REVIEW: Buddy Holly: Words of Love book

There are few artists who have resonated an irresistible influence and had a such a deep impact on followers of the same trade as one Buddy Holly. Buddy Holly: Words of Love is a project conceived by Roger Daltrey, featuring cover artwork by Ronnie Wood, and is the largest collection of tributes from over 80 iconic musicians, including Ed Sheeran, Yungblud, Dave Grohl, Brian May, and more.

The book starts out by clearing out lofts, cupboards, draws and attics with previously unseen and rarely seen collections of Holly growing up in Lubbock, Texas in mid 30’s America. The photos depicted show a sweet innocence of youth, along with a pre glasses Holly 1954 school photos. There are year books, business cards, Gold Top Les Paul guitar and 1952 Gibson Les Paul amp played by Holly both in immaculate condition considering their age, hand written letters, photos of his band The Crickets looking all youthful and full of the essence of fluid creative genius, clothing, iconic glasses, tour posters, recording agreements, press cuttings plus so much more.

Of the dedications to the great man there are plentiful and all are engaging to read and reread hailing from the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation Ambassadors including Richard Hawley, Dave Grohl, Ronnie Wood, Jeff Beck (RIP), Bruce Springsteen, Donovan, Joe Brown, Pete Townshend, all of which are presented with a replica Gibson J-45 acoustic which Holly wrote many of his compositions on. All receivers are pictured with their newly received gift with glee and have the chance to echo words of further praise and aplomb towards their hero.

Further quotes of note include ‘Buddy was playing the lead guitar, which we loved, but he was also singing it, which we loved, and he’d written it, which we loved. So on a number of levels he was very inspirational. He became a hero for us and gave us the idea to go and do it ourselves.’ Paul McCartney ‘You could learn from Buddy Holly how to write songs, the way he put them together. He was a beautiful writer. The greatest. And I mean that – the greatest.’ Mick Jagger and ‘I play Buddy Holly every night before I go on. It keeps me honest.’ Bruce Springsteen.

This review only scratches the surface of the content within the book and has to be seen to be believed, a marvelously compiled epitome to the great man and musicians who were tragically lost way too early, yet 60 odd years later are as relevant, hip and happening as the latest hit parade contenders.

Words Of Love: Buddy Holly can be ordered here