About the song
Buddy Holly & The Crickets "That’ll Be The Day" on The Ed Sullivan Show
The legendary song "That’ll Be The Day," performed by Buddy Holly & The Crickets, holds a pivotal place in the history of rock and roll. Written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison (the drummer for The Crickets), and Norman Petty, the song was inspired by a line delivered by John Wayne in the 1956 film The Searchers. With its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and innovative guitar arrangements, the track became a defining hit for the band and remains an enduring classic.
The song was released in May 1957 as a single and became the first hit for Buddy Holly & The Crickets, skyrocketing to popularity. It reached the top position on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the band’s reputation as rock and roll pioneers. Internationally, it also achieved widespread acclaim, reaching #1 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success helped to lay the foundation for the influential rock and roll sounds of the late 1950s and 1960s, inspiring artists like The Beatles.
The acclaimed performance of "That’ll Be The Day" by Buddy Holly & The Crickets on The Ed Sullivan Show, a platform known for introducing timeless artists to a global audience, is remembered as a milestone in television and musical history. This performance showcased Buddy Holly’s charisma, signature hiccuping vocal style, and enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, signifying its lasting cultural and historical significance. Moreover, Rolling Stone included it on their list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
"That’ll Be The Day" remains a celebrated anthem of early rock and roll, forever associated with the trailblazing sound of Buddy Holly & The Crickets. Its legacy is a testament to its timeless appeal and unshakable place in the pantheon of American music.
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