The 80th Anniversary of Buddy Holly's Birth

It was 80 years ago today that Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas. Buddy Holly would prove to be one of the most successful rock performers of the late Fifties, whether with The Crickets or solo. From 1957 to 1959 he scored eight hit singles, including the number 1 single "That'll Be the Day". More importantly, Buddy Holly would have a lasting impact on rock music. He influenced many of the British bands of the Sixties, including The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Hollies, and yet others. In having an impact on many of the British bands (particularly The Beatles, The Who, and The Kinks), it was Buddy Holly's music that essentially led to the creation of the rock subgenre known as "power pop". That having been said, such diverse rock music subgenres as heavy metal and punk have felt the impact of Buddy Holly. In the end, he is perhaps one of the most influential rock performers of all time.

In tribute to Buddy Holly on his 80th birthday, here he is with The Crickets in their only appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show performing "That'll Be the Day".