Raymond Edward "Eddie" Cochran (October 3, 1938–April 17, 1960) was an American rock and roll musician and an important influence on popular music during the late 1950s, early 1960s. Unfortunately, time has not accorded him quite the same respect as other early rockabilly pioneers, such as Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent or even Ricky Nelson. This is partially attributable to his very brief lifespan as a star. He had only a couple of big hits before dying in a car crash during a British tour in 1960.

Early life and career: Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He took piano lessons in school, and then switched to guitar, playing the country music he heard on the radio. In 1955, Cochran's family moved to Bell Gardens, California. As his guitar playing improved, he formed a band with two friends from his junior high school. During a show featuring many performers at an American Legion hall, he met Hank Cochran (not related), and soon they started p.....MORE.....(full Eddie Cochran biography) ←