18 Buddy Holly Quotes That Are as True Now as They Were Then

Charles Hardin Holley or Buddy Holly, born on September 7, 1936, lived until February 3, 1959. Buddy Holly was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and a musician who was a leading figure throughout the mid 1950s of rock and roll. Holly was born into a musical family out in Lubbock, Texas during the Great Depression. He actually learned how to play the guitar as well as sing with his two siblings. We’re going to take a look at some of the most famous quotes that Buddy Holly left behind.

1. On the beauty of language

A black-and-white image of a band performing on stage. The central figure is playing an electric guitar, flanked by a double bassist on the left and a drummer on the right, both also playing. The backdrop features vertical striped drapes.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“I’m not trying to stump anybody, it’s the beauty of the language that I’m interested in.”

2. On death

A man in a suit and glasses plays an electric guitar on stage. The image is in black and white and has a vintage appearance, with curtains visible in the background.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“Death is very often referred to as a good career move.”

3. On the power of music

Black and white photo of a man in a suit and glasses playing an electric guitar in front of a curtain.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life, bringing peace, abolishing strife.”

4. On the sky

A man in a suit and glasses sings into a microphone on a dimly lit stage, with vertical lights in the background. The image is in black and white, evoking a vintage or retro atmosphere.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“The sky belongs to the stars.”

5. On Elvis

A black and white photo of a four-member band performing. The lead guitarist stands at the front, wearing glasses, and the drummer is in the background. All members are dressed in suits and bow ties, playing electric guitars and drums.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“Without Elvis, none of us could have made it.”

6. On pop music

A black and white image shows a band of four men in suits playing musical instruments. The guitarist in front is singing, with other members playing electric guitar, drums, and bass guitar in the background, standing before a curtain.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“If anyone asks you what kind of music we play, tell them pop. It’s short for popular.”

7. On being misunderstood

A black-and-white photo of a band performing. The lead guitarist, wearing glasses and a tuxedo, smiles at the camera. Behind him, a drummer, a bassist, and another musician, all in tuxedos, are playing their instruments. They are on a stage with curtains.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“People have a way of looking at you when you’re doing something they don’t understand.”

8. On confidence

A man with black-rimmed glasses and a bow tie sings into a microphone. He wears a brown suit jacket. The background is colorful and blurred.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“You have to believe in what you’re doing. You need to have confidence in your music.”

9. On spreading music around

A man in a suit and glasses sings into a microphone while playing an electric guitar. The background features a pattern of large, colorful circles.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“The music speaks louder than words. I just want my songs to be heard.”

10. On measuring people’s reactions

A black-and-white photo of a man wearing glasses and a suit, seated indoors. He gestures with one hand raised near his face. The background features a floral curtain and a portion of a table.
u/buddyholly/via youtube

“It’s fun to be in front of people and see the reaction to the music.”

11. On music as work

A man in a suit and dark glasses plays an electric guitar while another man in a suit stands to the side, looking at him. They are on a stage with a patterned curtain backdrop.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“I don’t see music as a job, it’s just a part of who I am.”

12. On being kids

A person with dark hair, wearing thick-framed glasses and a jacket, sits in a bus or train seat. The mood appears contemplative. The background shows part of another seat and a window. The image is in black and white.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“We were just kids playing music we loved.”

13. On success

Two people wearing glasses, one with dark frames and a cigarette in their mouth, are smiling. The image has a vintage, black and white appearance.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“Success doesn’t come overnight, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.”

14. On choosing music

Two men in a black and white photo, both smiling. The man on the left wears a light suit and striped shirt, with one hand in his pocket. The man on the right wears glasses and a dark jacket with a pocket square. His arm is around the other man's shoulders.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“If I had a chance to do it all again, I’d still choose music.”

15. On life

A black and white photo shows three men in suits gathered around a vintage microphone. One is seated with curly hair, another stands close to the microphone, and the third, wearing glasses, holds a guitar. The backdrop is a plain curtain.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“Life is short, but music makes it beautiful.”

16. On hearing your songs

Two musicians performing on stage in black and white. The one on the left plays an electric guitar, wearing glasses and a suit. The musician on the right plays an upright bass, dressed in a suit and tie, both appearing energetic and focused.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“The biggest thrill is hearing your song on the radio for the first time.”

17. On good music finding people

A black-and-white photo shows a musician playing an electric guitar on stage. He's flanked by a double bassist on the left and a drummer on the right, with a curtain backdrop and spotlight highlighting the performers.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“I always believed that good music will find its way to the people.”

18. On being on stage

A man in glasses plays an electric guitar on stage. He is wearing a suit and tie, and the background is dark with thin vertical lights. This image is in black and white, suggesting a vintage or classic performance.
u/BuddyHolly/via YouTube

“When you’re on stage, you’re free. That’s what I live for.”

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