On April 17th in music history, one significant event took place in 1960. This was the day that Eddie Cochran, the influential American rock and roll musician, tragically died in a car accident at the young age of 21.
Eddie Cochran was a pioneer of the rock and roll genre in the 1950s. He was known for his energetic guitar playing, rebellious attitude, and hit songs such as "Summertime Blues," "C'mon Everybody," and "Twenty Flight Rock." His music and style had a profound impact on future generations of rock musicians, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
On April 16th, 1960, Cochran had just completed a successful tour of the United Kingdom with his friend and fellow musician, Gene Vincent. The following day, while traveling in a taxi to London Heathrow Airport, the vehicle suffered a tire blowout, causing it to crash into a lamppost. Cochran, who was sitting in the rear left passenger seat, threw himself over his fiancée, songwriter Sharon Sheeley, to shield her from the impact. Tragically, Cochran was thrown from the vehicle and suffered severe head injuries, leading to his death the following day, April 17th, at a hospital in Bath, Somerset.
The music world was shocked and devastated by the loss of such a young and talented artist. Cochran's death was a significant blow to the rock and roll community, as he was one of the genre's most promising stars. His music, however, continued to inspire and influence musicians for decades to come, cementing his status as a rock and roll legend.
Today, on the anniversary of his passing, we remember Eddie Cochran's incredible talent, his contributions to rock and roll, and the enduring legacy he left behind.
