Few songs encapsulate the spirit of early rock and roll as perfectly as Buddy Holly’s 1957 hit “That’ll Be the Day.” With its upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and Holly’s distinctive hiccup-laden vocals, the song became one of the defining tracks of the 1950s. But “That’ll Be the Day” is more than just a hit single from rock’s formative years. It’s a testament to the genre’s enduring legacy, an example of innovation in music production, and a reflection of Buddy Holly’s profound influence on the music industry.
The Birth of a Classic
Like many great songs, “That’ll Be the Day” has an origin story rooted in serendipity. Buddy Holly, born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas, was a young musician trying to make a name for himself in the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the mid-1950s. His musical style was a blend of country, rhythm and blues, and early rock, with a sound that was both unique and familiar.
The inspiration for “That’ll Be the Day” came from an unlikely source: a Western film. While on tour in 1956, Holly and his bandmates went to see The Searchers, a John Ford film starring John Wayne. In the movie, Wayne’s character frequently says, “That’ll be the day” in a sarcastic tone. The phrase stuck with Holly, who thought it had the potential to make for a catchy hook in a song.
Holly and his band, The Crickets, wrote the song shortly after, although the first recorded version, produced in Nashville under the Decca label, didn’t go far. The early version lacked the energy and spark that would later characterize the hit version. However, Holly wasn’t deterred. He and his producer, Norman Petty, re-recorded the song in Clovis, New Mexico, in 1957. This time, everything clicked.
A Breakthrough Sound
“That’ll Be the Day” wasn’t just a great song because of its lyrics or Holly’s vocal delivery—it also represented a breakthrough in how rock music was being recorded and produced. The Crickets’ lineup included Jerry Allison on drums, Joe B. Mauldin on bass, and Niki Sullivan on guitar, alongside Holly. Together, they created a sound that was raw yet polished, blending rock’s rebellious edge with the clean-cut feel of pop music.
Norman Petty’s production techniques played a significant role in shaping the song’s success. Petty understood how to capture the spontaneity and energy of Holly’s performances while ensuring the sound was crisp and radio-ready. The song’s rhythmic bounce, driven by Allison’s steady drumming and Holly’s choppy rhythm guitar, creates a foundation for Holly’s vocal, which alternates between smooth and staccato phrases.
What truly set “That’ll Be the Day” apart was its unmistakable melody and the way it was delivered. Holly’s hiccuping vocal style became his signature, a playful and distinctive approach that added personality to the track. The vocal phrasing, coupled with Holly’s bright, jangly guitar sound, gave the song an energy that felt fresh and exciting. It was rock and roll, but with a hint of polish that helped it appeal to a wider audience.
Chart Success and Legacy
When “That’ll Be the Day” was released in May 1957, it quickly became a sensation. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying Buddy Holly’s place in the rock and roll pantheon. For Holly, a relatively unknown artist from Texas, this was a monumental achievement. At just 21 years old, he had managed to craft a song that would not only dominate the charts but also influence countless musicians for decades to come.
“That’ll Be the Day” marked the beginning of a short yet prolific career for Holly. Over the next few years, he and The Crickets released a string of hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy!,” and “Rave On.” Holly’s innovative approach to songwriting, his willingness to experiment with different sounds, and his charismatic stage presence all contributed to his lasting impact on music.
Tragically, Holly’s life was cut short in February 1959, when he died in a plane crash at the age of 22—a moment immortalized in Don McLean’s 1971 song “American Pie” as “the day the music died.” Despite his untimely death, Holly’s influence continued to ripple through the music world.
Influence on Future Generations
Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” had an immense impact on future generations of musicians, many of whom would cite Holly as a key influence. The Beatles, for instance, were profoundly inspired by Holly’s music. Paul McCartney has often spoken about how The Crickets’ name influenced the decision to name their own band “The Beatles.” Additionally, John Lennon and McCartney frequently covered Buddy Holly songs in their early performances, and McCartney even purchased the publishing rights to Holly’s catalog in later years.
Holly’s use of the Fender Stratocaster guitar, his songwriting techniques, and his knack for catchy, concise melodies all became hallmarks of the rock genre. His blend of rock, pop, and country elements would later become a blueprint for countless other artists, from The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen.
The legacy of “That’ll Be the Day” is evident not just in its chart-topping success but in its continued relevance. It remains one of those timeless rock and roll classics, instantly recognizable from its opening chords to its memorable chorus. It encapsulates the youthful energy, optimism, and raw emotion that characterized the early days of rock and roll, a period when the genre was still finding its footing and pushing the boundaries of what popular music could be.
Conclusion
In the grand history of rock and roll, “That’ll Be the Day” holds a special place. It was one of the first songs to showcase Buddy Holly’s unique talents, and it continues to stand as a testament to his artistry. Holly may have been taken from the world far too soon, but his contributions to music—and rock and roll, in particular—are immeasurable. Through songs like “That’ll Be the Day,” Buddy Holly helped shape the sound of an era and left a lasting legacy that still resonates today.