Buddy Holly (1936-1959) was an American singer, songwriter, and pioneer of rock and roll. Born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas, he formed the band The Crickets and quickly rose to fame in the late 1950s. Known for his distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and innovative guitar techniques, Holly’s music blended rockabilly with a pop sensibility, influencing generations of musicians.
Some of Buddy Holly’s most famous songs include “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Everyday,” and “Rave On.” His music was marked by its upbeat tempo, relatable lyrics, and youthful energy, capturing the spirit of early rock and roll. Holly’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1959, at the age of 22, cut short a promising career but solidified his legacy as a rock and roll icon. His influence continues to be felt in rock music and beyond, with artists often citing him as a major inspiration.
1. That’ll Be The Day
“That’ll Be the Day” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison. It was first recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957 and became one of their signature songs. The song’s title is derived from a line that John Wayne’s character frequently says in the 1956 film “The Searchers.”
“That’ll Be the Day” features Holly’s distinctive vocals and energetic guitar playing, coupled with catchy lyrics that reflect youthful optimism and confidence. The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable chorus made it an instant hit, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The success of “That’ll Be the Day” helped launch Buddy Holly and the Crickets to fame, solidifying their place in rock and roll history. The song remains a timeless classic and a testament to Holly’s songwriting talent and enduring influence on the genre.
2. Everyday
“Everyday” is a classic song by Buddy Holly, released in 1957 as the B-side to his single “Peggy Sue.” Known for its simple yet captivating melody, the song has become one of Holly’s most enduring and beloved tracks.
Lyrically, “Everyday” is a sweet and optimistic love song that expresses the anticipation and joy of being in love. The lyrics convey a sense of hope and excitement, with lines like “Everyday, it’s a-gettin’ closer / Goin’ faster than a roller coaster” reflecting the emotional highs of young love.
Musically, “Everyday” is characterized by its distinctive rhythm, created using a celesta (a keyboard instrument) played by Norman Petty’s wife, Vi Petty. This gives the song its unique, bell-like sound. The percussion, which mimics the ticking of a clock, is provided by producer Norman Petty slapping his thighs, adding to the song’s charming and whimsical feel. Holly’s gentle vocals and acoustic guitar complete the arrangement, creating a warm and inviting sound.
“Everyday” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, testament to its timeless appeal and Holly’s influence on rock and roll. The song remains a favorite among fans of Buddy Holly and is celebrated for its simplicity, heartfelt lyrics, and innovative production. It continues to be a shining example of Holly’s talent for crafting memorable and emotionally resonant music.
3. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” is a poignant pop ballad written by Paul Anka and recorded by Buddy Holly. It was released in 1959, shortly before Holly’s tragic death in a plane crash. The song features a gentle melody and Holly’s trademark vocal style, blending elements of rock and roll with a softer, more emotive approach.
Lyrically, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” explores themes of heartbreak and acceptance, expressing a sense of resignation and moving on from a lost love. The song’s melancholic tone and Holly’s sincere delivery struck a chord with listeners, making it a posthumous hit. It reached the top of the charts in the United Kingdom, becoming one of Holly’s most successful singles.
Despite its initial success, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” gained added significance as one of Buddy Holly’s final recordings before his untimely death. The song’s emotional depth and timeless appeal have ensured its place as a classic in the realm of early rock and roll and pop music.
4. Love Me
“Love Me” is a song recorded by Buddy Holly and The Crickets, released in 1957. It’s a lesser-known track compared to some of Holly’s biggest hits, but it showcases his signature rock and roll style and heartfelt vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Love Me” is a straightforward plea for affection, expressing a deep longing for reciprocal love. The simplicity of the lyrics, with lines like “Love me, love me, love me / Say you do,” underscores the earnest and sincere emotion behind the song.
Musically, “Love Me” features Holly’s distinctive voice accompanied by The Crickets’ tight instrumentation. The song blends elements of rock and roll and rockabilly, with a catchy melody and rhythmic guitar work. Holly’s clear, expressive vocals are at the forefront, supported by backing harmonies and a steady beat.
“Love Me” may not be as famous as some of Buddy Holly’s other tracks, but it captures the essence of his music: relatable themes, engaging melodies, and a blend of rock and roll energy with a touch of vulnerability. This song, like many of Holly’s recordings, reflects the timeless quality of his music and his enduring influence on the rock and roll genre.
5. Send Me Some Lovin’
“Send Me Some Lovin'” is a classic rhythm and blues song originally written by John Marascalco and Leo Price. It was first recorded by Little Richard in 1957 and became a hit on the R&B charts. The song’s lyrics express a plea for affection and reassurance from a distant lover, delivered with a heartfelt sincerity.
Buddy Holly recorded his own version of “Send Me Some Lovin'” in 1957, infusing it with his signature rock and roll style. Holly’s rendition features his distinctive vocal delivery and upbeat guitar work, giving the song a lively and energetic feel while maintaining its soulful roots.
Holly’s version of “Send Me Some Lovin'” showcased his versatility as an artist, bridging the gap between rock and roll and rhythm and blues. The song remains a classic example of Holly’s ability to interpret and innovate within the popular music landscape of the late 1950s, further cementing his influence on the genre.
6. Not Fade Away
“Not Fade Away” is a rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. It was originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957 and released as the B-side to their single “Oh, Boy!” The song features a distinctive Bo Diddley beat, characterized by its syncopated rhythm and driving percussion.
Lyrically, “Not Fade Away” is a declaration of enduring love, with the narrator expressing confidence that his feelings will never diminish. The repetitive nature of the song’s chorus and its infectious rhythm contributed to its popularity, making it a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody have made it a staple in rock and roll history. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, whose 1964 version became a major hit and helped popularize the song further. “Not Fade Away” remains a timeless classic, showcasing Buddy Holly’s songwriting talent and enduring influence on the development of rock music.
7. Rave On!
“Rave On!” is a classic rock and roll song written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty, and popularized by Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1958. It’s known for its infectious energy, upbeat tempo, and Buddy Holly’s dynamic vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Rave On!” celebrates the exhilarating feeling of love and infatuation. The lyrics express excitement and joy, with lines like “Well, the little things you say and do / Make me want to be with you-ou” capturing the euphoria of newfound romance. The refrain, “Rave on, it’s a crazy feelin’,” emphasizes the ecstatic and carefree nature of being in love.
Musically, “Rave On!” features Holly’s trademark upbeat rock and roll style, characterized by catchy guitar riffs, lively percussion, and infectious rhythms. The song’s arrangement includes Holly’s distinctive vocal delivery, backed by The Crickets’ harmonies and energetic instrumental accompaniment.
“Rave On!” became a hit for Buddy Holly and The Crickets, showcasing their ability to blend rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and pop influences into a compelling and memorable track. The song’s infectious melody and Holly’s charismatic performance contributed to its popularity and enduring appeal over the decades.
“Rave On!” remains a beloved classic in rock and roll history, celebrated for its upbeat tempo, joyful lyrics, and Buddy Holly’s influential contributions to the genre. It continues to be a favorite among fans of early rock and roll music and a testament to Holly’s enduring impact on popular music.
8. Peggy Sue
“Peggy Sue” is a rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty. It was originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957 and released as a single with “Everyday” on the B-side. The song is named after Peggy Sue Gerron, a friend of Jerry Allison, the Crickets’ drummer, who later became his wife.
“Peggy Sue” features Holly’s distinctive vocal style and energetic guitar playing, combined with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a romantic infatuation with Peggy Sue, celebrating her charms and expressing longing for her affection.
Upon its release, “Peggy Sue” became one of Buddy Holly’s biggest hits, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its infectious rhythm and memorable chorus made it a favorite among listeners and solidified Holly’s reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.
Over the years, “Peggy Sue” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Buddy Holly’s enduring influence on music and his ability to capture the essence of youthful romance and excitement in his songs.
9. Crying, Waiting, Hoping
“Crying, Waiting, Hoping” is a song written by Buddy Holly. It was recorded in 1959 and released posthumously after Holly’s tragic death in February of that year. The song showcases Holly’s trademark blend of rockabilly and pop sensibilities, featuring his distinctive vocals and guitar playing.
Lyrically, “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” reflects themes of longing and heartache, with the narrator expressing sorrow over a lost love and hoping for reconciliation. The song’s melancholic tone is complemented by its catchy melody and Holly’s emotive delivery, making it a poignant reflection of romantic turmoil.
Despite its initial release as part of the posthumous album “The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2,” “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” gained recognition and acclaim over the years. It has been covered by various artists, including The Beatles, who recorded their version in 1963. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless lyrics and Holly’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in rock and roll.
10. Maybe Baby
“Maybe Baby” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, released in 1957. It features Holly’s signature vocal style and the band’s energetic instrumentation, characterized by upbeat guitar riffs and a catchy melody.
The song’s lyrics express uncertainty and hopefulness in romantic pursuits, with the narrator expressing a desire for reciprocated feelings from their love interest. The chorus, “Maybe baby, I’ll have you / Maybe baby, you’ll be true,” encapsulates the theme of longing and optimism.
“Maybe Baby” became a hit for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, contributing to its enduring popularity in the rock and roll genre.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, further cementing its status as a classic in rock music history. “Maybe Baby” remains a testament to Buddy Holly’s songwriting talent and his influence on the development of rock and roll during the late 1950s.