The Music Never Died

Buddy Holly died in the flesh, but his immortal rock soul flourishes in the hearts and minds of music fans 50 years later.

As a friend said, "50 years ago rock lost part of its soul."

The day the music died. Five words dreamed up by Don McLean in 'American Pie' perfectly depicts the life and death of a rock'n roll icon. No phrase is more synonymous with Buddy Holly.

By now, most people know Holly was killed in a plane crash in 1959 at the young age of 23. Just twenty and three years into life and yet such a massive impact on pop culture. The tragedy ran still deeper as it claimed Latin-rock pioneer Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.

I was first introduced to 50s rock'n roll when I was about 15 or so. From the onset it captured my imagination. While people saw it as "dated" or "corny" I saw the timelessness of the sound as well as the history and influence of the personalities. To me, they were true rebels. There's a certain special spirit to the music that can move a person just like a masterful symphony touches the inner-soul.

Did the music really die? I guess in an "innocent lost" kind of way. America went through massive social upheaval in the 1960s and it certainly felt like America's image itself as a teenage genius was changing. With it went the original sound of rock'n roll. The sound that Buddy Holly helped to invent and popularize.

Did rock evolve for the better? I'm sure people have their opinions. In many ways, the music of today does give the impression of being too technical and over produced. By contrast, back then it seemed to be more simple, raw and genuine.

No need to go this route right here. That's for another debate.

Some could argue, as I do, the music didn't die. The mere fact I listen to it in my jeep or car six decades later suggests Holly (and Valens and Bopper) lives on. It's no different than Beethoven and Louie Armstrong.

Man, it sure was good, wasn't it?