Gene Vincent Rockabilly Date of Birth: 11.02.1935 Country: USA

1. Biography of Gene Vincent
2. Early Life and Military Service
3. Rise to Fame
4. Success in England and Later Years

Biography of Gene Vincent

Gene Vincent, whose real name was Eugene Vincent Craddock, was born on February 11, 1935 in the small town of Norfolk, on the border of North Carolina and Virginia. From an early age, he was passionate about country performers such as Billy Monroe, Moon Mullican, and the Delmore Brothers.

Early Life and Military Service

In the early 1950s, Gene injured his knee, either before or during his service in the Navy during the Korean War. While on leave in July 1954, he was hit by a car driven by a woman running a red light. Gene was hospitalized and faced the possibility of amputation, but his mother insisted on saving his leg. Although he was able to keep his leg, he would limp for the rest of his life.

After being discharged from the Navy in early 1955, Gene formed a group that played country-western and western swing music. He was also a passionate American football fan, loved swimming, and enjoyed eating cheeseburgers.

Rise to Fame

In 1956, Gene first performed the song "Be bop a Lula," which became a hit and propelled him to fame. The song, originally a rhythm and blues tune performed by a black sailor Gene met in the hospital, was reworked into a rock 'n' roll style. Gene caught the attention of Ken Nelson from Capitol Records, who offered him a recording contract. During his first recording session, Gene showcased his talent for rockabilly, blues, and hillbilly music.

On May 4, 1956, the group was officially named Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. They released their first album, "Bluejean Bop," and the single "Be bop a Lula" became a gold record. Gene and the Blue Caps also appeared in the rock 'n' roll film "The Girl Can't Help It," which further boosted his popularity.

In January 1957, Gene changed managers and revamped the group's lineup. They embarked on their first transcontinental tour and performed alongside Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, and later, a young Roy Orbison.

Success in England and Later Years

Gene's career faced setbacks in the late 1950s due to scandals within the music industry. However, his popularity soared in the United Kingdom, where he toured extensively and became friends with a young Liverpool group known as the Beatles. In England, Gene cultivated the image of a tough biker clad in leather from head to toe.

In April 1960, Gene was involved in a car accident that claimed the life of his friend Eddie Cochran. Gene suffered a broken shoulder and severe damage to his knee. This incident disrupted his plans to revive the rockabilly culture.

Throughout the 1960s, Gene's career declined as he struggled with the changing music scene and his aversion to the hippie and Beatles phenomenon. He battled alcoholism and rarely performed. In 1971, Gene recorded his final songs and gave a few small concerts in Liverpool.

Gene Vincent passed away on October 12, 1971, at the age of 36, from a seizure. Despite his short life, he left a lasting impact on the rock 'n' roll genre, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.