Original: Charles Hardin Holley ( September 7 , 1936 -- February 3 , 1959 ) , known professionally as Buddy Holly , was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll .
Simplified: Charles Hardin Holley or Buddy Holly ( September 7,1936 - February 3 , 1959 ) was an American rock and roll singer , composer , and musician .