Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly died in 1959. He was just 22 years old.

Don McLean called that fatal day 'The Day the Music Died'. But Buddy's music hasn't died and he left behind a wonderful legacy. With his animated voice, trademark black glasses, Fender Stratocaster and inimitable songs, Buddy and his music live on and continue to influence subsequent generations of musicians. His solitary UK tour was crucial to the British beat explosion of the early 1960s, spawning the Beatles, the Hollies and the Rolling Stones. Without Buddy Holly, today's popular music would, almost certainly, be radically different.

Spencer Leigh discusses the importance of this legendary figure through his music, his life, his image and his legacy. There are fascinating interviews with those who knew him best - his young widow Maria Elena, his band members the Crickets, Des O'Connor who compered his 1958 tour as well as musicians, songwriters, friends, fans and many others who worked with Buddy.

It is inevitable that we remember the giants: Elvis, the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, but Buddy Holly's death enables us also to acknowledge the less well-known musicians who died with him, 17-year-old Ritchie Valens and the outlandish Big Bopper. What emerges from Spencer's research is an insight into Buddy's short, impulsive life as well as an account of his continuing legacy. Packed with facts, including US and UK discographies, this book provides an invaluable wealth of information.

Auteur

The journalist, acclaimed author and BBC broadcaster for over 30 years, Spencer Leigh, is an acknowledged authority on popular music and he has interviewed thousands of musicians. He continues to do so in his BBC Radio Merseyside evening show On The Beat which can also be heard online. He has written an extensive list of music biographies which includes The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

Texte du rabat

Buddy Holly died on the 3 February 1959 death. He was 22 years old. Don McLean called that fatal day 'The Day the Music Died'. But, his music hasn't died, as he has left us a wonderful legacy.

With his animated voice, trademark black glasses, fender Stratocaster and inimitable songs, Buddy and his music live on and continue to influence subsequent generations of musicians.

Spencer Leigh has interviewed those who knew him best - his young widow Maria Elena, his band members the Crickets, Des O'Connor who compered his UK 1958 tour as well as musicians, songwriters, friends, fans and many others who worked with Buddy.

A definitive account of Buddy Holly and his career.

'Spencer Leigh Raves On - brilliantly.' Sir Tim Rice

A journalist, acclaimed author and BBC broadcaster for over 40 years, Spencer Leigh is an acknowledged authority on popular music. He has written an extensive list of music biographies which includes The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

'A highly-readable mix of impeccable research, first-hand testimonies and a personal critique on Holly's life, career and music. First-rate.' Michael Leonard, Vintage Rock

'I am delighted to have been asked by Spencer to write the Foreword to Buddy Holly: Learning the Game, as I have read several of his biographies and he certainly knows what he is talking about.' Frank Ifield

'Spencer Leigh is a fine writer and a good researcher and I certainly enjoyed what he had to say about Buddy Holly.' Hunter Davies, author, journalist and broadcaster