Additional Coverage:
- Paul McCartney shares unexpected way music legend Buddy Holly inspired The Beatles in new book (themirror.com)
New Book Offers Intimate Look at Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend Buddy Holly
A new book, Buddy Holly: Words of Love, provides a fresh perspective on the life and enduring legacy of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. The book, released this week in hardcover, features a treasure trove of rare photos, personal memorabilia, and stories from those who knew him best. Among the visual gems is a yearbook photo of a 17-year-old Holly without his trademark glasses and a shot of him on stage in Tampa, Florida, in January 1957, sporting a stylish oversized jacket while opening for Hank Thompson.
The book traces Holly’s career from his early radio performances in Lubbock, Texas at the age of 14 to his meteoric rise to fame. Readers will learn about the formation of his band, his opening act for Elvis Presley, and his signing with Decca Records.
Buddy Holly: Words of Love also highlights key moments such as the re-recording of “That’ll Be The Day” with the Crickets in February 1957, a song that quickly went gold, selling over a million copies in the US. Other career milestones, including a 1957 performance at New York’s Paramount and a 1958 UK tour, are also documented.
The book is further enriched by heartfelt tributes from a host of music icons, including Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Emmylou Harris, Brian May, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Keith Richards, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Pete Townshend, and Ronnie Wood. Each artist shares their personal “Words of Love” for Buddy, reflecting on his profound impact on music. Sir Paul McCartney recalls the inspirational effect of hearing “That’ll Be The Day” for the first time, while Eric Clapton and Dolly Parton share their own admiration for the rock ‘n’ roll legend.
Created in collaboration with Holly’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, and the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, Buddy Holly: Words of Love features original cover art by Ronnie Wood. A limited-edition run of 559 copies has already been released, and the book is now available in hardback.
Proceeds from the sale of the hardback edition will benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America. The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation continues its mission to honor Holly’s legacy by supporting music education for young people.