The Best Audition Songs for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
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 to ensure it matches the show’s style.
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 type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.
Audition Songs for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!
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]
“Rockin’ My Life Away” – Jerry Lee Lewis [1970s/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:
• “Dancing Shoes” from Grease
• “Last Chance with Me” from Dreamgirls
• “My Life in Vinyl” from High Fidelity
• “The Way We Hear Music” from Detroit ’67
• “Twenty Minutes” from They’re Playing Our Song
Step 5: Audition Prep
Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.
Join Theatre Trip’s free Patreon Tier for:
☑ Your Audition Prep Checklist
☑ Printable Audition Stamp Cards
☑ Updates when new audition tools are added
Grab your free printables here →
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! This 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)”
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.
