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On April 17, 1960 : Eddie Cochran
dies at the age of 21.
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88. K
 The tragic end to Eddie Cochran's life in a 1960
car crash resulted in a rush on his record sales, just as it happened
over a year earlier when Bubby Holly died. Cochran has come to
symbolize the early rebel rocker, not only due to his demise,
but his haunting skills as a guitarists and composer. Over the
years, Eddie's records have remained popular. Previously undiscovered
material has been released and various artists have covered his
biggest hits, all of which have resulted in commercial success.
In 1987, he was elected to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. In
only 21 years, Eddie created a style and an image that has lived
on in lore and recordings. He was definitive proof that the power
of rock and roll is in the attitude.
After two years in the recording
business, Cochran's life hit a turning point beginning in March
1958 when he co-wrote "Summertime Blues." Released in
May, the song hit number one of the pop charts and stayed there
all summer long. Now considered a rock classic, the song is still
often played on radio shows throughout the world. During the summer
of '58, Cochran also wrote "C 'mon Everybody" which
was released late in the fall and toped the charts in the winter.
Both songs presented enormous power and rebel-like force, adding
perhaps for the first overt way, attitude as a key component in
rock and roll.
During the next eight months
Cochran recorded a handful of other hit songs including "Something
Else," "Three Steps to Heaven" and "Sweetie
Pie." Eddie was on the threshold of becoming a superstar
as the 1960s began. He already was as influential in Europe as
Elvis had been at a similar stage in his career. He was booked
for a major European tour with Gene Vincent and Billy Fury. The
tour, while in England, were given a tumultuous welcome by fans,
including future Beatle George Harrison who attended almost every
performance. After the tours ended in April, Eddie was anxious
to get back into the recording studio with a list of new songs.
However, on April 17 Eddie, girlfriend Sharon Sheeley and Gene
Vincent headed for the airport in a chauffeured limousine. On
the way a tire blew out and the driver lost control. The car rammed
into a lamp post and Eddie died within a few hours from multiple
head injuries. The driver, Sharon and Gene were also hurt but
recovered fully. Shortly after his death, Eddie's last hit topped
the charts, "Lonely."
In the US his death attracted
little attention, but in Britain it was traumatic, and served
to solidify his reputation and influence in British rock. Kids
like George Harrison had followed him from town to town, and his
influence was felt throughout the 60s. That influence spread back
across the water, and Eddie Cochran is now recognized worldwide
as one of the most important figures of pre-Beatles music.
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