Usually today I would be posting a response to the court poll but I thought I would let it sit until monday because it only has five votes so far. Vote if you would like; I want to know who you believe was the top one-hit wonder of this last decade. So, since I am letting that brew, I want to let you in on some knowledge about a consummate performer who excited crowds and charter numerous hits before his horrible untimely death at the age of 21.
Eddie Cochran knew how to entertain a crowd with his musical talent. We are nearing the 50th anniversary of his death but the videos we have of him show a vivacious performer with tremendous spirit and skill. Watch this video of “C’mon Everybody” and you will see what I am talking about: http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4848293
The song he is most known for is “Summertime Blues” which peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1958. The song has been covered by such bands as “The Beach Boys,” “Blue Cheer,” “The Who” and even “T-Rex” (the glam rock extraordinaire who will figure into this post in a bit).
Yet, the spring blues were his downfall. On April 16, 1960, while traveling in the United Kingdom with songwriter Sharon Sheeley and singer Gene Vincent, a taxi being recklessly driven by George Martin (not the Beatles producer) crashed into a lamp-post jettisoning Cochran from the windshield. He died later the next day from head injuries. The car and other belongings, including Cochran’s famous Gretsch guitar were impounded at a local police station. Here is when things begin to get wierd. This guitar (while we may want to call devil’s play-thing) was picked up by a police officer named David Harman, who would later become known as Dave Dee of the band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. Harman learned how to play guitar on this Gretsch and would seem to be the only one to break its curse. Earlier in the tour, before Cochran’s death, his guitar had been carried to the car for Cochran by a young fan named Mark Field who would later become known as T-Rex. See how things are starting to take shape. Now, let’s test some music knowledge. T-Rex (otherwise known as Marc Bolan) died just two weeks before his 30th birthday. How did it happen?
Well, if you are just perceptive you may have gotten it. Bolan never learned to drive because of a fear of premature death, but, while riding in a Purple Mini with Gloria Jones, an American singer and songwriter, Jones crashed the car into a tree killing Bolan instantly. And, the legend of the killer Gretsch lives on. It is a shame when musicians with such talent die young but one must realize this is a reality that all face, not just the musically inclined.
The Music Court 
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