February 3, 1959 - a date immortalised as "the day the music died" in Don Mclean's American Pie. In a snow-covered cornfield near Mason City, Iowa, the tour plane carrying Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P Richardson (The Big Bopper) crashed, killing all on board. Holly was just 23, his career had spanned just over 2 years. Buddy Holly is the single most influencial creative force in early rock and roll. He had hit singles including 'That'll be the Day', 'Peggy Sue' and 'Oh Boy'. He was the first to add drums and rhythm and blues beat to the basic country style and his band 'The Crickets' were among the first to use the new standard rock and roll line up of two guitars, bass and drums. Buddy Holly's vocal style and mature, melodic compositions inspired many of the rockers who would emerge in the 60's and 70's - the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Hollies. In fact, The Rolling Stones had their first major British hit with Buddy Holly's 'Not Fade Away'. With contributions from some of the biggest names in music such as Keith Richards, Waylon Jennings, Phil Everly and Graham Nash, experience a unique insight into the life of Buddy Holly. A host of photos, rare footage, performance clips and exclusive interviews help to tell the remarkable story of a legendary rock singer, songwriter and guitarist.
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