Busey, Gary
The Buddy Holly Story
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1978 original. Glossy, NM- vinyl. "The Buddy Holly Story" is a 1978 biographical film directed by Steve Rash and starring Gary Busey as the pioneering rock and roll musician Buddy Holly. The film chronicles Holly's meteoric rise to fame in the late 1950s, focusing on his early years in Lubbock, Texas, his formation of the band The Crickets, and his groundbreaking musical achievements. The narrative captures key moments of his career, including his recording sessions at Norman Petty’s studio in New Mexico, his struggles with the music industry, and his marriage to María Elena Santiago. The film culminates with Holly's final, tragic performance before his untimely death in a plane crash at the age of 22.

Gary Busey's portrayal of Buddy Holly received widespread acclaim, highlighting his ability to convincingly perform Holly's music; Busey even did his own singing and guitar playing for the role. The film also features performances by Don Stroud as drummer Jesse Charles and Charles Martin Smith as bassist Ray Bob Simmons, who represent members of The Crickets. "The Buddy Holly Story" earned three Academy Award nominations, with Busey receiving a nomination for Best Actor, and winning the award for Best Adaptation Score. The film is notable for its faithful depiction of Holly's music and its impact on the rock and roll genre, as well as for Busey's transformative performance, which remains one of the highlights of his acting career.