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Gene Vincent

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Gene Vincent's real name was Vincent Eugene Craddock, and he was born in 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up with country, rhythm and blues and gospel, and received his first guitar at the age of twelve. At seventeen he joined the US Navy. In 1955 his left leg was shattered in a motorcycle accident. He refused an amputation, but was left with a limp and a great deal of pain, and from then on wore a steel brace on his leg.

Music and breakthrough

After his discharge from the navy he started the band Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps in Norfolk, with Cliff Gallup on lead guitar. In 1956 he wrote Be-Bop-a-Lula. The song was actually the B-side of his first single for Capitol, but radio stations played precisely this song, and it became a big hit. Race with the Devil, Bluejean Bop and Lotta Lovin' followed, among others. In the film The Girl Can't Help It he played Be-Bop-a-Lula with his band. In 1960 he was seriously injured in England in the car crash in which his friend Eddie Cochran was killed.

Influence

Vincent was one of the pioneers of rockabilly, a blend of country and rhythm and blues. In America his success was short-lived, but in England he was a bigger star and had eight top 40 hits between 1956 and 1961. There he became a hero of the rockers. He died in 1971 and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Be-Bop-a-Lula and notice the soft, breathy way in which Vincent sings the title words. Then hear how Cliff Gallup's guitar plays fiercely and fast in the solos between the verses.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

Categories: ArtistsRockabilly