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February 3rd, 1959 - The Day The Music Died: Buddy Holly,
Richie Havens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) died in an aircrash. I was 11 at the time and a first-former at Woolverstone Hall School. I remember with great clarity the sadness I felt, a sadness that has not diminished 65 years later. We all know from an early age that everything dies, but I had not really taken it on board at that age. My paternal grandfather had died in 1956, but somehow that seemed natural. Those three dying so young in an aircrash was anything but. I had never really believed in God (though people - including my school - taught us that God loved us and that we go to Heaven after death) but that crash finished any lingering belief I had. Why would God take them like that? In 1959 I had yet to learn of the Holocaust and other historical horrors involving the deaths of innocents. Learning about those things later made me question the very sanity of anyone believing in "God". My favourite songs of that astonishing musical era were "Chantilly Lace" (The Big Bopper), "La Bamba" (Richie Havens) and two by Buddy: "Heartbeat" and "That'll Be The Day". All of those I often listen to even to this day, and with the same sadness. Two wonderful biopics were made of the lives of Buddy and Richie, but I don't think J.P. Richardson has yet been honoured in that way. If I am wrong and there IS a Heaven then I would be overjoyed to see and hear these guys play once again. Buddy Holly, born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, stands as one of the most influential figures in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll. His work, though tragically short-lived, fundamentally shaped the direction of popular music and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Holly’s career, which spanned only a few years before his untimely death in a plane crash at age 22, remains a testament to the transformative power of rock music. His innovative sound, characterized by the use of electric guitars, tight rhythm sections, and catchy melodies, helped define the genre.
Buddy Holly’s musical journey began at a young age. Influenced by country music, gospel, and rhythm and blues, he picked up the guitar and started performing in local bands during his teenage years. His early exposure to a variety of musical genres was instrumental in shaping his later work. In the mid-1950s, he formed the group “The Crickets,” which would become the vehicle for much of his creative output. The Crickets' sound was groundbreaking, combining elements of rockabilly, R&B, and country, with an emphasis on Holly's distinctive voice and songwriting ability.
Holly's songwriting was a significant departure from the norms of the time. While many artists of his era were covering songs written by others, Buddy Holly composed almost all of his own music. Tracks like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” became massive hits, showcasing his ability to blend catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Holly’s music was often characterized by its simplicity, but it was precisely this simplicity that made it accessible and enduring. His songs were relatable, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance, love, and heartbreak ….
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