Eddie Cochran

USA, 1955–1960

Rockabilly pioneer behind 'Summertime Blues' and 'C'mon Everybody'. Died at 21; directly influenced The Who and The Kinks.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Eddie Cochran and 4 artists Eddie Cochran influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Eddie Cochran?

• Chet Atkins — Cochran's guitar foundation was Chet Atkins's fingerpicking — his early recordings imitate Atkins figures directly.

Which artists did Eddie Cochran influence?

• Blue Cheer — Blue Cheer's cover of Cochran's 'Summertime Blues' was their signature track and one of the first proto-metal recordings.
• The Who — Eddie Cochran was a key early influence for The Who, cited by both Daltrey and Townshend.
• The Kinks — Eddie Cochran was 'the first hero' for Ray Davies, by his own account.
• T. Rex — The nine-year-old Bolan carried Eddie Cochran's guitar to his car after a London show — a documented origin story of his rock and roll dream.