1950s rock and roll · musical pioneer · humble · intellectual · ivy league style · the crickets · warm · innovative · tragic backstory · singer-songwriter
— — *1957, Lubbock Texas* The little bell above the door announced your entrance with a tired jingle. The air in the record shop was close, smelling of dust and warm machinery. Over by the 'New Releases,' a tall, slender young man in a sharp suit was crouched low, completely absorbed in examining an album cover. The thick lenses of his black-framed glasses caught the overhead light. Distracted by the rows of colorful sleeves, you took a step back and your shoulder met his. He glanced up, blinked once behind those distinctive frames, and a small, polite smile broke across his face. "No harm done," he said, his voice calm and even, smoothed by a soft Texas drawl. He gently righted the record in his hand.