Date of Birth: February 11, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: October 12, 1971
Biography
Gene Vincent, born Vincent Eugene Craddock, was an influential American musician who pioneered the rockabilly genre. He was born on February 11, 1935, in Norfolk, Virginia. Gene’s career took off in the mid-1950s with his hit single “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” which became an iconic rock and roll anthem. Known for his distinctive voice and rebellious persona, Gene Vincent left a lasting impact on the music scene. Vincent’s early life was marked by a stint in the U.S. Navy, where he suffered a severe leg injury in a motorcycle accident. This injury plagued him throughout his life but also became a part of his rock and roll image. After his discharge, he focused on his music career and formed the band Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps, which quickly gained popularity. Despite his early success, Vincent struggled with personal demons and health issues. His career had its ups and downs, but he continued to perform and record until his untimely death on October 12, 1971, in Newhall, California. Gene Vincent’s legacy endures, influencing countless musicians and solidifying his place in rock and roll history.
5 Interesting Facts about Gene Vincent
1. Gene Vincent’s hit song “Be-Bop-A-Lula” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
2. He was one of the first inductees into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
3. Vincent’s stage persona and leather-clad image influenced later rock icons like Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison.
4. He was involved in a car accident in 1960 that killed fellow rockabilly star Eddie Cochran.
5. Gene Vincent was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Vincent
1. “Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby.”
2. “Rock and roll is the voodoo of the modern age.”
3. “Music is the only thing that never lets you down.”
4. “I just wanted to be a singer. I never thought about being a legend.”
5. “My voice is my life. It’s the only thing I got.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Gene Vincent’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Gene Vincent had one daughter, Melody Jean Vincent, from his marriage to Darlene Hicks.
Relevant Links
2. [Biography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gene-vincent-mn0000195297/biography
3. [Grammy Hall of Fame – “Be-Bop-A-Lula”](https://www.grammy.com/awards/hall-of-fame-award#b
4. [Rockabilly Hall of Fame Induction](http://www.rockabillyhall.com/GeneVincent.html
5. [Find a Grave – Gene Vincent](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/4201/gene-vincent
