Gene Vincent Original name: Vincent Eugene Craddock
Birth:  Feb. 11, 1935 Norfolk Norfolk City Virginia, USA Death:  Oct. 12, 1971 Newhall Los Angeles County California, USA Singer. Born Vincent Eugene Craddock to Ezekiah Jackson Craddock and Mary Louise Craddock He grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. Gene got his first guitar at the age of 12. He dropped out of school to join the navy in 1952. Three years later, while still in the navy, he had a motorcycle accident. His leg was severely damaged and he had to wear a steel brace. He was discharged from the navy in 1955 and was in and out of the hospital most of that year. He and his band recorded "Be-Bop-A-Lula", "Race With The Devil" and "I Sure Miss You." At WCMS studios on April 9, 1956. Gene and his band (later named "The Blue Caps") were called to Nashville for a recording session at Owen Bradley's studio. A new sound had been devised by engineer Mort Thomasson, that was used to enhance Gene's voice. The song, "Woman Love" was coupled with "Be-Bop-A-Lula" and released on June 2nd as Gene's first single. By the end of the month, the record had sold over 200,000 copies. They recorded prolifically for Capitol in the late Fifties. "Bluejean Bop" was the title song from his first album, which, like "Be-Bop-A-Lula," also went Gold. He had a brief appearance in the epic rock 'n' roll movie "The Girl Can't Help It". In 1956, he played a long run at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, but the strain on Gene's damaged leg was beginning to take its toll. Still in a plaster cast, his leg began to bleed regularly and cause him considerable pain. Before the end of the year it was clear that he needed a long rest. He spent some time off at the Veteran's Hospital getting his leg cared for. Capitol released six albums by Vincent and the Blue Caps between 1957 and 1960, all of which rank among the priciest and most collectable LPs of the rock and roll era. His third and final U.S. hit, "Dance to the Bop," peaked at #23 after he performs it on 'The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1958. He toured extensively in Europe and Australia. In England, he appeared dressed in black leather on a British TV show-the first rock and roller to be so attired. Vincent was seriously hurt in the same car crash outside London that killed Eddie Cochran in 1960. Even before the accident he walked with a limp as the result of the motorcycle mishap. His popularity waned at home as the rockabilly era gave way to that of manicured teen idols. He nonetheless remained a revered star in Britain and Europe throughout the Sixties. Vincent's later years were troubled ones that found him plagued by chronic pain and drinking problems. He died in 1971 of a bleeding ulcer. On January 12, 1998, Gene Vincent was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cause of death: Bleeding ulcer   Burial: Eternal Valley Memorial Park Newhall Los Angeles County California, USA