The 1957 Buddy Holly riff Paul McCartney always wanted to figure out
A timeless riff…

Buddy Holly was an American musician, singer and songwriter who became one of the pioneering figures of rock and roll during the 1950s.
Despite a recording career lasting little more than 18 months, Holly’s innovative songwriting, distinctive vocal style and pioneering use of the rock band format had a profound influence on popular music. With the Crickets and as a solo artist, he recorded enduring classics including ‘That’ll Be the Day’, ‘Peggy Sue’ and ‘Everyday’.
His emphasis on self-written material and guitar-led arrangements helped shape the future of rock music, inspiring artists such as the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Holly’s career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of 22, but his legacy remains foundational to modern popular music.
Rock ‘n’ roll’s most fateful song?
A mentor to Dylan, David Crosby, Joni Mitchell, and many more.
That same rush of adrenaline.