Buddy's widow, Maria Elena Holly, spoke at the ceremony outside the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles, which was also attended by fans and guests including Phil Everly (of the Everly Brothers) and Gary Busey (who played Holly in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story).

“My dear Buddy,” said Maria Elena, holding back a tear. “You loved to go to the movies and told me that one of your dreams was to write scores for movies and make your mark in Hollywood. Well my dear, half of your dream unfortunately did not come true. But the other half did come true with a beautiful star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Buddy's star is appropriately located near those of John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, who along with Paul McCartney named their band the Beatles after the Crickets. Of Buddy's fans, or 'friends' as Maria Elena calls them, “that through the years have kept his memory and music alive – there's no words to express my sincere gratitude to all of them.”

Maria Elena was also presented with a resolution and proclamation by Tom LaBonge of the L.A. City Council, which means September 7th will be known as Buddy Holly Day in Los Angeles!

The ceremony and reception at Capitol Records were followed in the evening by a tribute concert at the Music Box Theatre in Hollywood (which will be aired on PBS in the U.S. in December), featuring artists who've contributed to Listen to Me: Buddy Holly; a CD and music project put together by producer Peter Asher to help introduce Buddy's music to new audiences, while acknowledging his influence on generations of artists. Performers included Stevie Nicks, Chris Isaak, Jackson Browne, Michelle Branch, Lyle Lovett, Cobra Starship, Graham Nash (of the Hollies), and Paul Anka, who wrote 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore' for Buddy as an 18-year-old.

A great day that would surely have put a smile on Buddy's face. For your gift to the world, we thank you Buddy!        

Front row (L-R): Leron Gubler (Hollywood Chamber of Commerce), Maria Elena Holly, guest. Back row (L-R): Peter Asher, Phil Everly, Gary Busey, Tom LaBonge
(Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Maria Elena Holly with Buddy's star

Fans of all ages gather at the ceremony

Cake!

Outside the Music Box

Music Box stage for Listen to Me concert and filming