David Bigham

David Goldman Bigham passed away December 8, 2021 in Clovis.

David was born at Ducktown, TN. To Floyd William Bigham and Hazel Fay (Runions) June 2, 1937. He married Maryline Mobley on February 20, 1972 at Odessa, Texas. He excelled at several positions over the years, retiring with Wal-Mart and A-American storage.

His first career was a vocalist in early Rock-N-Roll. His group, The Four Roses, started performing, entertaining the young people in West Texas area which led him to befriend Roy Orbison in the mid 50’s. “The Roses”, only being 3 members at the time, travelled with Roy to Clovis to record at the Norman Petty Studio in 1957. At this time, they met Buddy Holly and the Crickets. “The Roses” got an opportunity to work with Buddy and the band when another group didn’t show for the session. Norman Petty liked their work and asked “The Roses” to move to Clovis to be available as a staff vocal group. During 1957, “The Roses” did vocal back-up for numerous artists:

- Buddy Holly and The Crickets: “Fool’s Paradise,” “Lonesome Times,” “Think It Over,” “It’s So Easy,” and others.
- Jerry Allison: “Ivan,” “Real Wild Child”
- Sonny Curtis: “Talk About My Baby”
- Buddy Knox: “Somebody Touched Me,” “To Be with You,” “I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself”
- Roy Orbison: “Ooby Dooby,” “Fools Hall of Fame,” “Devil Doll,” “Sweet and Easy to Love”
- Don Lanier: “Tease,” “Right Now”
- Waylon Jennings: “When Sin Stops” (produced by Buddy Holly, Waylon was 16 years old)

“The Roses” were also under contract with Dot Records and recorded the vocal version of “Almost Paradise,” written by Norman Petty. In 1957 and 1958, “The Roses” were involved in sessions almost every night at the Petty Studio.

1958
In the Fall of 1958, “The Roses” toured with Buddy Holly and the Crickets on Alan Freed’s Fall Show of Stars. “The Roses” were the only vocal group to travel and perform on stage with Buddy Holly.
1995
“The Roses” participated in a Benefit Show in Oklahoma City with Bobby Vee for the Bomb Victims Relief Fund. Since then, “The Roses” have done several concerts with Bobby Vee and the Vees.
1997
“The Roses” appeared at the “Winter Dance Party” in Clear Lake, Iowa with The Crickets.
2000
“The Roses” were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. They also recorded with eh Shackshakers, The Fireballs, and Jerry Naylor.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marilyn Wood, and his daughter, Ginger Pool.

David is survived by his wife of almost 50 years of the home, his children, son David Bigham, and wife, Lore of Round Rock, TX; a daughter, Becky Hapeman of Snyder, TX; a son, Robert Thomas of Odessa, TX; a son Brandon Neeley and wife Alicia of Weatherford, TX; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous extended family members, close friends, and a large musical family.

Services for David will be at Steed Todd Chapel;  January 8, 2022 at 2:00.