Eddie Cochran, born Ray Edward Cochran on October 3, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, was an influential American rock and roll musician whose career, though brief, left a lasting impact on the genre. Raised in a musical family, Cochran moved to Bell Gardens, California, in 1952, where he honed his skills on the guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Initially performing country music, Cochran formed The Cochran Brothers with Hank Cochran (no relation) before transitioning to rock and roll influenced by Elvis Presley.

Cochran gained early success with his performance of "Twenty Flight Rock" in the 1956 film "The Girl Can't Help It," leading to a contract with Liberty Records. His first hit, "Sittin' in the Balcony," reached number 18 on the Billboard charts. Cochran's music, including "Summertime Blues," "C'mon Everybody," and "Somethin' Else," captured the spirit of teenage rebellion and became anthems of the era. He was known for experimenting with multitrack recording and distortion techniques, contributing to his distinctive sound.

In 1960, while on a UK tour with Gene Vincent, Cochran tragically died in a car accident on April 17, at the age of 21. Despite his early death, Cochran's influence persisted, and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His music continues to inspire artists, and his legacy remains significant in the history of rock and roll.