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Buddy Holly
Helping establish the guitar-band sound of rock and roll.
The Crickets · That’ll Be the Day
- Born
- 7 September 1936
- Birthplace
- Lubbock, Texas, United States
- Died
- 3 February 1959
More people
Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist whose brief recording career had a lasting influence on rock music. His economical songs and distinctive vocal phrasing helped shape the self-contained performing band.
Early life
Texas music
Grew up in a musical family, learning several instruments.
Local performance
Played with school friends and appeared on local radio before recording professionally.
Career
- 1956
First recording contract
Recorded for Decca without an initial commercial breakthrough.
- 1957
The Crickets
Worked with producer Norman Petty in New Mexico and achieved major hits.
- 1958
Independent direction
Moved to New York and explored new arrangements after separating from the group.
- 1959
Winter tour
Died in a plane crash during the Winter Dance Party tour.
Selected work
That’ll Be the Day
A breakthrough recording with the Crickets.
Peggy Sue
Paired an insistent rhythm with Holly’s shifting vocal delivery.
Everyday
Used a light, unusual instrumental texture around a concise melody.
Beyond work
Marriage
Married María Elena Santiago in 1958.
Later influence
His songs and band format were important reference points for musicians including the Beatles.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Brunswick Records. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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