Ersel Hickey

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A minor rockabilly star of the fifties, Hickey was in Gene Laverne's Buffalo photography studio when the above picture was taken, now considered the iconic rock and roll image.  The pose was Gene's idea.  Gene was an exotic dancer and female impersonator who had an idea for what worked on stage-  
 

 -as can be seen here.  Hicky's biggest hit, Bluebirds Over The Mountain only charted at number 75, which puzzles me because he is an awesome rocker. 
 
 

Ersel with some guy.
 
 Today he is best remembered as the co-writer of Don't Let The Rain Come Down, a huge hit for the Serendipity Singers.  Actor Ron Thompson based many of his dance moves on Hickey's, who was Thompson's mentor and friend, for his performance in the film American Pop.  Ersel died following surgery to remove his gall bladder, 2004. 
Sometimes even great talent ain't enough, but aw hell, he did all right!
 

 Ersel Hickey
 
 June 27, 1934 – July 9, 2004
 

 Ersel's mouth watering gold guitar is a Gibson ES-295 Archtop Hollowbody Electric. 


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