Buddy Holly (1936-1959) was an influential American singer-songwriter and one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas, Holly achieved widespread recognition for his distinctive voice, innovative approach to songwriting, and contributions to the development of rock music during the late 1950s.
Holly’s musical journey began with country and western influences, but he quickly embraced the emerging rock and roll genre. His band, The Crickets, had a string of hits that included “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Oh, Boy!” Holly’s songs were characterized by catchy melodies, innovative chord progressions, and relatable lyrics, making him a key figure in shaping the sound of early rock.
Tragically, Buddy Holly’s life was cut short at the age of 22 in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, along with fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. This event became known as “The Day the Music Died.” Despite his brief career, Holly’s impact on the music industry was profound, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. His music continues to be celebrated for its timeless quality and its role in shaping the landscape of rock and roll.
1. True Love Ways
“True Love Ways” is a classic love ballad written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. Buddy Holly recorded the song in October 1958, just a few months before his untimely death in February 1959. The recording was part of Holly’s final recording sessions, and “True Love Ways” was released posthumously as a single in 1960.
The song features Holly’s signature vocals and showcases his ability to craft heartfelt and melodically rich compositions. It’s known for its lush orchestration, including strings and a prominent piano, adding to the romantic and timeless quality of the track.
“True Love Ways” stands out for its poignant lyrics, expressing a deep and sincere devotion in the face of adversity. The song is often regarded as one of Buddy Holly’s most mature and enduring works, capturing a more sophisticated side of his songwriting.
Over the years, “True Love Ways” has been covered by various artists and remains a cherished classic in the world of love ballads. Its emotional resonance and Holly’s musical craftsmanship contribute to its lasting popularity, ensuring its place in the legacy of Buddy Holly’s contributions to early rock and roll.
2. Heartbeat
“Heartbeat” is a rockabilly song originally recorded by Bob Montgomery and credited to Norman Petty. It was recorded most famously by Buddy Holly in 1958. The B-side of the single was “Well… All Right” (Buddy Holly, Norman Petty, Jerry Allison, Joe Mauldin). “Heartbeat” reached the UK top 10 twice: once in 1975 for Showaddywaddy at number seven and again in 1992 for Nick Berry, recorded as the theme to the television series Heartbeat, which reached number two.
3. It’s So Easy
“It’s So Easy” is a song by Buddy Holly, and it was released in 1958. The song was written by Buddy Holly and his bandmate from The Crickets, Norman Petty. “It’s So Easy” showcases Holly’s upbeat rock and roll style with catchy melodies and his distinctive vocal delivery.
The lyrics of the song reflect the simplicity of love and convey the joyous feelings associated with being in a romantic relationship. The chorus emphasizes the ease of love with the repeated line, “It’s so easy to fall in love.”
Buddy Holly’s music was influential in the early days of rock and roll, and his innovative approach to songwriting and performing contributed to the genre’s evolution. “It’s So Easy” is one of his well-known tracks and remains a classic example of Holly’s contributions to the rock and roll era.
4. Maybe Baby
“Maybe Baby” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Recorded in 1957, it was released as a single the following year. The song features Holly’s distinctive vocals and guitar work, along with the energetic and tight sound of his band, The Crickets.
“Maybe Baby” is known for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, characteristic of the rock and roll style that Buddy Holly helped define. The lyrics express uncertainty in matters of love and relationships, capturing the emotions and insecurities that often accompany matters of the heart.
The song became one of Buddy Holly’s successful hits, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity has been fueled by its inclusion in various compilations of rock and roll classics and its frequent appearance in films and television shows depicting the 1950s and early rock and roll era.
“Maybe Baby” remains a beloved representation of Buddy Holly’s contributions to the rock and roll genre. Its infectious sound, memorable lyrics, and Holly’s influential style continue to resonate with fans of classic rock and enthusiasts of the golden era of American rock and roll.
5. Not Fade Away
“Not Fade Away” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. It was first released by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957. The song’s distinctive beat, characterized by a prominent use of a Bo Diddley-style rhythm, has made it iconic in the history of rock music.
“Not Fade Away” features Buddy Holly’s signature vocal style and guitar playing, with the repetitive and infectious refrain “I’m gonna tell you how it’s gonna be, you’re gonna give your love to me.” The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and anticipation in matters of love.
The Rolling Stones later recorded a well-known cover of “Not Fade Away,” released in 1964. Their version added their own touch to the song and helped introduce it to a new generation of music listeners.
Buddy Holly’s original recording of “Not Fade Away” remains a classic rock and roll track, celebrated for its influence on the genre and its enduring appeal. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its significance in the history of rock music.
6. Oh Boy!
“Oh Boy!” is a classic rock and roll song written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty. It was famously recorded by Buddy Holly and his band, The Crickets, in 1957. The song was released as a single in October 1957 and became one of Holly’s well-known hits.
“Oh Boy!” exemplifies the energetic and catchy rockabilly style that Buddy Holly was known for. The song features Holly’s distinctive vocal delivery, upbeat tempo, and the signature sound of The Crickets, which included the driving beat of Jerry Allison on drums and the prominent bass playing of Joe B. Mauldin.
With its memorable chorus and infectious rhythm, “Oh Boy!” quickly became a favorite among fans and is considered a classic of the rock and roll era. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard pop charts, solidifying Holly’s status as a prominent figure in the emerging rock and roll scene.
“Oh Boy!” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its enduring appeal. The song’s lively spirit and Holly’s influential contributions to the genre continue to make it a staple in the repertoire of classic rock and roll music.
7. Rave On!
“Rave On!” is a classic rock and roll song written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty. The song was originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1958. It was released as a single and later appeared on the album “Buddy Holly.”
“Rave On!” features Buddy Holly’s distinctive vocal style and energetic guitar playing. The song’s lyrics express the excitement and joy of being in love, with the repeated refrain “Rave on, it’s a crazy feeling.” The upbeat and infectious nature of the song contributed to its popularity during the early days of rock and roll.
Buddy Holly’s influence on the genre is considerable, and his contributions to rock music continue to be celebrated. “Rave On!” is regarded as one of his classic tracks, capturing the spirit and energy of the rock and roll era. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, showcasing its enduring appeal.
8. Everyday
“Everyday” is a classic pop song written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. Buddy Holly recorded the song with The Crickets, and it was released as a single in 1957. The song is known for its simple yet beautiful melody and Holly’s emotive vocal delivery.
Released as the B-side to “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday” showcases Holly’s talent for crafting memorable and timeless tunes. The instrumentation is relatively sparse, featuring Holly’s acoustic guitar, Jerry Allison on drums, and Joe B. Mauldin on double bass. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the melody and lyrics to shine.
The lyrics of “Everyday” convey a message of enduring love and constancy. The song has a gentle and soothing quality, and Holly’s sincere vocals contribute to its emotional resonance. The catchy refrain, “Everyday, it’s a-getting closer, going faster than a roller coaster,” has made the song a memorable and enduring piece of Holly’s catalog.
“Everyday” has been covered by various artists over the years, and its timeless appeal has ensured its place as one of Buddy Holly’s most beloved compositions. The song continues to be celebrated for its beauty and simplicity, representing the enduring legacy of Buddy Holly in the world of popular music.
9. That’ll Be the Day
“That’ll Be the Day” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty. It was first recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957 and released as a single. The song’s title and chorus are derived from a phrase that John Wayne’s character frequently says in the 1956 film “The Searchers.”
“That’ll Be the Day” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s success helped establish Buddy Holly and the Crickets as influential figures in the emerging rock and roll genre.
The lyrics of “That’ll Be the Day” tell the story of a person who dismisses the idea of finding true love and declares that it will only happen “when pigs have wings” or, in other words, never. The catchy chorus features the memorable lines “That’ll be the day when I die.”
Buddy Holly’s energetic guitar playing and distinctive vocal style, combined with the song’s catchy melody, contributed to its enduring popularity. “That’ll Be the Day” remains one of Buddy Holly’s most well-known and celebrated songs, recognized as a classic in the history of rock and roll.
10. Peggy Sue
“Peggy Sue” is one of Buddy Holly’s most iconic and enduring rock and roll songs. Co-written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty, the song was recorded by Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957. It was released as a single later that year and became one of Holly’s biggest hits.
The song’s distinctive features include its catchy guitar riff, Holly’s energetic vocal delivery, and the lively rhythm provided by The Crickets. “Peggy Sue” tells the story of a romantic relationship, and its upbeat tempo and memorable melody helped define the rock and roll sound of the late 1950s.
“Peggy Sue” reached significant chart success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in various compilation albums and its frequent appearance in movies and television shows depicting the rock and roll era.
Buddy Holly’s innovative approach to songwriting and his influence on the rock and roll genre are exemplified by classics like “Peggy Sue.” The song remains a cornerstone in the history of early rock and roll, and its enduring appeal has ensured its status as a timeless classic in popular music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
