Live Performance of “That’ll Be the Day” by Buddy Holly & The Crickets

Buddy Holly & The Crickets performing “That’ll Be The Day” on the Ed Sullivan Show on December 1, 1957.

“That’ll Be the Day” is a classic rock and roll song written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and Norman Petty. It was recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957 and released as a single. The song quickly became one of the defining hits of the rock and roll era and played a significant role in popularizing the genre.

The song’s lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and optimism, expressing the idea that if something is meant to happen, “that’ll be the day” when it occurs. The phrase “that’ll be the day” is an expression of doubt or skepticism, but in the context of the song, it takes on a more positive connotation, implying a hopeful belief that a certain event or desire will eventually come to pass.

The melody of “That’ll Be the Day” is catchy and instantly recognizable, characterized by Buddy Holly’s distinctive vocal delivery and the Crickets’ rockabilly-style instrumentation. The song features Buddy Holly’s trademark hiccup-like vocal sound, which became one of his recognizable vocal techniques.

Upon its release, “That’ll Be the Day” climbed the charts rapidly, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming a massive hit worldwide. It was a breakthrough song for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and its success helped establish Holly as one of the pioneering figures of rock and roll music.

The lasting impact of “That’ll Be the Day” is evident in its continued popularity. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as an enduring classic in the history of rock music.