Buddy Holly's shockingly early demise -- he was only 22 when the light plane carrying him, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson crashed outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, in February 1959 -- brings an extra dimension of appreciation to his legacy. Holly's accomplishments as a singer, writer and bandleader run deep, and his music remains a favorite of casual oldies listeners, hardcore music fans and musicians nearly 50 years after his death. Charles Hardin Holley gr...  [+]