Buddy Holly USA Discography: The EP’s
By Bob Pakes
Welcome to the first installment in a series of discographies dedicated to one of the true pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll music: Charles Hardin Holley, better known as Buddy Holly.
On this page, we’ll take a look at the EP’s that were released in the USA in the 1950’s and 60’s. During Buddy’s lifetime, his records were released simultaneously as The Crickets (a vocal group), and as Buddy Holly (a solo artist). The EP’s that were put out before Buddy’s death in February ’59, were released on 3 different labels: on Brunswick (2 EP’s), on Coral (1 EP), and on Decca (1 EP). The posthumously released EP’s in 1959 and during the 1960’s, were all on Coral (4 EP’s). In this discography, we’ll also mention the different pressings of these EP’s that are known to exist.
The Chirping Crickets
Brunswick EB 71036 | November 27, 1957
The Sound Of The Crickets
Brunswick EB 71038 | January 12, 1958
Listen To Me
Coral EC 81169 | February 20, 1958
That’ll Be The Day
Decca ED 2575 | April 14, 1958
The Buddy Holly Story
Coral EC 81182 | February 20, 1959
Peggy Sue Got Married
Coral EC 81191 | June 25, 1962
The Crickets
Coral EC 81192 | February 25, 1963
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
Coral EC 81193 | July 23, 1963
Additional information:
– That’ll Be The Day is featured on two of the above EP’s. The version on The Chirping Crickets (Brunswick EB 71036) was recorded in February 1957 and includes The Crickets, while the recording of the song on That’ll Be The Day (Decca ED 2575) dates back to July 1956 and includes The Three Tunes.
– Notice that the final three American EP releases have consecutive catalog numbers (Coral EC 81191, EC 81192, EC 81193) and all carry the same back cover. The release of these EP’s, however, was spread out over the course of one year.
– Of the four songs on The Crickets (Coral EC 81192), only one features Buddy Holly, It’s Too Late.
Keep an eye out for the next part of our Buddy Holly Discography, in which we’ll take a detailed look at the 45’s that were released in the USA during Buddy Holly’s life, when no less than 17 singles saw the light of day within the space of 33 months!
Soon on Echoes!
Nice one Bob.
Great stuff, Bob!!
Do you have the Buddy Holly Box that came out in 2008? Highly recommended.
Thanks for your comment Mike!
Yes I have the box set, and it is fantstic. I’ve heard it’s OOP and now fetches rather high prices on the market.
Hey Bob,
I can help you with a high resolution scan of Buddy Holly’s “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” EP, side 1 with the label.
Cheers from Germany to The Netherlands.
Hans
Editor: BUDDY HOLLY
Editor: BUDDY HOLLY LIVES
Fantastic EP’s by a great artist.