PAUL COTTON... Musical Archive

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Walter (Buddy) Riley



Circa 1961
Buddy Riley graduated Thornton Township High School, Harvey, Illinois in 1961. In many ways he was Paul's mentor and to this day Paul credits Buddy with giving him inspiration and setting him on the path of his long musical career. He had played with Paul since high school right through until about 1964/5 when he played guitar occasionally with "Carol Vega & Trio". In early 1964 Ronnie Laas, Paul and Buddy were involved with recording sessions to back a singer called Metty Earle. The resultant single was "Hap Hap Happy New Year/Belong to me" which was released on Antone records. Ronnie & Buddy were also in a band called "Dick Cero and the four sounds" in about 1963/64. A single, "Beverly", was released by this outfit. From about 1966 Buddy ceased his musical career. He started out utilizing his unique expertise in customizing cars, and enjoyed quite a few years working for body shops and some music engagements. Buddy married Elyse and had 3 children. He moved to Oklahoma for a while, but the location change did not help. After he turned 50 he did a life change, going back to college. As of 2004, it is known that Buddy is married for a second time, and lives east of the Hammond, Indiana., area. He is now believed to be a PT Asst. Professor teaching mechanical drafting. I have been unable to contact him directly to confirm all of these details. An old school friend, Chance Pataki has been trying to locate Buddy for some years. Chance remembers when Buddy got his Gibson stereo guitar (ES-345) and the serial number was 00002.


Further links to Paul's musical history -

History main page--- Beginnings--- Capitols--- Mus-twangs--- Starfires--- Carol Vega & Trio--- Gentrys--- Rovin' Kind--- Rovin' Kind Gig Dates--- Illinois Speed Press--- Illinois Speed Press Gig Dates--- Poco & Beyond--- Joseph Schwantner--- Chuck Edelhofer--- Keith Anderson--- Gerald (Jerry) Urban--- Guy Franchot (Frenchy) Germany--- Walter (Buddy) Riley--- Johnny Jordan--- Johnny Moyer--- Carol Vega--- Johnny Moore--- Verne Johnson--- Frank Bartell (Bortoli)--- Mike Anthony (Harry Baikauskas)--- Fred Page (Pappalardo)--- Rob Lewine--- Bobby Simms--- Barney Pip--- John Uribe--- Kal David--- Jim Jarosz--- Ronnie Laas---

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