"The Day the Music Died"

American Pie - Don McLean

"On February 3, 1959, a small-plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, United States killed three American rock and roll musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson." read more...

Of the three, the artist most well-regarded was without a doubt the great Buddy Holly. Holly inspired a generation of young people with his music, being cited as a major influence for artists like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor and countless others. NPR has a great story up today about Holly and his classic song, Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly

I can't watch that video without thinking of Elvis Costello. Elvis cited Holly as an early influence, playing up the visual similarities between the two on the cover to his debut album, My Aim Is True:



Here's just a tiny taste of a fantastic Elvis Costello live recording I found from 1978, thanks to Ryan's Smashing Life:

Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Blame It On Cain (Live)

Get the rest right here from Ryan.

Recommended listening: