5 Memorable Songs By Buddy Holly You Should Know
When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll legends, few come close to Buddy Holly.
In fact, we’d go so far as to say that the Buddy Holly story is synonymous with the history of the genre itself. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to rock ‘n’ roll alongside the likes of Elvis Presley and Johnnie Ray, Holly’s influence extends far beyond his tragically short career.
Any diehard fan of the genre will likely already know most of this rock icon’s songs by heart. But new fans coming in from around the web and beyond may need a little help getting to know him, and that’s where we come in.
From the infectious rhythm of ‘Peggy Sue’ to the timeless quality of ‘Oh, boy!’ we at Jukebox Saturday Night have curated five unforgettable Buddy Holly tracks that every music lover should know.
Read on and learn about the magic that made Holly a legend.
#1: ‘That’ll be the day’
What’s the inspiration for this song?
‘That’ll be the day’ drew its inspiration from a line uttered by John Wayne in the 1956 western film The Searchers. Holly, inspired by the phrase’s intriguing delivery, incorporated it into a tune that eventually shaped his breakthrough hit. This song captures Holly’s early rockabilly style – an amazing blend of country twang and rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Reception upon release
When released in 1957, ‘That’ll be the day’ stormed the Billboard charts, reaching the number one position. It is arguably Holly’s most important and most culturally relevant song, as it laid the groundwork for his everlasting influence on rock ‘n’ roll.
#2: ‘Peggy Sue’
The story behind the classic song
‘Peggy Sue’ carries a heartwarming backstory that’s as engaging as the song itself. Initially named ‘Cindy Lou’ after Holly’s niece, the song underwent a pivotal change. Jerry Allison, Holly’s drummer, persuaded him to rename it after his girlfriend, Peggy Sue Gerron, as a way of asking her to come back after a break-up.
Characteristic features of the track
‘Peggy Sue’ enthrals listeners with its distinctive musical elements:
- Energetic rhythm: The up-tempo beat, driven by Allison’s crisp drumming, sets a lively mood.
- Simple yet effective guitar riffs: Holly’s guitar work has a clean, understated precision, providing the perfect backdrop for the song.
- Infectious lyrics: The repetitive and endearing lines of the chorus make it hard not to sing along.
#3: ‘Oh, boy!’
Relation to Holly’s unique music style
‘Oh, boy!’ is the perfect example of Holly’s signature rockabilly flair. From the get-go, the energising rhythm and infectious hooks stick with the listener long after the music stops. Holly’s vocal style also lends a unique charm to the track, especially with his signature vocal hiccup.
The overall synergy of these elements makes ‘Oh, boy!’ one of the songs that truly defined the rock ‘n’ roll genre at the time.
Reception from music fans and critics
Upon its release, ‘Oh, boy!’ quickly became a crowd-pleaser, with critics and fans alike being captivated by its lively energy and joyful spirit. The song enjoyed significant airplay, climbing to the #10 and #3 spots on the US and UK charts, respectively.
#4: ‘Rave on’
Musical composition
Although ‘Rave on’ was written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman and Norman Petty, it wasn’t until Holly released his own version of the track that it became a major hit.
Holly’s version of ‘Rave on’ is a testament to his genius when it comes to blending genres. The track melds rockabilly exuberance with a subtle country twang, creating an irresistible groove.
Holly’s iconic hiccup-style vocals add a distinct charm, making it instantly recognisable. What’s more, the infectious rhythm propels the track, and you’ll find yourself tapping your feet and swaying along in no time.
Influence of the track
‘Rave on’ left a major mark in the world of music, proving itself incredibly influential.
- Numerous covers: Artists like Bruce Springsteen and M. Ward have honoured the track by creating their own renditions, adding to its lasting appeal.
- Genre fusion: The song’s ability to seamlessly blend rockabilly with country-inspired numerous musicians to experiment with cross-genre compositions.
- Timeless appeal: Holly’s version of ‘Rave on’ continues to captivate new fans even decades after its release.
#5: ‘It doesn’t matter anymore’
The context of the song in Holly’s career
Released mere weeks before his untimely death in 1959, ‘It doesn’t matter anymore’ is positioned as one of Holly’s final musical statements. It resonates with a bittersweet melancholy that reflects the tragedy of his early demise.
‘It doesn’t matter anymore’ is all about handling the sadness of a bad breakup and eventually trying to move on. Compared to Holly’s earlier rockabilly hits, this song captures an emotional depth that was rarely seen.
It showcases a gentler, more introspective side to the rock ‘n’ roll legend and uses string arrangements to highlight his vocals and convey the emotions more effectively.
Reaction from fans and peers
The reaction to ‘It doesn’t matter anymore’ was profound, not just because of the quality of the song itself but also due to the circumstances surrounding Holly’s passing.
It was a massive posthumous hit, earning the top 1 chart spots in Canada, Ireland and the UK and reaching the top 2 position in Australia. In the US, it reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts – the final Buddy song to get into the top 20.
Many of Holly’s fellow artists have also paid tribute by releasing their own cover versions of this iconic song. These included Don McLean, Hank Marvin, Mark Williams and Linda Ronstadt.
Key points to remember
- Buddy Holly is a rock ‘n’ roll legend whose influence extends far beyond his brief career, shaping the genre alongside icons like Elvis Presley.
- ‘That’ll be the day’ was inspired by a line from the film The Searchers and became Holly’s breakthrough hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts.
- ‘Peggy Sue’ is a classic track with a heartwarming backstory, featuring energetic rhythm, simple yet effective guitar riffs, and infectious lyrics.
- ‘Oh, boy!’ showcases Holly’s signature rockabilly style very well, boasting an energising rhythm and unique vocal delivery.
- ‘Rave on’ exemplifies Holly’s talent for blending genres, mixing rockabilly with country, and has influenced many artists and genre fusion in music.
- ‘It doesn’t matter anymore’ was released shortly before Holly’s tragic death and became a massive posthumous hit, showcasing a more introspective side of the artist.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, music history is often based on available documentation and interpretation.
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