Born in Goose Creek, Texas, Gary shared a background not too different from Buddy’s own, growing up in Oklahoma and Texas, regions steeped in the same musical influences that shaped Buddy Holly. Like Buddy, too, his first venture was in music, as a drummer in The Rubber Band, and later as a member of Carp. He also appeared on several Leon Russell recordings. His natural connection to Buddy’s world made him a fitting choice. 

Busey lost 32 pounds for the role and fully immersed himself in Holly’s life, even staying with Holly’s parents in Lubbock to absorb the singer’s personality. Gary said that while he was there he felt ‘like the most total stranger who ever lived. But [Buddy’s parents] accepted me so completely that in a while I thought I belonged in their home. It was as if I was as close to Buddy as they were.’

At the time of shooting, the 1975 biography that the film was based on, Buddy Holly: His Life and Music, written by John Goldrosen, was out of print. But the film was a great success, and played a significant role in reigniting interest in Holly’s music for a new generation. 

Gary’s dedication paid off, as he performed all the music live and played guitar himself, a rare feat in biopics of the era, and his performance earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His portrayal remains one of his most iconic roles, and his work in the film is credited with bringing Buddy Holly’s story to a wider audience.

Today, Gary still considers Buddy Holly his ‘spirit animal’, and in 2018 he released a cover of ‘Not Fade Away’.