Inspiration

American Legend

As we all know, it’s better to burn out than to fade away, in order to gain legendary status. On February 3rd 1956, Buddy Holly rather notoriously burnt out as his plane crashed to the ground minutes after take-off. The rock ‘n’ roll legend was just 23 when he died.

From the 29th of January 2009, The Proud Central is providing a rare insight into the short but sweet life of the singer/songwriter, with a collection of never seen before photographs taken throughout Holly’s life by Photographers including infamous rock ‘n’ roll Photographer of the decade Harry Hammond.

For non-Buddy Holly enthusiasts, the singer-songwriter guitarist became very famous in the 1950’s playing concerts alongside other rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights such as Elvis and Chuck Berry. Holly was one of the first artists of his kind to embrace every aspect of the music making process including record production. Having been born into a musical family, Holly was part of several High School Country and Western bands before being spotted by show promoter Eddie Crandall in 1956, when the star was later signed by Decca Records. It wasn’t until opening a show for Elvis Presley that Holly abandoned his motley of musical roots deciding to keep his music strictly rock ‘n’ roll from then on, which is the musical genre we most closely associate him with today.

Buddy Holly: The Making of an American Legend claims to be a celebration of the musician’s vast talent, shining a new light on the life of Charles Hardin Holly fifty years after his death. For hardcore Holly fans, this is a golden opportunity for a fresh insight into the musician’s life, for casual observers this is a chance to quench some morbid curiosity and learn a little about a rock ‘n’ roll legend who has influenced the likes of Bob Dylan and the Beatles.

29th Jan - 26th April 09
www.proud.co.uk

Jodie Kharas

Image courtesy of Bill Francis and www.proud.co.uk