We all have our own particular story when dealing with our passions. Mine with Eddie Cochran’s life and music started when I was just a kid and finished, partially, a few years later, still being a teen. But, let’s not talk about how it ended, but about how it began.
It was way back in the 80’s, when one of my elder brothers bought an Eddie Cochran vinyl and brought it home. It was a spanish compilation of Cochran’s hits of a series called ‘Pioneros del Rock (Pioneers of Rock)’. I still remember its cover as clearly as if I had it before my own eyes. Seen from the distance now, more than 20 years later, I must say it was a very good compilation, as it really haunted me. And how it did!!!
From that day on, I started looking for information about Eddie in music books, magazines, back covers of vinyls, etc. There was no Internet in the 80’s in Spain, you know, so it was pretty hard to find any kind of information about him. Finally, after some time of research, I wrote a brief biography, added some pictures and prepared some kind of handmade fanzine which I photocopied, glued, and shared with people in the pubs I knew. I was 14 or 15 at that moment, so you can bet it wasn’t easy for me to even enter those bars. Anyway, I finally managed to distribute all the copies I had.
At that point, I had already discovered singers and bands such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Waits, etc; and my attention moved to other artists so that I eventually ended up almost forgetting Eddie’s music. But I never really did. At least, I never completely did. Even though it’s true that I am no fan as I once used to be, I still feel something very special when I hear his music, and my respect and admiration for his achievements and talent is still intact.
So here I am, already a man and still feeling like a 14 yeard old boy entering the pub to share Eddie’s music and life with rest of world, now by means of the new media. A new communication channel by which leaving a few words to ‘an old friend of mine’:
“Part of what I am I owe it to you, as my passion for music is closely linked to yours. In fact, I even started playing guitar just because I wanted to play your songs. Now, all this has become a part of me. A part of which I feel very proud. Thanks, Eddie.”
As I said in the beginning of this text, we all have our own particular stories. I, therefore, invite you to share yours regarding Eddie Cochran with us.
Cheers!!!
David
Madrid, Spain – July 2008.
9 responses on “Memorial book”
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Thank you for this beautiful site dedicated to an incredible talented young man. No matter how many years pass since he was gone, his legacy still lives on with us.
There will never be another Eddie Cochran!
And as a big Eddie Cochran fan I can only be thankful for what you’re doing here. Keep this website alive, keep Eddie’s memory alive, that’s beautiful 馃檪
I’ve seen all the stories on Eddie. Read all the comments. I would like to thank you and everyone for keeping the memory alive.
He would have been a little embarrassed, a lot modest, and awfully shy about it all. I knew Eddie, he was a good person. On and off stage. He was a very down to earth guy. He is truly missed, but he shall never be forgotten.
Sincerely, Chuck (The Original Chevelles, The Echoes).
Caramba! Ele foi um dos grandes nomes na cria莽茫o do Rock.
Along with Buddy Holly, Eddie was the most talented, gifted & clever young man. He must never be forgotten. Thanks for what you gave us, Eddie.
It was in the early 80’s (I was 10years old) when I discovered a 45 rpm record with my mother in her collection. It was “Tree steps to heaven / Cut across” on the Liberty label.
Since then, I really like Eddie’s music.
Thank you for sharing your music!
Sincerely,
Ren茅 de Jong/Emmen-Nederland
Hi Chuck. Thought provoking and insightful words! I was born in 1949 and first heard Eddie’s music around 57, 58? Begged my parents for a guitar just to learn his songs and have never looked back. After 55 years I’m still playing and jobbing trying to keep it alive. Best to you, Bruce “Rico” Quintos
Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks Eddie sang “Tryin’ to flirt a dollar” in Summertime Blues. Every karaoke file, every lyrics website, every sheet music I’ve seen lists it as “earn” and not “flirt”. But my ears tell me it certainly is not “earn”. Flirt doesn’t seem to make sense until you look for “flirt” in the dictionary and it suggests that “flirt” in a financial sense could mean acquire casually or perhaps without too much effort.
Hi, Bob. Honestly, I think Eddie clearly says ‘earn a dollar’. However, I am not an english native speaker and I might be wrong though. 馃檪