Texas Time Travel

The Crickets

The Crickets were a pioneering rock-and-roll band formed in 1957 in Lubbock, Texas. They are best known for launching the career of Buddy Holly before his tragic death and becoming influential musicians in their own right.

Pictured: The Crickets from left to right: Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly, and Joe B. Mauldin.

Why They Matter

The Crickets helped define the sound of 1950s rock and directly influenced future legends. The Beatles partly named themselves in tribute, and the first song John Lennon learned to play was their #1 hit, "That'll Be the Day." Their innovation laid the groundwork for the band format of the 1960s.

Signature Sound & Style

Early rockabilly and rock-and-roll, built on tight rhythms, melodic guitar lines, and a groundbreaking approach: they were among the first bands to write, record, and perform their own songs. This model shaped the future of rock bands.

Must-Know Songs

  1. "That'll Be the Day"- Their 1957 #1 breakthrough
  2. "Oh Boy!"- Nearly a million copies sold
  3. "Peggy Sue"- A Buddy Holly classic co-created by Crickets drummer Jerry Allison


[HEAR THE CRICKETS' HITS ON THE PLAINS TRAIL REGIONAL PLAYLIST]

Did You Know?

The band's name "The Crickets" was originally created as a workaround for a restrictive record contract, but it ended up inspiring one of music history's most famous names: The Beatles.

The Crickets Bio in Detail

Read a more in-depth biography of this amazing band that gave rock music its foundation!

The Handbook to Texas Music