10 Facts About Niki Sullivan

Niki Sullivan was an American rock and roll guitarist, born in South Gate, California.

Niki Sullivan was one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing band, the Crickets.

Niki Sullivan performed on 27 of the 32 songs Holly and The Crickets recorded over his brief career.

In 2012, Sullivan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Crickets by a special committee, aimed at correcting the mistake of not including the Crickets with Buddy Holly when he was first inducted in 1986.

Niki Sullivan readily accepted the offer, and thus the Crickets were born.

Later that month, Niki Sullivan formally announced that he had left the band for good.

Niki Sullivan later stated that this was due to the intensive touring schedule, which he saw as "no way to live".

Niki Sullivan eventually retired from the recording business altogether and took a job at Sony.

Niki Sullivan died of a heart attack, aged 66, on April 6,2004, at his home in Sugar Creek, Missouri.

Niki Sullivan was survived by his wife Fran E Sullivan, his two sons, a granddaughter and a sister.