This is the second track to appear here from Buddy Holly. Heartbeat is an adorably winsome song and Holly makes it his own with his peculiar intonations. The first song to appear here: Everyday was released a year prior to Heartbeat. More information about Holly’s upbringing, career and tragic passing can be found in my previous article. Heartbeat which was credited to Bob Montgomery and Norman Petty was Holly’s second to last single to be released and it was a minor hit in the US reaching No 82 in the Billboard Hot 100. It had more success in the UK reaching No 30.
A recording session in Clovis was arranged in May 1958 and Holly hired Tommy Allsup to play lead guitar. The session produced the recording of “Heartbeat”. Holly was impressed by Allsup and invited him to join the Crickets.
Heartbeat
Why do you miss when my baby kisses me?
Heartbeat
Why does a love kiss stay in my memory?
Piddle dee pat
I know that new love thrills me
I know that true love will be
During his short career, Holly wrote and recorded many songs. He is often regarded as the artist who defined the traditional rock-and-roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums. He was a major influence on later popular music artists, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. He was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1986. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 13 in its list of “100 Greatest Artists“.
I always enjoy listening to Bob Dylan’s version of Heartbeat in his concert for one.
References:
1. Heartbeat (Buddy Holly song) – wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
If Holly would have lived…I think unlike his 1950s musical peers he would have had a lot of success in the 60s.
Agree. I was just telling my eldest this morning (since we’ve been listening to a lot of Buddy the last few days), I think he could have been up there amongst the greats of the 60’s.
His music was more modern than say Fats Domino…I do agree
I think one of the first songs I remember ever hearing or at least retaining the experience was Domino’s Blueberry Hill. Why that is not in my collection is anyone’s guess. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve got lots to add including most of the Last Waltz soundtrack which I failed to download.
Oh yea…I remember Blueberry Hill from “Happy Days” television show over here.
That’s most likely where I first heard it. I loved that show.
I still watch it from time to time. In the 70s I remember a huge 1950s resurgence happening…Happy Days, American Graffiti, Sha Na Na, and more.
I haven’t seen it in decades, but I have fond memories. Can you believe I’ve never seen American Graffiti. I have it in my folder, but I have yet to see it.
Thats a good one Matt.