Overview

A chronicle of the rise and brief career of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly, who aspires to play music the way he wants it to sound. Holly and his band, the Crickets, are first invited to record in Nashville, where they encounter creative differences with the producing staff. Later they play a major booking at the Apollo Theater, scheduled there under the mistaken assumption that they're a black band. Holly's career eventually goes solo -- until the tragic day the music dies.

Cast

Gary Busey

Buddy Holly

Don Stroud

Jesse Charles

Charles Martin Smith

Ray Bob Simmons

Conrad Janis

Ross Turner

William Jordan

Riley

Maria Richwine

Maria Elena Holly

N/A

Amy Johnston

Cindy Lou

Dick O'Neill

Sol Gittler

N/A

Fred Travalena

Madman Mancuso

Neva Patterson

Mrs. Holly

Arch Johnson

Mr. Holly

John F. Goff

T.J.