So true are these words when you are a rock n’ roll legend. Unfortunately for us, Buddy Holly’s life was short lived but his music lasts down to this day. A much beloved favorite of mine from my wee little days (I believe the obsession set in around age 5), his music has always had an impact on me and I believe shaped much of what I love and gravitate towards today.

For years, I have been waiting to see if the music community felt the way I did about this Lubbock Texas native, you know honoring him with a tribute album? Years came and they went, nothing. Well, as the saying goes ” Good things come to those who wait” couldn’t be more of a truth as of June 28th.

It has happened, an album of greats honoring THE great, hit shelves with a bang.  Old names, new names and some wild cards (Cee Lo Green?) appear on this much anticipated tribute. Given free reign to interpret what his legend meant to them, we get a wide range of sounds and feel from this compilation. Some choosing to stick to the original, while others find their voice within the words of classic songs.  With names such as She & Him, Paul McCartney, Florence & The Machine, Patti Smith…yes the list goes on, 18 songs singing out in declaration to a man whose legend will live on. Some of my favorites?

These are just a few of the standouts from an album that I see being on my favorite list for awhile. Dedicated to one of the pioneers of rock n’ roll whose life was tragically cut short from a plane crash at the age of 22 (inciting Don McClean to write a classic called “American Pie” referring to this as “the day the music died”).

Influencing probably the greatest rock n’ roll band of all time, The Beatles not only in name (taking from Buddy Holly and the Crickets) but also his style (John Lennon was known for wearing Holly styled glasses during performances) and especially his music.

May we never forget those who came before us, and find ways to honor and remember their legends.

XO~J&J