BIG rock stars from the 60s are recording their memories on tape for Bolton man Ray Sandiford.

Ray, who used to manage the former Butterfly World in Queens Park, now lives in Miner's Bridge, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales, where he is busy writing a book on the late great American rock star Johnny Burnette.

Burnette died in a boating accident at the age of 30 in 1964 -- at the height of his career.

His records were chart toppers both sides of the Atlantic yet no one has ever chronicled his life story.

Ray, who hails from Tonge Moor, homed in on a big 60s revival show in Llandudno recently to see if any of the stars appearing could contribute to the book with memories of Johnny Burnette.

Ray went backstage to see Johnny Preston and Chris Montez and both offered to make tapes of their memories of Burnette era. He also interviewed Bobby Vee, who had a wealth of stories about Johnny Burnette, his brother Dorsey and Paul Burlison who made up the trio.

After that Ray went off to London to meet Johnny's son Rocky Burnette, who was in concert at the Tennessee Club.

Rocky now packs 'em in performing his late father's rockabilly songs from the 50s and is hailed "King of Rockabilly" in the USA.

He was "overwhelmed" to learn that Ray was writing a book about his father.

Ray told the BEN: "I don't know about Rocky being overwhelmed. I have been overwhelmed by all the help I am getting from celebrities in compiling this book. Even Paul Burlison, the only surviving member of the trio, and Sir Cliff Richard are contributing."

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