Today marks the 76th anniversary of the birth of Buddy Holly.
In a short career, Buddy changed the face of popular music. Multi-tracking and overdubbing are just two of the recording techniques he pioneered.
Had he not been taken away so tragically in 1959, along with J.P. Richardson and Richie Valens, we can only speculate on what else he may have achieved. His traditional country style, his use of classical musicians on such tracks as 'Raining in my Heart', his simple but imaginitive tricks with percussion, all sat side by side on recordings that sold millions overnight.
Today, his records continue to sell in impressive quantities, and new generations of musicians who take so much from his style are following in the direct footsteps of John Lennon, Adam Faith, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and so many others.
Last year, Buddy's star was unvieled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the presence of his widow Maria Elena, Phil Everly, Gary Busey, Priscilla Presley, and others. A Buddy and Maria Elena Plaza was also named in Lubbock last year.
The date of his death, Feb 3rd 1959, is marked as 'The Day the Music Died' in Texas.
The sheer amount of music that Buddy produced meant that his record label was issueing new releases for more than 10 years after his death. Even now, 'alternate takes' appear from time to time. Remarkable when we consider that he was only 22 years old when he died.
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