A new Buddy Holly album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is coming soon

22 October 2018, 15:19 | Updated: 1 November 2018, 11:58

The newly recorded album will feature Buddy's iconic vocals and guitar playing.

60 years after Buddy Holly's final recording session, a new album will introduce the rock and roll legend to a new generation of fans.

True Love Ways will see Buddy's vocals and guitar work blended with orchestral backing by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album will be released via Decca Records on November 16.

The album is the final realisation of a dream Buddy first looked into four months before his tragic death in a plane crash at the age of 22.

In his last recording session, at the Decca Studios in New York, he was joined by an 18-piece orchestra. They recorded four tracks: ‘True Love Ways’, ‘Raining in My Heart’, ‘Moondreams’ and ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’.

Buddy Holly’s widow, Maria Elena, said that Buddy thought that the rock and roll era had reached its peak: “Buddy felt orchestral music in a popular vein was where the future lay, so he wanted to write, record, explore and innovate that style.

"So what better combination than the Royal Philharmonic and Buddy’s music. It’s just beautiful."

The album was recorded by the team behind the hugely successful Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison orchestral albums, and will feature some of The Crickets' finest hits, including ‘Everyday’, ‘Peggy Sue’ and ‘That’ll Be The Day’.

Meanwhile, to mark the album's release, a giant pair of Buddy's iconic horn-rimmed glasses appeared on top of Primrose Hill in London, while the new version of 'True Love Ways' played across the city for the first time.