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Profile of the Day: Buddy Holly

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the tragic plane crash that took the lives of rock musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The day has become known as “The Day the Music Died,” popularized by a lyric in the song “American Pie.”

Image: Buddy Holly / Wikimedia Commons

Born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy Holly learned to play a variety of instruments at a young age. He began performing with a band as a teen, and in 1955, opened for Elvis Presley. Soon after, Holly landed his own recording contract and released his breakthrough hit, “That’ll Be the Day.” Between 1957-1958, he charted 7 Top 40 singles, including “Everyday,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Oh Boy!”

He was just 22 years old when he died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. Although his career was cut short, Holly’s music had a profound influence on popular music and inspired many later musicians, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.

Explore Buddy Holly’s family tree and share how you’re connected to the legendary musician.

View Buddy Holly’s Geni Profile

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Source: Geni.com

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