Rave On: The Tribute (Ed Marra as Buddy Holly)

Ed Marra was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia with the sounds of Johnny Cash records from his Father and The Beatles and Elvis records from his brother playing in the house.

Born in 1972, Ed began attending the Philadelphia Public School’s Magnet program at Girard Academic Music Program (G.A.M.P.) starting with the 5th grade in 1981. Ed tried various instruments, including clarinet and cello, before returning to the instrument he truly loved: guitar.

After several lessons in school, Ed continued on guitar by teaching himself at an accelerated pace, to learn those songs which he always heard playing in his house. During his time in G.A.M.P., Ed performed on guitar in the Pioneer Jazz Band, Guitar Group and Concert Band, as well as in the All-City Jazz Band for the Mellon Jazz Festival in 1989. Ed was also a member of the school’s prestigious and award-winning Concert Choir, including a tour of California in 1989.

Ed continued on guitar part-time, playing mostly as a hobby or as a “hired gun” for demo recording sessions with friends, also playing bass guitar or some drums when needed.

In early 2002, a friend in New York had asked Ed if he ever considered portraying Buddy Holly as a tribute, due to the facial and vocal similarities. After research and practice, Ed began playing a tribute to Buddy Holly in the summer of 2002, billing himself as “Rave On: The Tribute”.

In 2003, Ed finally received the signed authorization from CMG Worldwide (the representatives for Maria Elena Holly Diaz and the Estate of Buddy Holly) to use Buddy’s name, image and likeness in performance.

Since then, Ed has portrayed Buddy in appearances ranging from smaller pubs up to venues holding over a thousand people. Ed also was co-organizer and a performer for “All Mama’s Children”, a Rockabilly concert to raise money for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, which had sponsorship from the Hard Rock Café.

From community events to all forms of concerts, Ed enjoys bringing the music and memories of Buddy Holly to people who have never heard him before, and to those who love the music and want to keep it alive.

For more info or to book “Rave On: The Tribute” for your event, visit www.raveontribute.com.