The Buddy Holly Story

The Buddy Holly Story
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySteve Rash
Screenplay byRobert Gittler
Story byAlan Swyer
Based onBuddy Holly: His Life and Music
(1975 biography)
by John Goldrosen
Produced by
  • Fred Bauer
Starring
CinematographyStevan Larner
Edited by
Music byJoe Renzetti
Production
company
    • Innovisions
    • Edward Cohen Associates
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • May 18, 1978 (1978-05-18)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1.2-$2 million
Box office$14.3 million

The Buddy Holly Story is a 1978 American biographical musical drama film directed by Steve Rash, about the life and career of 1950s rock-and-roll musician Buddy Holly. It stars Gary Busey in the title role, and is based upon John Goldrosen's 1975 biography of Holly. The film also stars Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith, Conrad Janis, William Jordan, and Maria Richwine.

The film was released by Columbia Pictures on May 18, 1978. It was both a critical and commercial success, with particular praise for Busey's portrayal of Holly. Busey was nominated for both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actor, as well as a BAFTA Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles. The film also won an Oscar for Best Music, Adaptation Score (Joe Renzetti).