Gene Vincent

From the release of “Be-Bop-a-Lula” in 1956 to his death in 1971, Gene Vincent embodied greaser rebellion. The fast-living singer and guitarist (born Vincent Eugene Craddock in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1935) grew up listening to country and western and rhythm ’n’ blues before forming his first backing band, The Blue Caps. In addition to “Be-Bop-a-Lula”, they scored hiccuping hits like 1956’s “Race With the Devil” and 1957’s “Lotta Lovin’”. With rock ’n’ roll’s decline in the late ’50s, as well as mounting financial issues, Vincent bolted for England. Trading flamboyant suits for black leather, and oftentimes carrying a gun, he toured Europe for youth craving his raucous shows. It was during this time that The Beatles, whose early repertoire featured several of his tunes, shared a bill with their rowdy idol in Hamburg, Germany. Vincent’s unbridled energy spilled over to British-released albums like 1964’s Shakin’ up a Storm, a stellar mix of rock ’n’ roll, country, R&B and Merseybeat-inspired pop. Vincent returned to the U.S. in 1969, two years before a stomach ulcer claimed his life. He would quickly become enshrined as one of the sneering icons of rock’s early wild days.