Buddy Holly, born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll music. He emerged in the mid-1950s with a fresh sound that combined elements of country, rockabilly, and R&B, influencing many artists who would come after him.
Holly formed a band called The Crickets and quickly gained popularity with hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Oh, Boy!” His songs were known for their catchy melodies, innovative arrangements, and Holly’s distinctive vocal style. He was also one of the first artists to use techniques such as double-tracking on his recordings, which became common in later rock music.
Tragically, Buddy Holly’s life and career were cut short when he died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, at the age of 22. The event, which also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, became known as “The Day the Music Died” and had a profound impact on the music world.
Despite his short career, Buddy Holly’s influence on rock and roll was significant. His music has continued to inspire generations of musicians, and he is remembered as one of the genre’s true legends. Holly was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his music remains popular among fans of rock and roll and early rock music.
1. That’ll Be The Day
“That’ll Be the Day” is a song written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison, originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957. The song became a hit and is considered one of the defining songs of the rock and roll era.
“That’ll Be the Day” features Holly’s signature vocal style and upbeat tempo, with catchy guitar riffs and a memorable melody. The lyrics are about a man who is skeptical that his love interest will ever return to him, saying that “that’ll be the day” when she does.
The song’s title and chorus became a popular catchphrase, and “That’ll Be the Day” has since been covered by many artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. It remains one of Buddy Holly’s most famous and enduring songs, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and musician.
2. Everyday
“Everyday” is a song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty, released in 1957 as a single by Buddy Holly and the Crickets. It is one of Holly’s most enduring and beloved songs, known for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics.
“Everyday” features a simple and elegant arrangement, with Holly’s distinctive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, percussion, and backing vocals. Lyrically, the song expresses themes of love and devotion, with Holly singing about the joy of being with his loved one every day.
The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and universal themes have made it a timeless classic that has endured for generations. “Everyday” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a beloved pop standard.
Buddy Holly’s “Everyday” remains a cherished part of his musical legacy, celebrated for its timeless appeal and enduring popularity.
3. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” is a song written by Paul Anka and recorded by Buddy Holly. It was released as a single in 1959, shortly before Holly’s untimely death in a plane crash.
The song features a melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics that express themes of heartbreak and resignation. In “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” Holly sings about the end of a relationship and the realization that the pain of lost love no longer matters.
Despite its somber subject matter, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” is notable for its upbeat arrangement, featuring Holly’s signature vocal style accompanied by lively instrumentation, including strings and backing vocals.
The song became one of Buddy Holly’s most successful posthumous releases, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its poignant lyrics and memorable melody have ensured its enduring popularity, and it remains a beloved classic in the Buddy Holly catalog.
4. Love Me
5. Send Me Some Lovin’
“Send Me Some Lovin'” is a classic rhythm and blues song written by John Marascalco and Leo Price. It was first recorded by Little Richard in 1957 and later became a hit for artists such as Buddy Holly.
The song features a catchy melody and straightforward lyrics that express a longing for love and affection. The singer pleads for their lover to send them some love and reassurance, expressing their desire for affection and companionship.
Buddy Holly’s version of “Send Me Some Lovin'” was recorded in 1957 and released as a single the following year. Holly’s rendition features his signature vocal style and upbeat arrangement, with lively instrumentation including guitar, piano, and backing vocals.
The song became one of Buddy Holly’s successful releases, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have ensured its enduring popularity, and it remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll genre.
6. Not Fade Away
“Not Fade Away” is a song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty, first recorded by Holly and his band, the Crickets, in 1957. The song features a distinctive “Bo Diddley” beat, which became a signature of the song.
“Not Fade Away” was one of Buddy Holly’s last major hits before his death in 1959. The song’s lyrics speak of enduring love and the desire for a relationship that will never fade away. The infectious rhythm and catchy melody of the song helped it become a rock and roll classic.
The Rolling Stones famously covered “Not Fade Away” in 1964, giving them their first major hit single. The Stones’ version of the song helped introduce a new generation to Buddy Holly’s music and solidified the song’s place in rock and roll history.
“Not Fade Away” has since been covered by many artists and is considered one of Buddy Holly’s most enduring songs. Its timeless appeal and infectious groove continue to resonate with audiences today.
7. Rave On!
“Rave On!” is a rock and roll song written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty. It was originally recorded by Buddy Holly in 1958 and released as a single.
The song features a driving rhythm and infectious melody, characteristic of Holly’s early rock and roll style. Lyrically, “Rave On!” expresses the excitement and joy of being in love, with the singer proclaiming their happiness and eagerness to share their feelings with the world.
Buddy Holly’s version of “Rave On!” became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its catchy melody, energetic performance, and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences and helped solidify Holly’s reputation as one of the pioneers of rock and roll.
Over the years, “Rave On!” has been covered by numerous artists and has remained a popular choice for rock and roll enthusiasts. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy continue to make it a beloved classic in the genre.
8. Peggy Sue
“Peggy Sue” is a song written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty, originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957. The song was inspired by Holly’s friend, Peggy Sue Gerron, who later became famous in her own right as an author and businesswoman.
“Peggy Sue” features Holly’s signature guitar sound and vocal style, with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is infatuated with a girl named Peggy Sue and wants her to be his own.
The song was a major hit for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Holly’s most famous and enduring songs, covered by many artists over the years.
“Peggy Sue” is considered a classic of rock and roll music and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of the era. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and timeless appeal have helped it endure as a favorite among fans of rock and roll.
9. Crying, Waiting, Hoping
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping” is a song written by Buddy Holly that was recorded in 1959. The song was not released as a single during Holly’s lifetime but was included on the posthumous album “The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2,” released in 1960.
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping” features Holly’s signature guitar playing and vocal style, with a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s lyrics express the feelings of longing and heartbreak, with Holly singing about the pain of waiting for a loved one to return.
The song has since been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, who recorded a version of it in 1963. The Beatles’ version of “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” was released on their album “Live at the BBC” in 1994 and helped introduce a new generation of listeners to Holly’s music.
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping” is considered one of Holly’s lesser-known songs but is still regarded as a classic of rock and roll music. Its poignant lyrics and catchy melody showcase Holly’s songwriting talent and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
10. Maybe Baby
“Maybe Baby” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, with Jerry Allison contributing to the songwriting. It was released in 1957 as a single by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
The song features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and Holly’s distinctive vocal style. Lyrically, “Maybe Baby” expresses uncertainty and longing in matters of love, with the singer expressing hope that their romantic interest will reciprocate their feelings.
“Maybe Baby” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, helping to solidify Buddy Holly’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the rock and roll era.
Over the years, “Maybe Baby” has been covered by various artists and has remained a popular choice for rock and roll enthusiasts. Its timeless appeal and Holly’s iconic performance continue to make it a beloved classic in the genre.