Audition Songs for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, it’s fitting to choose a pop/rock song from musical theatre or non-theatre repertoire that aligns with the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is set in the 1950s, the audition songs below also reflect the style and spirit of that era. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
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Step 1: Review Audition Info
Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something uptempo, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.
Step 2: Study the Show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to a cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
The Audition Songs
Buddy Holly
*It’s generally preferable if you can also play the guitar*
“Baby Don’t Go” – The Cher Show
“Crackin’ Up” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]
“Lucille” – Jerry Lee Lewis [1950s/non-theatre]
“Pills” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]
“Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades [1960s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Altos)
“Be Anything” – Connie Francis [1950s/non-theatre]
“Don’t Make Me Over” – Dionne Warwick [1960s/non-theatre]
“I Only Want to Be With You” – Dusty Springfield [1960s/non-theatre]
“Screw Loose” – Cry-Baby
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Little Sister” – Elvis Presley [1950s/non-theatre]
“Magic Moments” – Perry Como [1950s/non-theatre]
“Multiplication” – Bobby Darin [1960s/non-theatre]
“You’re the Devil in Disguise” – Elvis [1960s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Basses)
“Don’t Be Cruel” – All Shook Up
“Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer” – The Four Lads [1950s/non-theatre]
“Love Me Tender” – Elvis Presley [1960s/non-theatre]
“One Last Kiss” – Bye Bye Birdie
Ensemble (Contras)
“All I Need Is an Angel” – Grease Live!
“Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations [1960s/non-theatre]
“Judy’s Turn to Cry” – Lesley Gore [1960s/non-theatre]
“Mama Said” – The Shirelles [1960s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Freddy My Love” – Grease
“I’m Ready for Love” – Martha and the Vandellas [1960s/non-theatre]
“Maybe” – The Chantels [1950s/non-theatre]
“One Night With You” – All Shook Up
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat” – Herman’s Hermits [1960s/non-theatre]
“I Don’t Want To” – All Shook Up
“I’m a Man” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]
“Memphis Lives in Me” – Memphis
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The Buddy Holly Story:
• “Harvey and I➝” from Harvey➝ (Elwood)
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “In a Minute” from The Anniversary➝ (Tatiana)
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
• “Well Done, Junior Disaster Committee!➝” from Cry-Baby (Baldwin)
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for research purposes.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“Rose of Texas”
“Ready Teady”
“Changing All Those Changes”
“That’ll Be The Day”
“Blue Days, Black Nights”
“Rock Around With Ollie Vee”
“Everyday”
“Shout”
“Not Fade Away”
“Peggy Sue”
“Words Of Love”
“Oh Boy”
Act 2:
“Listen to Me’
“Well Alright”
“It’s So Easy”
“Think It Over”
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”
“Chantilly Lace”
“Maybe Baby”
“Peggy Sue Got Married”
“La Bamba”
“Raining in My Heart”
“Rave On”
“Johnny B. Goode”
“Oh, Boy (Encore)”
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
