His talent and versatility have made him a true guitar icon, respected by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Like many other aspiring guitarists, Albert was captivated by Buddy Holly. In 1958, his parents bought him a second-hand Höfner President, the same model Buddy acquired at the start of his UK tour that same year. In 1974, Albert was chosen to replace Glen D. Hardin in the Crickets, who also at the time included Sonny Curtis and Jerry Allison. He recorded several albums with the band, the first two of which were produced by Bob Montgomery.

Albert sang ‘Learning the Game’ on the 2004 album The Crickets and Their Buddies, and later that year performed with the Crickets at a special show to celebrate 50 years of the Fender Stratocaster. They were joined by Brian May on ‘I Fought the Law’, ‘That’ll Be the Day’ and ‘Oh, Boy!’.

On 6 February 2016, the Crickets ‘and their buddies’ performed at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, the venue for Buddy’s last show.

The performers included Sonny Curtis, Glen D. Hardin, Albert Lee, Tommy Allsup and Gordon Payne. After the show Jerry Allison announced that it was to be the Crickets’ final performance. What a night for Albert to be there.

Mike Read