Buddy Holly (Charles Hardin Holley, September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959) stands as a defining figure of early American rock’n’roll and rockabilly. Born in Lubbock, Texas, he revolutionized the electric guitar and inspired generations to come — from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, and the entire pop-rock movement that followed.

With his band The Crickets, Buddy delivered timeless hits like That’ll Be the Day (1957) and Peggy Sue (1957), blending catchy melodies, sharp riffs and innovative arrangements. His three-piece setup — vocals, guitar, bass and drums — became the blueprint for modern rock bands.

Tragically killed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 — forever known as “the day the music died” — Holly was only 22, yet left behind an extraordinary legacy of studio and live recordings. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, his influence remains as vibrant as ever.

Embodying the raw spirit and innovation of the 1950s, Buddy Holly remains a cornerstone of rock history. Relive the birth of modern music through our Rock’n’Roll and Rock collections, celebrating the pioneers who shaped generations.