Buddy Holly’s Birthday – 75 Years Ago (September 7th)

Buddy Holly would have been 75 years old today (September 7th).  His untimely death at the age of 22 in a plane crash remains one of the great losses in music history.  Holly and fellow musicians Richie Valens and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson took off in a small private plane after playing a 'Winter Dance Party' tour stop at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2nd 1959.  The plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the early morning hours of February 3rd, a day that was immortalized by Don McLean as 'the day the music died'.

Buddy was really the first true singer, songwriter in rock and roll.  He wrote so many great songs at such an early age and performed them in studio and live in concert.  Holly's legacy is secure in these songs, with timeless classics like 'Peggy Sue', 'That'll Be The Day'. 'True Love Ways', 'Maybe Baby', 'Listen To Me', 'Every Day' and many more.  He was prolific, creative, and driven.

The best way to remember Buddy is to listen to the music.  Out now are two awesome Buddy Holly tribute albums, which celebrate his life and his music in commemoration of this 75th anniversary birthday.  Below are the track listings of the albums.  Both offer creative perspectives on timeless music.  Buddy Holly alsoe gets a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame today, September 7th. : (via CBSnews.com)

Rave On: Buddy Holly

1. "Dearest" - The Black Keys
2. "Everyday" - Fiona Apple and Jon Brion
3. "It's So Easy" - Paul McCartney
4. "Not Fade Away" - Florence And The Machine
5. "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care" - Cee Lo Green
6. "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" - Karen Elson
7. "Rave On" - Julian Casablancas
8. "I'm Gonna Love You Too" - Jenny O.
9. "Maybe Baby" - Justin Townes Earle
10. "Oh Boy" - She & Him
11. "Changing All Those Changes" - Nick Lowe
12. "Words Of Love" - Patti Smith
13. "True Love Ways" - My Morning Jacket
14. "That'll Be The Day" - Modest Mouse
15. "Well. . . All Right" - Kid Rock
16. "Heartbeat" - The Detroit Cobras
17. "Peggy Sue" - Lou Reed
18. "Peggy Sue Got Married" - John Doe
19. "Raining In My Heart" - Graham Nash

Listen To Me: Buddy Holly

1. "Not Fade Away" - Stevie Nicks
2. "Maybe Baby" - Pat Monahan
3. "Listen To Me" - Brian Wilson
4. "I'm Lookin' For Someone To Love" - Imelda May
5. "True Love Ways" - Jackson Browne
6. "Peggy Sue" - Cobra Starship
7. "Take Your Time" - The Fray
8. "Think It Over" - Ringo Starr
9. "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" - Chris Isaak
10. "That'll Be The Day" - Linda Ronstadt
11. "Words Of Love" - Jeff Lynne
12. "Well. . . All Right" - Lyle Lovett
13. "Learning The Game" - Natalie Merchant
14. "Everyday" - Patrick Stump
15. "It's So Easy - Zooey Deschanel
16. "Raining In My Heart" - Eric Idle