Tony Blaira

Musician. Born Charles Hardin Holley, on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas. Holly is best known for his unique and innovative contribution to rock music, combining styles from blues and rock & roll to create such timeless hits as “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Maybe Baby.”
Alternately precocious and shy, as a child Holly played violin, piano, and steel guitar before he adopted the acoustic guitar that would become his signature instrument. He grew up in racially segregated Lubbock, where he attended church every Sunday while sneaking cigarettes and beer with his friends during the week.

He began performing as a teenager, imitating his musical heroes Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Hank Ballard, while introducing his own unique style of songwriting that was characterized by an energetic and blues-heavy lyricism. He also played a form of country western music—what he called “western bop”—around town with his childhood pal Bob Montgom...