Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Gene Vincent

Artist:Gene Vincent
Song:Be-Bop-A-Lula
Album:Capitol Collectors Series




In 1956, rockabilly singer Gene Vincent looked like he might have what it takes to challenge the supremacy of Elvis Presley...or that's what Capitol Records thought. But Be-Bop-A-Lula turned out to be his one really big hit and Vincent faded and died prematurely. He was born Vincent Eugene Craddock Feb. 11, 1935 in Norfolk, VA. His father volunteered in the US Coast Guard and Vincent planned a career in the US Navy and enlisted in 1952. He reenlisted in 1955 and bought a motorcycle. But he was hit by a car while riding and almost lost his leg. He was medically discharged and would walk with a permanent limp. He got into the Norfolk music scene and changed his name to Gene Vincent. Vincent formed a band called The Bluecaps featuring lead guitarist Cliff Gallup. Local DJ Sherriff Tex Davis became the group manager and he got them a publishing deal which led to a recording contract with Capitol Records. Music publisher Bill Lowery thought Be-Bop-A-Lula would be a hit but Capitol disagreed. But he got them to release it on the B side of Vincent's first single Woman Love and Lowery pushed Be-Bop-A-Lula to radio stations. The song reached #7 on the Billboard singles chart but follow up singles didn't have the same impact. But Be-Bop-A-Lula is a very durable and influential rockabilly song. This comp is OK but Be-Bop-A-Lula is a song you might want to get on a various artists comp. Though Cliff Gallup isn't that well known, many guitarists including Jeff Beck have acknowledged him as an influence. But he was a family man and didn't like to travel and left the music business. He died in 1988. Gene Vincent toured Europe in 1959 and found a rabid following in England. He moved to England in 1963 and recorded occasionally but was never able to find another hit like Be-Bop-A-Lula. Gene Vincent died of a ruptured stomach ulcer while visiting his father in California on Oct. 12, 1971 at age 36. Here's Gene Vincent performing Be-Bop-A-Lula at the 1958 Town Hall Party TV show in Compton, CA.