1936-09-07 Lubbock, Texas, USA
Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. His style was influenced by gospel music, country music, and rhythm and blues acts. In 1955, after opening for Elvis Presley, he decided to pursue a career in music. After a show in Clear Lake, Iowa, he chartered an airplane to travel to his next show in Moorhead, Minnesota. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the pilot in a tragedy later referred to by Don McLean as "The Day the Music Died" in his song "American Pie". During his short career, Holly wrote and recorded many songs. He is often regarded as the artist who defined the traditional rock-and-roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums. He was a major influence on later popular music artists, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Hollies (who named themselves in his honor), Elvis Costello, Dave Edmunds, Marshall Crenshaw, and Elton John. He was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1986. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 13 in its list of "100 Greatest Artists."
 |
The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" | Self (archive footage) | 2022-07-08 |
 |
Classic Albums: The Chirping Crickets | Self (archive footage) | 2019-07-19 |
 |
Buddy Holly: Rave On | Self (archive footage) | 2017-05-12 |
 |
The True Buddy Holly Story | Self (archive footage) | 2012-02-02 |
 |
Buddy Holly: The Definitive Story | Self (archive footage) | 2009-02-02 |
 |
The Music of Buddy Holly and The Crickets | Self (archive footage) | 2005-12-31 |
 |
A Tribute To Buddy Holly And The Crickets | Himself | 2004-03-21 |
 |
Eddie Cochran & Friends: C'mon Everybody | Self (archive footage) | 2004-01-01 |
 |
Rock 'n' Roll and the 1950's Vol. 2 | Self (archive footage) | 2003-08-29 |
|
Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died | Self (archive footage) | 1999-02-03 |
 |
Hollywood Rocks 'n' Rolls in the '50s | Self (archive footage) | 1999-02-02 |
 |
The Real Buddy Holly Story | Self (archive footage) | 1985-09-12 |
 |
When the Music's Over | Self (archive footage) | 1983-06-14 |
