By Songbook Volunteer: Dick Schwartz
Author’s Note: My lifelong fascination, perhaps even an obsession, with songs is the heart of this blog. It feels like there’s always a melody playing in my mind. Certain songs have the power to stop me in my tracks, prompting the thought, “Wow! That’s truly one of my all-time favorites!” The spectrum of these cherished songs is incredibly wide – from chart-toppers to hidden gems, from the grand stages of Broadway to quiet country roads, from simple tunes to complex orchestrations, ballads to rock anthems.
I invite you to join me on this blogging journey as I delve into the songs that contend for a place among my all-time greats. And more importantly, I hope this inspires you to reflect on and share the songs that have become a timeless part of your own life’s soundtrack – your personal Songbook.
— Enjoy! —
Continuing our exploration of “My All-time Greatest Songs,” we turn our attention to “True Love Ways,” a song inextricably linked to Buddy Holly, who both wrote and first performed this iconic piece. The melody is undeniably beautiful, and the orchestration deeply moving. It showcases Holly’s impressive vocal range and his signature vocal qualities. Its widespread appeal is evident in the countless beautiful cover versions recorded by a diverse array of artists over the years, each adding their own touch to this True Song.
Alt text: Buddy Holly in a black and white portrait, showcasing his iconic glasses and charismatic smile.
“True Love Ways” holds a poignant place in music history as it was recorded during Buddy Holly’s final recording session on October 21, 1958, just under four months before his tragic passing. This session at Decca’s Pythian Temple studio also produced two other Holly masterpieces: “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” and “Raining in My Heart.” This session hints at a shift in Holly’s musical direction, moving from upbeat rock ‘n’ roll towards more melodic, slower-tempo songs with rich orchestral arrangements. “True Love Ways,” a true song of love and vulnerability, wasn’t released until March 1960, as part of the posthumous album The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2.
These recordings from October 1958 were groundbreaking for Holly, marking the first time he worked with a full orchestra. The orchestra, largely composed of former NBC Symphony Orchestra musicians, was conducted and arranged by Dick Jacobs. The instrumentation was lush and full, featuring eight violins, two violas, two cellos, guitar, bass, piano, harp, saxophone, and drums. The deeply emotional saxophone solos were performed by Abraham “Boomie” Richman, a seasoned musician from the Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman orchestras.
The story behind “True Love Ways” adds another layer of depth to this true song. Buddy Holly wrote it as a heartfelt wedding gift for his wife, Maria Elena Santiago Holly. Their meeting was serendipitous; during a visit to Peer-South Music, a music publisher in the Brill Building in New York City, Buddy encountered Maria and was immediately captivated. He asked her out, and incredibly, proposed on their very first date, June 19, 1958. Their wedding followed swiftly on August 15th, just two months later. “True Love Ways” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to their whirlwind romance and a true song of devotion.
Alt text: Sheet music excerpt for “True Love Ways,” highlighting the melodic notation of this classic ballad.
Tragedy struck during the “Winter Dance Party” tour in the upper Midwest in January-February 1959. Holly, seeking to avoid grueling bus travel, chartered a small plane to fly himself and his bandmates, Waylon Jennings and Tommy Allsup, from Mason City, Iowa, to their next tour stop in Moorhead, Minnesota, via Fargo, North Dakota. Fatefully, Allsup agreed to a coin flip for his seat with Ritchie Valens, which Valens won. Jennings then voluntarily gave up his seat to J.P. Richardson (“The Big Bopper”). Shortly after 12:55 AM on February 3, 1959, pilot Roger Peterson took off in challenging weather conditions. The plane crashed in a cornfield about five miles from the Mason City airport, killing all on board – Holly, Valens, Richardson, and Peterson. This devastating event was immortalized by Don McLean in his 1971 song “American Pie” as “the day the music died,” a day that marked a profound loss for music and the world, silencing a true song writer far too soon.
Buddy Holly’s influence on music is undeniable and far-reaching. His legacy continues to resonate throughout the history of Rock ’n’ Roll. He is widely recognized for establishing and popularizing the classic rock band lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums.
The impact of this true song pioneer is seen in iconic artists like John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles. They witnessed Buddy Holly’s TV appearance on Sunday Night at the London Palladium and were deeply inspired. Lennon and McCartney meticulously studied Holly’s records and stage presence, directly basing their early performances on his style. Lennon’s first band, the Quarrymen, covered Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” in their debut recording session, a 1958 audition demo. Inspired by Holly’s insect-themed band, The Crickets, they named their own band The Beatles. Paul McCartney’s connection to Holly’s music remains strong; he now owns the publishing rights to Buddy Holly’s extensive song catalog, ensuring the legacy of these true songs endures.
Bob Dylan also witnessed Buddy Holly perform on his final tour at the Duluth National Guard Armory just two nights before the plane crash. Dylan has recounted standing incredibly close to Holly, feeling a profound connection to the artist and his music. Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones saw Buddy Holly perform “Not Fade Away” during a tour of England. Keith Richards, also of the Stones, drew inspiration from the same song, modeling his early guitar playing after it. The Rolling Stones went on to record a hit version of Holly’s “Not Fade Away” in 1964, further cementing Holly’s influence as a true song innovator.
How well do you recall Buddy Holly and “the day the music died”? This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting power of music, especially true songs like “True Love Ways”.
Alt text: A somber newspaper headline announcing “The Day the Music Died,” reflecting on the tragic plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper.
“True Love Ways” Notable Releases and Versions:
- Buddy Holly (recorded 10/21/58, released March, 1960)
- Bobby Vee (1963)
- Frank Ifield (1964)
- Peter & Gordon (1965)
- Tommy Allsup (1965) – instrumental
- Skeeter Davis (1967)
- Gary Busey (1978) – The Buddy Holly Story soundtrack
- Mickey Gilley (1980)
- Tommy Cash (1982)
- Cliff Richard (1983)
- Rick Nelson (1986)
- Johnny Mathis (1989)
- Good Rockin’ Tonight 1992)
- The Mavericks (1996)
- Willie Logan (1996) – instrumental
- Erasure (2003)
- The Charades (2004) – instrumental
- Martina McBride (2005)
- Aaron Watson (2006)
- Jackson Browne (2011)
- My Morning Jacket (2011)
- Military Wives (2012) – choral
- Francoise Hardy (2016)
Check back in two weeks for the next installment of “My All-Time Greatest Songs”. In the meantime, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of “True Love Ways” and explore the diverse interpretations of this true song!
