Though Eddie Cochran was only 21 when he died, he left his mark as a rock and roll pioneer. He epitomized the sound and style of the Fifties rebel rocker and was an innovative and highly influential guitarist. He was also proficient on piano, bass, and drums. His short career, spanning only 6 years, produced many hit singles including Summertime Blues, C'mon Everybody, Twenty Flight Rock, Something Else, and Nervous Breakdown. These singles inspired many major artists; the first song Paul McCartney and John Lennon ever played together was Twenty Flight Rock. Other artists that have covered his songs include the Who, the Sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix, and the Clash. Eddie Cochran only released one album during his lifetime, which was tragically cut short when he was killed in a traffic accident while riding in a taxi on his way to a London airport at the end of a British tour. Artist Gene Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley, who was Cochran's fiancée, were also injured in the accident. In death, Cochran achieved iconic status with many generations of rock and rollers, and his legacy and influence can still be seen today. Bruce C. Blake founded the Eddie Cochran Collection in 1990 in Cochran's hometown of Alberta Lea, Minnesota. A bill collector by trade, Blake was 26 years old when he formed the organization, with the objective of honoring Eddie Cochran and promoting his music in the Alberta Lea area. Most local people were unaware that Cochran was from Alberta Lea before this organization was formed. Cochran's family has since moved, and he was known to say he was from Oklahoma (where his parents were from) in order to improve his country music credibility. The idea for the organization's name, ECHO, was based on the name, EKKO, an early recording label on which Cochran appeared. The original members of the organization included local individuals (several of whom grew up in the area where Cochran lived), aficionados of early rock and roll music, and those acquainted with Cochran who believed his roots should be a source of pride for the community. The organization achieved its goals and created a strong memory of Cochran in his hometown and preserved his legacy for future generations. The organization disbanded in the late 1990s. Sources: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
From the description of Eddie Cochran Historical Organization Collection, 1950-1993, undated (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum - Library and Archives). WorldCat record id: 778803236
