“Peggy Sue” is one of Buddy Holly’s most enduring recordings and a defining song of early rock and roll. Driven by a distinctive tom-tom drum pattern and a steady, urgent rhythm, the track departs from standard backbeat conventions to create a tense, hypnotic feel. Holly’s vocal delivery balances youthful vulnerability with rhythmic precision, reinforcing the song’s emotional directness. Originally titled “Cindy Lou,” the song was renamed at the request of drummer Jerry Allison, referencing his girlfriend Peggy Sue Gerron. Released in 1957, “Peggy Sue” became a major hit and helped cement Buddy Holly’s reputation as a leading innovator of rock and roll. Its minimalist structure, memorable groove, and emotional immediacy continue to make it a touchstone of the genre’s early canon.