Eddie Cochran

The Profile

American rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly singer, guitarist, and songwriter (born October 3, 1938, Albert Lea, Minnesota; died April 17, 1960, Bath, England). Known for Summertime Blues, C’mon Everybody, and Somethin’ Else; recorded for Liberty Records; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Early country work with the Cochran Brothers; managed by Jerry Capehart; appeared in The Girl Can't Help It; pioneered overdubbing in the studio; influential on garage rock and punk; major songs include Summertime Blues, C'mon Everybody, Somethin' Else, Twenty Flight Rock, and Three Steps to Heaven; died after a car crash in the UK in 1960; American national, active in the late 1950s; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1987).

Two DeBaser reviews celebrate Eddie Cochran as a key rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly figure, spotlighting songs like Summertime Blues, C’mon Everybody, and Somethin’ Else. The pieces recall his Liberty Records years, early country stint with the Cochran Brothers, and studio savvy (including overdubbing). They underline his influence on punk and covers by The Who and Sid Vicious. Public facts note his 1938–1960 life span and 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.