Eddie Cochran

Eddie Cochran (October 3, 1938 - April 17, 1960) was an early American rock and roll artist often ranked as one of the most influential musicians of the late Fifties along with the likes of Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley.

Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota but moved to Los Angeles, California in his mid-teens. He first garnered attention as a result of his appearances in various rock and roll films of the era including The Girl Can't Help It starring Jane Mansfield and supporting such stars as Gene Vincent and Little Richard. He released several singles, the most well-known being Summertime Blues. The rough, bass-driven singles like C'mon Everybody, Somethin' Else and Nervous Breakdown have inspired some to call Cochran the Grandfather of Punk Rock.

Cochran died in an automobile accident during a tour of Britain with Gene Vincent. Vincent and Cochran's fiancee, who were both in the car, survived the crash.

Trivia: Paul McCartney auditioned for The Quarrymen with Eddie Cochran's Twenty Flight Rock. John Lennon was particularly impressed with McCartney's ability to remember all the words to the song.