American singer, musician and songwriter.
Born September 17, 1928 in Clovis, Curry County, New Mexico, USA.
Died March 22, 1992 (aged 63) in Clovis, Curry County, New Mexico, USA.
Wife of musician/producer Norman Petty.
She played the piano and celeste, sang vocals and transcribed much of Norman Petty’s music, who could not read or write music. She also wrote songs, including Someone, Someone recorded by American rock and roll band the Crickets then later by British beat group Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, which became a #2 hit in the UK in 1964 (#97 in the U.S.).
When her cousin Georgiana Veit joined the group to sing lead, the Norman Petty Trio became the Norman Petty Ensemble. When Georginia left to pursue marriage and the quiet life, the Ensemble went back to the Norman Petty Trio, with Vi taking over singing lead vocals.
After Norman’s death in 1984, the Norman Petty Studios on 7th Street in Clovis was preserved by her and kept in its original condition--it is now The Norman & Vi Petty Rock N Roll Museum.