Sound Check Music Blog

Artists give new meaning to classic Buddy Holly songs on Rave on Buddy Holly, a newly released Buddy Holly tribute album.

The album is powered by utterly famous musicians, a rarity among tribute albums.  Artists include Paul McCartney, The Black Keys, Cee Lo Green, Florence + The Machine, Lou Reed, Fiona Apple, Patti Smith, and Modest Mouse.

The 19 tracks that embody Rave on Buddy Holly are as diverse as they come and offer modern day interpretations of a tamer period in rock music.

Buddy Holly himself is said to be “the single most influential force in early rock n’ roll,” and has had a profound influence on rock legends such as as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Holly #13 in its “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” article.

Buddy Holly’s success only lasted a year and a half before a plane crash took his life in 1959.  He was 22.

NPR has made it possible to listen to Rave on Buddy Holly in its entirety, or by individual track.

RIP Charles “Buddy” Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959).

Here is Buddy Holly performing “Oh, Boy!” on the Ed Sullivan Show one year before Holly’s death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIpc2nsYQUs