[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Buddy Holly[/lastfm] was one of the original pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll. Just ask the [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Beatles[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Rolling Stones[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Bob Dylan[/lastfm], and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Eric Clapton[/lastfm].

They will certainly agree.

Since today is his birthday, we’ve decided to countdown Buddy Holly’s Top Fifteen Songs (we know we usually do ten, but it was a bit trickier this time around).

[photogallerylink id=49753]

Though he was just twenty-two years old and had only know success for a short period of time when he died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly is still considered one of the most influential forces in early rock and roll, and popular music in general.

Holly, along with his Crickets, set the standard for rock ‘n’ roll bands: two guitars, bass, and drums. He was also one of the first in the rock genre to write, produce, and perform his own songs, making him a true renaissance man in the industry.

With his roots in rockabilly country music and blues-inspired rhythm & blues, Holly helped bridge the racial divide that was a blemish on American music. Holly had even performed with trailblazing black musicians, like [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Little Richard [/lastfm] and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Chuck Berry[/lastfm].

Now that you’re freshened up on some Holly history, take a look at our Top Fifteen Buddy Holly Songs.

We’re sure you won’t mind clicking through all fifteen.

NEXT PAGE “Words of Love”