One of the last remaining familial links to legendary Lubbock musician Buddy Holly is gone.

Thursday afternoon, the Buddy Holly Center announced the passing of Larry Holley, one of Buddy Holly's older brothers. Holley was 96 years old. (Note: the Holley family name was always spelled with an 'e' at the end. Buddy's spelling for his last name changed when he signed his first record contract.)

The statement released by The Buddy Holly Center reads:

We're heartbroken to hear of the sad passing of Larry Holley. Larry was Buddy's eldest brother, and today he joins his other siblings Travis, Patricia Lou and Buddy, and his parents Lawrence and Ella, in heaven.

The music we know today wouldn't exist without Buddy, and who knows what direction Buddy may have taken without his big brother? Larry made quite his mark on the world.

Our deepest condolences to Larry's friends and his family.


Larry Holley was born Larry Ormand Holley on October 7th, 1925 in Lubbock, Texas. Larry Holley had two children during his life, including a son named Randy.

Details concerning a memorial service and funeral are pending.

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