Smith, Gaschen, Box all inducted into Buddy Holly Walk of Fame

Smith, Gaschen, Box all inducted into Buddy Holly Walk of Fame
BY ROBIN BRISCOE
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL


Broadway opera singer David Gaschen sung into a coat hanger.

Broadway actress Jennifer Smith performed Cinderella in her junior high Spanish class.

Rock singer David Box hit the airwaves at age 3.

All three got their start in Lubbock, rising with their talent to prominence in their fields.

They were inducted into the 2006 Buddy Holly Walk of Fame during an emotional ceremony Saturday afternoon near the Buddy Holly statue, with a crowd of about 100.

"The image of arts and music goes beyond the city limits," said Mayor David Miller as he congratulated the inductees' accomplishments.

For one inductee, the recognition of a rising star whose life was cut short was a long time coming.

Box's sister, Rita Box, tearfully accepted the honor for the young man who died at age 21 in an airplane crash in 1964.

"It's all filled with bittersweet tears," she said. "David Box was just a day away from his shining future."

The young songwriter, innovative guitarist, and rock singer had played and toured with Buddy Holly's Crickets, formed his own band and recorded several songs.

And most of that was before he graduated from Lubbock High School in 1962.

"It was a mountain for him to climb and he started climbing," Rita Box said, adding that he was still reaching for his golden ring of success at 21.

Gaschen's success has come on Broadway, as he has performed opera worldwide.

The 1993 Texas Tech graduate has risen to prominence in opera, performing his most prominent piece, "The Phantom of the Opera," more than 1,300 times.

Emotionally accepting his honor, he thanked all those in his life, especially God.

He called Lubbock the center of the universe and expressed gratitude toward the city that has supported him.

"I can now associate myself with a legend, and I am honored," Gaschen said.

Another Broadway familiar was honored Saturday.

Co-starring as Kitty in "The Drowsy Chaperone," Smith said the love and support in Lubbock helped her launch her career, saying she is privileged to do something she adores.

She is a Monterey High School and Tech graduate.

"Thank you city of Lubbock for all you've given me," Smith said.

The smiling Broadway actress said she felt like Miss America.

The evening was capped off with a performance by Gaschen and Smith.

The Walk of Fame honors West Texas natives who have gained national recognition in the fields of art, music or entertainment.

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robin.briscoe@lubbockonline.com 766-8742

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