhumm531
A great guitar player 👍👍
@stuartshire
I think this is an astonishing version. Buddy's voice sounds so clear, and the Hollies arrangement is amazing !
@oletrux5512
Buddy was an innovator. I think he would have approved of this version.
@TheRonpower
Being a Buddy Holly fan since 1958, I guess I have everything that he recorded. This is a very unusual recording. Almost like sing along with Buddy Holly. I think that he would have liked it though.
@GlennShepMusic
Just to add some info: this track is actually from 1996, not 1993. It was the opening track on a tribute album that was comprised mostly of country stars, called "Not Fade Away (Remembering Buddy Holly)". Graham Nash also returned to add his vocals in lieu of long-time tenor harmony singer, Alan Coates, who played percussion on this track.
I think that Tony Hicks' guitar solo on this is one of his best ever. :-)
@johnmcgowan5806
No criticism at all.just great!
@ceephaxx
Well worth seeking out the "Not Fade Away" tribute album.