Buddy Holly
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"
as Self (archive footage)With a narrative running deeper than a catchy tune and cryptic verses, “American Pie” is a...
Movie pageThe Real Buddy Holly Story
as Self (archive footage)This is the definitive video biography of rock 'n roll legend Buddy Holly. Produced and hosted...
Movie pageWhen the Music's Over
as Self (archive footage)Rare clips of performance and interviews by a multiple of stars, all prematurely lost.
Movie pageBuddy Holly: Rave On
as Self (archive footage)Documentary following the life of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly.
Movie pageThe Music of Buddy Holly and The Crickets
as Self (archive footage)The Music of Buddy Holly and the Crickets documents the brief life and career of a young man...
Movie pageClassic Albums: The Chirping Crickets
as Self (archive footage)Among the first half-dozen debuts by rock ’n’ roll’s original founders, more significantly it...
Movie pageBuddy Holly: The Definitive Story
as Self (archive footage)The documentary is narrated by Paul Gambaccini as the story of Buddy's musical career is told in...
Movie pageHollywood Rocks 'n' Rolls in the '50s
as Self (archive footage)Journeying through the history of rock 'n' roll as it electrified the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Movie pageThe Ed Sullivan Show
as SelfThe Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June...
TV Show pageClassic Albums
as Self (archive footage)A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive...
TV Show pageAmerican Bandstand
as SelfAmerican Bandstand was an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from...
TV Show pageThe Beatles Anthology
as Self (archive footage)A documentary series on the career of The Beatles.
TV Show pageThe Dick Clark Show
as SelfThe Dick Clark Show is an American musical variety show broadcast weekly in the United States on...
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