Details

ARC-0005

collection

Eddie Cochran Historical Organization Collection

1950-1993, undated

4.34 (Linear feet)

The Eddie Cochran Historical Organization (ECHO) Collection spans the years 1950 to 1993. The collection is comprised of the administrative files of the historical organization; graphic materials depicting images of Cochran, including photographs, posters, and postcards; printed materials featuring Cochran, including newspapers, books, booklets, periodicals, clippings, and sheet music; and recordings by Cochran, in the form of video tapes, 45 RPM and LP records, and mini video discs. Other individuals featured in the collection are Sharon Sheeley and Gene Vincent. The ECHO collection provides documentation of Eddie Cochran's career, focusing on his impact on early rock and rockabilly music, and provides a glimpse into the operations of ECHO.

Bruce C. Blake founded the Eddie Cochran Historical Organization (ECHO) 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 the formation of the organization. Cochran's family had since moved, and Cochran usually stated 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 recoding label on which Cochran appeared. The original members of the organization included local individuals, those who liked early rock and roll music, and those who believed Cochran's legacy should be a source of pride for the community. The organization achieved its goals, creating a strong memory of Cochran in his hometown and preserving his legacy for future generation. The organization disbanded in the late 1990s.

1990 Summer: First meeting of the organization.

1991: Incorporated as a Minnesota non-profit organization.

1991 June 21-1991 June 23: Holds first annual Eddie Cochran Weekend in Alberta Lea, Minn.

Citation: [Identification of item], Eddie Cochran Historical Organization Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Acquisition Note: The Eddie Cochran Historical Organization Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. as two gifts from Bruce C. Blake: the first on June 21, 1993 and the second on June 21, 1994.

Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville. Completed May 30, 2010. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this finding aid include DACS and the local processing manual.

Separated Materials: Commercially-released publications and audio recordings in this collection have been transferred to the library. Please search for the "Eddie Cochran Historical Organization Collection" in the library catalog for a list of donated titles. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. The condition of some of the audiovisual materials in the collection has not yet been determined for playback purposes. Access copies of these materials may have to be created prior to use. Consult the Library and Archives staff in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. owns right, title, and interest in the works of authorship embodied in the materials in this collection. The transfer of Donor's literary and other property rights does not include works of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.