Details
- Reference NumberARC-0415
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitleEddie Cochran Papers
- Date1952-1994, undated
- Size3.5 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe Eddie Cochran Papers span the years 1952 to 1994 and include some undated materials. The bulk of the papers consist of fan mail and business records, but the collection also contains lyrics, music manuscripts, a set list, publications, and personal materials related to Cochran's childhood, schooling, church affiliation, and family. The key portion of the collection is the business records, which include contracts, correspondence, invoices and receipts, itineraries and schedules (including those for the 1957 Biggest Show of Stars and the film Untamed Youth), press releases, record distributor lists, rental and purchase agreements, and royalty and tax withholding statements related to Cochran's career and the American Federation of Musicians, the American Foundation of Television and Radio Artists, Bell Gardens Music Center, BMI, Gold Star Studios, Liberty Records, and the Screen Actors Guild. Highlights of the collection include correspondence between Cochran and Dick Clark, Freeman Hoover (disc jockey and longtime family friend), Georgia Winters of 16 magazine, Johnnie Rowe, and Cochran's fiancé Sharon Sheeley, as well as telegrams related to Cochran's death, handwritten directions to a party held by Connie Francis, handwritten and typewritten lyrics to songs including "Nervous Breakdown" and "C'mon Everybody," handwritten musical arrangements, catalogs and price lists from Gibson and Gretsch, and several photographs, including promotional and middle school age photos of Cochran, Billy Fury, Charlie Grace (inscribed to Cochran), and a rare photo of Buddy Holly with Freeman Hoover and J.I. Allison. The Eddie Cochran Papers provide rich documentation of Cochran's career and his impact on early rock and rockabilly music, as well as his impact on the public and his fan base. The collection also provides insight into the minutia of artist life during the 1950s: how and where equipment was rented and/or purchased, contract negotiation, tour and film schedules, and union membership.
- Biography / Administrative HistoryAlthough 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 1950s 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. Cochran only released one album during his lifetime, which was tragically cut short when he was killed in a traffic accident. Artist Gene Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley, who was Cochran's fiancé, were also injured in the accident.
- NotesSeparated Materials: 45 rpm records, a 78 rpm record, a 3" compact disc, sheet music, and a book have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Eddie Cochran Papers" 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.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Eddie Cochran Papers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist, and Adonees Sarrouh, Volunteer. Completed August 6, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Acquisition Note: The Eddie Cochran Papers were received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Cochran's nephew, Ed Julson, on December 18, 2012. - AccessCollection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Select original documents are closed. These items are noted at the file level. Patrons must use digital or physical facsimiles of originals. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
- UseThe copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
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