Eddie Cochran Low Bucks Car Show

Eddie Cochran (Edward Ray Cochran) was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on October 3, 1938. Eddie picked up the guitar and started playing at age 12. In 1955, Eddie's family moved to Bell Gardens, California.

In 1956 Eddie edged out of country music into the early stages of rock & roll. In 1957 his version of of "Sitting in the Balcony" sold over 1 million copies making it his first hit.

Other titles that made the Billboard Hot 100 list are "Teenage Heaven", "C'mon Everybody", "Somethin' Else", "Drive In Show", "Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannine". Eddie also appeared in some movies such as "Go Johnny Go", "Untamed Youth", and "The Girl Can't Help It".

Eddie's life was short so his volume of work is modest. His most famous hit was "Summertime Blues" in 1958 and was co-written with Jerry Capeheart. Summertime Blues made quite an impact in 1950s.

Cochran was part of the era that moved and shaped rock & roll. He was friends with Gene Vincent, Everyly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, Duane Eddy, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Duane Eddy.

A posthumous album, My Way, was released in 1964

Eddie Singing 'Summertime Blues'

Eddie Cochran interview part 1

Eddie Cochran interview part 2

Freeborn County Historical Museum Eddie Cochran Exibit

Remember Eddie Cochran   

Eddie's Untimely Death

In 1960 Eddie was on a tour in Britain. Eddie was traveling through Chippenham, and at approximately 11:50 pm on April 16 Eddie was involved in a traffic accident while in a taxi. Cochran survived the crash and was taken to St. Martin's Hospital, but passed away the following day.

Singer Gene Vincent and Cochran's fiancee  Sharon Sheeley were with Cochran at the time, but survived the crash. 

Eddie was only 21.

The driver of the tax was a George Martin. Mr. Martin was convicted of dangerous driving, fined and lost his drivers license  for fifteen years. He also spent six months in prison.

Eddie Cochran is buried in  Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, California.