Years later Norman was diagnosed with leukemia. With Ken right by his side, Norman didn’t hesitate to lean on his capable friend. Realising he was terminal, he asked Kenneth to look after Vi. Ken promised he would – probably not fully anticipating what he was getting into. Norman passed away in 1984. In 1985, Ken retired as pastor and became enveloped in caring for Vi and the business that supported her. In 1986, Vi went into the hospital for surgery and shockingly fell into a coma, never waking up. Ken, faced with unfinished Petty work, stayed the course.

Besides dealing with music publishing, Ken oversaw re-releases of Petty recordings by London’s ACE Records. He began educating people about Norman, becoming the official tour guide of Petty’s original recording studio. Year after year, Kenneth made himself available to give tours. In 2009, as curator of Norman Petty Studios, he was named Clovis Citizen of the Year. In 2014, the Tourism Association of New Mexico inducted Ken and Norman Petty Studios into its Hall of Fame. Word of these great studio-museum-tours has continued to spread across the globe. Always free, always unique and personal, Ken has given thousands of private, passion-filled tours. And 40 years after Norman’s passing, he is still at it!

Kenneth loves telling visitors stories of how his friend pioneered recording techniques right where they are standing. He loves to sit them down in Norman’s chair, behind the original control board, and play them a crisp, clear Buddy Holly track. Though everyone has heard the songs many times, when Ken plays you one in that control room, it is a magical experience. It’s like a real time machine – transporting you straight to 1957. And like Norman used to do, Ken turns the volume up, letting you

become part of the legend!