American singer, songwriter, and guitarist (1938-1960). Born in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Among the most influential early figures in rockabilly and rock and roll; his three-chord arrangements and use of overdubbing influenced subsequent generations of rock players from the Beatles to the Sex Pistols.
Released one studio album during his lifetime: Singin' to My Baby (1957). Posthumous compilations have collected his prolific singles work. Best-known songs include "Summertime Blues," "C'mon Everybody," "Twenty Flight Rock," and "Three Steps to Heaven" (a UK #1 released posthumously). Died in a car crash on April 17, 1960, at age 21 — the same accident severely injured Gene Vincent. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
