The Rock And Roll Fan’s Guide To Lubbock, Texas

Buddy Holly was one of the most enduring and powerful rock singers in history. John Lennon and Paul McCartney have called him a major influence in their music. According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Bruce Springsteen said, “I play Buddy Holly every night before I go on; that keeps me honest.”

Holly influenced Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, Linda Ronstadt, and countless other musical artists. Buddy Holly had such classic rock and roll hits as “Oh Boy!”, “That’ll Be The Day”, and “Peggy Sue”. It’s no wonder why his music is still widely played and enjoyed today.

Many people don’t realize that Buddy Holly managed to accomplish all that with a professional career that spanned only about 18 months. He died on February 3, 1959, in a plane crash in Iowa when he was only 22 years old.

Don McLean’s classic 1971 song “American Pie” famously referred to Buddy Holly’s death as “the day the music died”. However, one thing’s for sure. Buddy Holly’s musical legacy lives on in his influence of the entire music industry. Also, he is very much still celebrated in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Here are some of the must-see sites that rock and roll fans should see during a visit to Lubbock.

Buddy Holly Statue And West Texas Walk of Fame

The Buddy Holly Statue is in the centerpiece of the West Texas Hall of Fame in the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza. It’s located at the corner of Crickets Avenue and 19^th Street. Buddy Holly was the first inductee to the West Texas Hall of Fame in 1979. A year later, sculptor Grant Speed revealed his massive Buddy Holly statue that still stands strong in the hall of fame. The bronze statue is 8 feet 6 inches tall, and it is a remarkable likeness of the musical legend.

Buddy Holly Center

Across the street from the West Texas Hall of Fame, the Buddy Holly Center is dedicated to Buddy Holly as its name suggests. It also celebrates other music from Lubbock and West Texas.

The main Buddy Holly Gallery guides visitors through the life and career of the star with artifacts from his life. It really brings to life the story of Buddy and the Crickets, and it drives home how incredible his accomplishments truly are. Guitars and costumes are on display, and the gallery also shares detailed accounts of how Buddy Holly influenced stars like Elton John.

Also located at the Buddy Holly Center, the J.I. Allison House is the preserved home of Buddy Holly’s childhood friend and drummer in the band The Crickets. It’s where he and Buddy Holly wrote many of their hits such as “That’ll Be the Day.” It includes original artifacts from the home where he lived and recreated rooms.

Buddy Holly’s Grave In The City Of Lubbock Cemetery

Although it might seem morbid, the graves of famous people generally attract many of their fans. Buddy Holly’s fans come from near and far to visit his gravesite. You can easily find it in the City of Lubbock Cemetery. His headstone is engraved with a guitar, and it’s a tradition for fans to leave guitar picks or on his gravesite.

You may notice that his name is spelled Buddy Holley on his gravestone. That’s the way his family name was traditionally spelled. However, as the story goes, when he signed his record contract with Decca Records, they misspelled his surname as “Holly”. He went with it! From that moment on, he was called “Buddy Holly”.

Other Places To Celebrate Buddy Holly

There are dozens of places that rock and roll fans can visit to celebrate Buddy Holly. Visit the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences to see world-class theater and concerts. You can go by Buddy Holly’s childhood home at 1606 39th Street with its historical marker. Stroll along Buddy Holly Avenue where you can find shops, restaurants, and the historic Cactus. Theater.