Eddie Cochran (3 October 1938 - 17 April 1960) was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, considered one of the most influential musicians of the late '50s alongside icons such as Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. A sharp-dressed, ruggedly handsome young man with a rebellious attitude, Cochran epitomized the '50s rocker; this image was further crystallized by his tragic death at a young age. Cochran's rough, bass-driven singles such as "C'mon Everybody", "Somethin' Else", and "Summertime Blues" have inspired some to call him the "Grandfather of punk rock." Ray Edward Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota; however, as his parents were from Oklahoma, he considered himself an Oklahoman, and introduced himself as such in interviews. He took music lessons in school, but eventually quit the band to play drums. ...show more

Eddie Cochran (3 October 1938 - 17 April 1960) was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, considered one of the most influential musicians of the late '50s alongside icons such as Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. A sharp-dressed, ruggedly handsome young man with a rebellious attitude, Cochran epitomized the '50s rocker; this image was further crystallized by his tragic death at a young age. Cochran's rough, bass-driven singles such as "C'mon Everybody", "Somethin' Else", and "Summertime Blues" have inspired some to call him the "Grandfather of punk rock." Ray Edward Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota; however, as his parents were from Oklahoma, he considered himself an Oklahoman, and introduced himself as such in interviews. He took music lessons in school, but eventually quit the band to play drums.

Rather than taking piano lessons, Cochran began learning guitar, playing the country music he heard on the radio. As time went on, Cochran moved to Los Angeles, California in 1953. Together with Hank Cochran, Eddie formed The Cochran Brothers, though the two shared no relation. Around the same time, Cochran worked as a session musician, but aspired to be a songwriter and artist in his own right, and recorded a demo with songwriting partner and future manager, Jerry Capeheart.

Cochran's first notable foray into the public eye was as one of the many performing artists featured in the musical comedy film The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield, eventually resulting in a recording contract with Liberty. He would follow up on this appearance by appearing in several films of the same genre. He also performed as a support act for such stars as Gene Vincent and Little Richard, who were among Cochran's co-stars in the aforementioned film. For his recordings, Cochran often used experimental techniques that would later become part and parcel for other recording artists, notably recording numerous overdubs in order to create the rich, distinctive guitar sound for "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody". ...show less