The Buddy Holly Story (1978): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1978, The Buddy Holly Story is a drama and music film directed by Steve Rash, running about 114 minutes. “His Story Will Have You Singing, Laughing, Crying, Cheering And Stomping Your Feet.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. 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.

Who’s in it. The Buddy Holly Story stars Gary Busey as Buddy Holly, Don Stroud as Jesse Charles, Charles Martin Smith as Ray Bob Simmons and Conrad Janis as Ross Turner, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, The Buddy Holly Story has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $14.4M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel and Howdy Amazon Channel and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Buddy Holly Story page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Buddy Holly Story tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.