Gene Vincent
Gene Vincent (aka Vincent Eugene Craddock) was born in 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia. After dropping out of school at age 17, he joined the U.S Navy but never saw active combat, despite doing a tour in North Korea. It was his plan to continue his career in the Navy, but a motorcycle accident severely injured his leg and he was medically discharged shortly afterwards.
He formed a band called The Blue Caps which included Willie Williams (rhythm guitar), Jack Neal (upright bass), Dickie Harrall (drums) and Cliff Gallup (lead guitar). Together they pioneered the musical styles of ‘Rock and Roll’ and ‘Rockabilly’. Their song “Be Bop A Lula” has become synonymous with Rockabilly.
Despite alcohol problems, Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps were extremely successful in the U.S and branched out into Europe. They had a string of hot hits and albums and Gene Vincent has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.