Just 21 years old when his life ended in a taxi accident on April 17, 1960, Eddie Cochran was a revolutionary singer, songwriter, Gretsch-wielding guitar player, multi-instrumentalist and producer.
In an era where many artists were controlled by managers, producers and/or record labels, Cochran was in full command of his career and public persona. Reportedly, he even worked to develop the perfect "character" for his vocals in order to seduce ears and produce hit records.
His hits were typically driven by cagey and exuberant single-note lines or chordal figures - check out "Summertime Blues," "C'mon Everybody" and "Twenty Flight Rock."
On the date of his death, Cochran was driving to the airport after a show in Bristol, England, along with his fiancée Sharon Seeley (who penned "Poor Little Fool" for Ricky Nelson), rocker Gene Vincent ("Be Bop a Lula") and tour manager Patrick Thompkins.
The Ford Consul taxi they were in was driving at a high rate of speed (allegedly 60 mph) when it crashed into a lamp post in the village of Chippenham. Cochran was thrown from the auto - he reportedly attempted to shield Seeley with his body - and later died of serious head trauma. Vincent's already bad leg was broken, and he walked with a limp for the rest of his days. Seeley and Thompkins were not seriously injured.
In one of those strange quirks of life, the driver of the taxi was named George Martin. (He was later convicted of dangerous driving, fined and had his license revoked for 15 years.) This is interesting because the Beatles may not have happened if it wasn't for Cochran's "Twenty Flight Rock."
That was the song Paul McCartney taught John Lennon how to play, sealing his invitation to Lennon's band, the Quarrymen, and, later, his part in the formation of the Beatles.
Cochran. "Martin." Lennon. McCartney. Quite a story!
* This article was originally published here
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