Music fans know that February 3, 1959, is “The Day the Music Died,” when the world lost Buddy Holly, “The Big Bopper,” and Ritchie Valens in an unfortunate plane crash. While this was 66 years ago, the pain still feels fresh, as the music that these icons gave us continues to resonate with old and new generations. Their legacies will always live on through their songs, along with the memories they gave to those close to them. Through the stories that friends, family, and fans continue to tell, all is not gone forever.
On April 8, over 80 musicians will share the stories they have of Buddy Holly in Buddy Holly: Words of Love. Released through Genesis Publications, this 408-page hardcover book was made in partnership with Holly’s widow, María Elena Holly, and the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. Together, the foundation and María find ways to promote Buddy Holly’s music so that it carries on from generation to generation. They also help extend music education for the youth of today by means of providing educational materials in schools and advocating for music classes.
Buddy Holly: Words of Love was born out of a conversation that Genesis Publications had with the Who’s Roger Daltrey back in 2017. It features forewords by María Elena Holly and Paul McCartney, an afterword by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, and cover art from The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood. Their efforts help celebrate such an iconic musician, songwriter, and trailblazer of rock and roll.
The book promises to cover Buddy Holly’s life, his music career, and his impact. Readers will be able to take in over 400 rare and archival pieces, such as never-before-seen photographs, handwritten notes, clothing, posters, and personal letters, offering an intimate look into his life. There are also contributions from those who found inspiration from Buddy Holly, like Paul Anka, Don Everly, Dave Grohl, Brian May, Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran, and Bruce Springsteen. Altogether, they give their own dedications or “words of love” for the icon.
Previously announced deluxe editions of the book are still available for pre-order through the Genesis Publications website. There are only 500 copies total, all of which contain a foreword by María Elena Holly, an intro by esteemed music critic Griel Marcus, and signatures from Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. Also included is a print photograph of a previously unpublished portrait of Buddy Holly and an exclusive 7-inch vinyl that features two rare Buddy Holly home recordings. Proceeds will benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.
More information about Buddy Holly: Words of Love can be found here.
Copies of the hardback edition can be found here.
Copies of the deluxe edition can be found through Genesis Publications.
