Bleep

It only took Eddie Cochran a handful of tracks, recorded in just three years, to become the most iconic rock’n’roll artist. Rather than weep forever for the spectre of a work that could not be accomplished completely, let us rejoice that we are able to listen to the imperishable songs that he bequeathed.

More than just a singer, Eddie Cochran was first and foremost a guitarist and musician. He was a gifted one too, with an original style using the slide technique and he also excelled at the picking guitar. He was an expert instrumentalist and was often employed as accompanist for other singers.

His compositions have been taken up by various groups. ‘Summertime Blues’, one of The Who’s favourite songs also taken up by The Straycats, The Flying Lizards, Blue Cheer, T. Rex, The Beach Boys, Chris Spedding, Terry Reid, Motorhead, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and even Olivia Newton-John. ‘C’Mon Everybody’ has been sung by Sid Vicious, UFO, Bryan Adams, The Sex Pistols, Humble Pie and Cliff Richard. ‘Somethin’ Else’ has been featured by The Move, Slade, The Sex Pistols, The Flamin’ Groovies and Moorhead. ‘Twenty Flight Rock’ has had the honour of being sung by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, The Straycats and The Bunch. This list is not exhaustive and Cochran’s songs are still being revived today.