That'll be the day!

Today in Music History: May 27

So much music that shaped our nation came out of the 50s and 60s as did so much tragedy, especially The Day the Music Died. But, today the focus is not on its ending but rather a beginning, the beginning of a short-lived career during an era that changed music forever. Not only music, but also art, was undergoing a transformation being influenced by changing social attitudes and a more free independent spirit.

Today's spotlight is on Buddy Holly. Holly played rock 'n' roll for only a few short years, but the wealth of material he recorded made a major and lasting impact on popular music. Born Charles Hardin Holley, with the 'e' in his last name, he became professionally known as Buddy Holly. When his name was misspelled in his first recording contract, rather than wait for the contract to be retyped and mailed back to him, Buddy decided to drop the 'e'.

Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957
(top to bottom: Allison, Holly and Mauldin)

  

 1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets released their first record, 'That'll Be The Day'. A UK No.1 and US No.3 hit. The song had its genesis in a trip to the movies by Holly, Jerry Allison and Sonny Curtis in June 1956. John Wayne (True Grit 1969) was starring in possibly one of the greatest, if not the greatest, westerns in film history, The Searchers. Wayne's frequently-used, world-weary catchphrase, "that'll be the day" was the inspiration behind the song. The phrase stuck in Jerry's mind. When they were hanging out at Jerry's house one night, Buddy looked at Jerry and said that it sure would be nice if they could record a hit song. Jerry replied with, "That'll be the day," mocking John Wayne in the western. The rest is history!

Tidbit of 'That'll Be The Day' Trivia...

It was also the first song to be recorded by The Quarrymen in the spring of 1958, the skiffle group that subsequently became The Beatles. This was the first song John Lennon learned to play on the guitar. We all KNOW what became of that group!

How about this for a little extra trivia?

 1964, Mick Jagger Haircut Suspensions! Eleven boys were suspended from a school in Coventry, England for having Mick Jagger haircuts. Sign of the times!

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...