Buddy Holly

Part good ol' boy, part rockabilly rebel, Buddy Holly was one of the most innovative and influential of 1950s rockers, both on his own and as a member of the Crickets, rock's first truly self-contained combo. Originally rooted in country music, Holly leaned towards rock & roll after opening up concerts for both Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. Holly was amazingly prolific in the last few years of '50s, penning a string of hits, including "That'll Be the Day", "Not Fade Away", "Peggy Sue", and "Rave On". This remarkable creative streak was only halted by his death in the infamous plane crash that also claimed the lives of Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Although he only lived to the age of 22, Holly produced a memorable body of work that has inspired numerous artists.

• rock
• pop