Eddie Cochran American singer and composer Date of Birth: 03.10.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Eddie Cochran
2. Early Life and Musical Career
3. Solo Career
4. Breakthrough and Success
5. Final Years and Legacy

Biography of Eddie Cochran

Eddie Cochran, born on October 3, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, was an American singer and composer who played a significant role in the development of American rock and roll. He had a major influence on the emergence of the lighter variations of rock and roll, such as twist and beach rock, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, in the style of The Beach Boys.

Early Life and Musical Career

In 1953, Cochran's family moved to California, where his musical career began. Eddie, along with a couple of friends, performed at parties and local clubs. When it was down to just two members, he asked his partner to take on the pseudonym Hank Cochran, and they continued to perform as the Cochran Brothers. They released a record titled "Tired and Sleepy."

Solo Career

After parting ways with his "brother," Eddie recorded the song "Skinny Jim." The recording caught the attention of composer Jerry Capehart, who liked Cochran's style and offered him the opportunity to record one of his compositions. This led to Eddie releasing his first commercial single, "Sittin' in a Balcony," in 1956. Around the same time, Cochran's Hollywood career began with a minor role in the rock musical film "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956), followed by a leading role in "Flaming Youth" (1957).

Breakthrough and Success

The turning point in Cochran's career came in 1958 when he co-wrote the famous song "Summertime Blues" with Capehart, which became an anthem of hedonistic rock and roll. Another hit, "C'mon Everybody," followed. Cochran became acquainted with rock and roll stars of the time, such as Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. In 1959, he embarked on extensive tours, mostly in the United Kingdom, where he received a particularly warm reception and was referred to as the second Elvis Presley.

Final Years and Legacy

In 1960, Cochran embarked on a major tour of Europe, starting in Italy and continuing in England, where he experienced triumph. However, tragedy struck on April 17, 1960, when his limousine crashed into a lamppost on the way to the London airport. Eddie Cochran's untimely death added to his posthumous fame, as many of his hits became part of the repertoire of English rock musicians. Rod Stewart sang his song "Cut Across Shorty," The Who performed "Summertime Blues," and The Stray Cats covered "Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie."