buddy holly (born in lubbock, texas as charles hardin holley, september 7, 1936 – february 3, 1959) was an american rock and roll singersongwriter. in april 1959, he had a number one song (after death) on uk singles chart music chart. he wrote "that'll be the day"; in 1957 the song when played by the crickets, went to number one on billboard hot 100 and uk singles chart.