About the song
Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ "That’ll Be The Day" is one of the most iconic tracks in rock and roll history. Performed with electrifying energy and charm, the song helped to cement the legacy of Buddy Holly and his band, The Crickets, as pioneers of the rock and roll revolution. The performance of "That’ll Be The Day" on The Ed Sullivan Show stands as one of the most memorable moments in television history, showcasing the raw talent and charisma of this legendary group.
The song, written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison, was inspired by a line from a John Wayne movie, The Searchers. It was first recorded in 1956, but the definitive and polished version was released in 1957. "That’ll Be The Day" reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1957, making it the first and only chart-topping single for Buddy Holly during his tragically short career. The infectious melody, Holly’s unique vocal delivery, and the band’s innovative instrumentation set this song apart as a definitive track of the 1950s rock era.
Though Buddy Holly was not alive to see it, his influence extended far beyond his years. "That’ll Be The Day" was posthumously recognized for its cultural significance, earning a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. Additionally, it was ranked 39th on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
The performance of the song on The Ed Sullivan Show introduced a wider audience to the charm of Buddy Holly & The Crickets, boosting their popularity even further. Holly’s signature glasses and distinctive hiccup-style vocals left an immense influence on future artists, including The Beatles. "That’ll Be The Day" remains an enduring anthem of the rock and roll era, celebrating the timeless power of innovation, youth, and music.
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