Some records are destined to outlive their creators, carving their names deep into the fabric of musical history. Buddy Holly’s 1956 single ‘That’ll Be The Day’ stands as a monumental example—a timeless anthem that continues to ripple through pop culture decades after its release. This track isn’t just a song; it’s the spark that ignited the vast landscape of modern pop music.
The story behind Buddy Holly is both inspiring and heartbreaking. His tragic demise came on February 3rd, 1959, when Holly, alongside musical peers Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, perished in a tragic plane crash in a lonely cornfield near Clear Lake, Iowa. Holly had opted for the ill-fated plane out of frustration with the harsh conditions aboard his tour bus. Interestingly, Richardson wasn’t originally slated to be on that flight but swapped with Waylon Jennings after falling ill. The fate of Tommy Allsup, another member of Holly’s band, was decided by a simple coin toss, resulting in Valens taking his seat—a gamble that ultimately saved Allsup’s life.
Despite a fleeting 21 months in the spotlight, Holly’s impact on popular music is staggering. His journey began with ‘That’ll Be The Day,’ a song inspired by the iconic catchphrase from John Wayne’s character in The Searchers. After watching the film with his drummer Jerry Allison in Lubbock, Texas, Holly was struck by Wayne’s skeptical retort whenever someone doubted an event. During a casual moment at Allison’s home, Holly expressed his dream to write a hit song someday, to which Jerry replied with the phrase that would become the title of their legendary track:
“That’ll be the day.”
The road to success was not easy. Holly’s first recording of the song with The Three Tunes in Nashville was rejected by Decca Records. Undeterred, he re-recorded it with The Crickets in New Mexico, this time under the production of Norman Petty, who enhanced Holly’s vocals with backup singers and changed the song’s key from D to A. These tweaks transformed the track, sending it soaring to the top of the charts upon release.
Musically, the song is anchored by a simple blues progression but enriched by rich harmonies, crisp guitar riffs, and a vibrant drumbeat—creating an irresistibly catchy pop tune. The song’s influence crossed the Atlantic to Britain, flourishing amidst the country’s skiffle craze. A young band called The Quarrymen, featuring future Beatles legends John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, cut their first demo with ‘That’ll Be The Day’ in 1958.
Paul McCartney vividly recalls their early recording experience:
“I remember we all went down on the bus with our instruments – amps and guitars – and the drummer went separately. We waited in the little waiting room outside while somebody else made their demo and then it was our turn. We just went in the room, hardly saw the fella because he was next door in a little control booth. ‘OK, what are you going to do?’ We ran through it very quickly, quarter of an hour, and it was all over.”
This humble demo laid the groundwork for the Beatles’ meteoric rise in the early 1960s, cementing the defining roles of Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. “George played the opening guitar notes and I harmonised with John singing lead,” McCartney explained. The Beatles’ early hits like ‘She Loves You’, ‘Please Please Me’, and ‘Love Me Do’ echoed the simplicity and upbeat charm that made ‘That’ll Be The Day’ so enduring. These songs thrived in an era ruled by radio, where accessibility and instant appeal were paramount—qualities inherited from Buddy Holly’s timeless classic.
In sum, the legacy of ‘That’ll Be The Day’ stands unbreakable—a beacon illuminating the paths of generations of musicians. Its spirited rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and pioneering influence persist, proving that some songs truly transcend time.
