What happened to GENE VINCENT?

One of the coolest dudes to ever stroll the stage, Gene Vincent defined rockabilly and set the standard for greasers and future punks around the world.

[@carolemclarty2036]

I met Gene on October 28, 1957 . I just turned 13 *** Knew him for 14 wonderful years *** On a Friday night , June 13, 1958 we sat in his dressing room at Tiny Dumonts in Portland , Oregon *** that night the "Gene Vincent Baby Blue Fan Club" was born *** He suggested calling it "Baby Blue" as that was his current hit record here in the Pacific Northwest *** He gave me the signature name of "Carole/Baby Blue" Such an honor . He lived in Portland and I was blessed to spend time with him and kept me up to date on his appearances and other info for the club news letters . There were two distinct sides to "Sweet Gene" The Rock Star * The performer * and the softer side . He was kind , and sensitive , generous to a fault . I adored him . He was in my mind the Greatest Rock Star Ever *** Gene was Exciting *** He was Your Hearts Greatest Thrill *** He was Magic ! Gene loved to sing , its what he lived for and he was grateful to all his fans * They were the ones that kept him going . Well aware that he was in constant pain from his leg and serious health issues . He was The Ultimate Performer , the voice of an angel when he slowed things down and sang his ballads . He Would Take Your Breath Away . It broke my heart watching this sweet man fighting against all odds to perform another show until he had nothing left to give . He quietly slipped away , took his final flight home to Los Angeles and died four days later on Tuesday , October 12, 1971 at 4:55 PM *** The last time I talked to him was on Wednesday September 20 ,1971 from London *** He was the Rhythm In My Heart ! *** I think about him every day *** I miss him ! God Bless * Vincent Eugene Craddock aka "Sweet Gene" *** RIP xx

[@ANDYPROBYN2008]

i sung his song be bop made me a local star got me started god bless gene vincent

[@BobbyTucker]

Carole McLarty, Thank you, Carole, for sharing your story about Gene, I found it very interesting. God Bless you.

[@johnlavery6116]

That's a great story, he was a favourite of mine at the time....Greetings from Ireland

[@dabdella1460]

Thank you for your story with this great guy. the insight would not be heard or read anywhere else.

[@constitution_8939]

A Certainly Most Sweet epitaph for your memories you've shared with us all, Thank you for that, You are the Sweetest of Hearts. Love and All God's Blessings upon you and Gene ♥

[@chrisbrigg2483]

My dad told me ..he saw him in a Chinese restaurant in the late 50's he limped and my grandmother said leave him alone ... Not knowing who he was. The legend .. the reason I wear a cap lol. I guess he was down to earth.

[@eddiemckeown9665]

gene was no saint, but he was a true rocker who never surrendered and one hell of a rocker!

[@angustdog3656]

"May I mourn your decline with some thunderbird wine,and a black handkerchief,Sweet Jean Vincent " Ian Dury

[@markpalmar70]

Made so many great records, total committment and exceptional singer. RIP Gene.

[@drspaseebo410]

Nobody ever looked cooler than Gene Vincent !

[@KerryRapid]

Gene Vincent was an inspiration to every British Rock'n'Roll singer in the 50s, as was his guitarist Cliff Gallop, to every lead guitarist of the day, all over the world !

[@simonparkes5750]

This is true. A quote from John Lennon: "We used the wear leather, we looked like four Gene Vincent's"

[@00ffdc]

Yeah, you can tell by a single look at Vince Taylor...

[@barbh1]

@@simonparkes5750 There's also a clip of Paul McCartney telling about how Gene tried to shoot Gary Glitter. There are a few more stories of him and his pistol. He was pretty wild and a huge talent. I can see that many people loved him.

[@markmacdonald3260]

Other rock stars seemed to play up their rebelliousness superficially to give character to their performance whereas Gene seemed to restrain himself to give his. Genes performances I've seen are a perfect blend of madness, warmth, danger and fun. That also seems to describe him and for someone who embodied Rock'n'Roll he always seemed to be very polite, humble and kind.

[@barbh1]

Well said!

[@mc2science984]

Gene was one of greatest artists of 50's and pioneer of rock and roll. Gene Vincent and Eddy Cochran are 2 stars in the sky for ever.

[@marijooneill8015]

I agree 100%.

[@michaelgeorge8671]

Gene told many stories about his leg the true fact is that he did a tour of duty in the US Merchant Navy and re signed as to get a sign up bonus which he used to buy a motor bike which while he was riding it was hit by a woman in a Cadalic who ran a red light, his lower leg was nearly torn off and the doctors wanted to cut it off and he begged his mother not to let them. the leg was to give him no end of pain for the rest of his life. he nearly allways wore a brace or cast. towards the end he neaded crutches for help.he died aged 31 .

[@sakura_flower1706]

Il est décédé à l'âge de 36 ans en 1971. Il est né en février 1936. I love you Gene.❤️❤️🌳🌸❤️

[@barbh1]

I believe he was also hurt in the car accident that took the life of Eddie Cochran. Gene really gets under your skin watching him perform, and hearing about his very interesting and dramatic life. I'm glad some of his performances are here for us to enjoy.

[@mollkatless]

@@barbh1 But, he had the leg injury before that car accident?

[@barbh1]

@@mollkatless Yes. I think a motorcycle accident.

[@wesleycook7687]

He also had the first leg injury while he was still in the military. Regardless of how he got it, he was still in the military. Of course he was hurt again in the wreck that killed Eddie Cochran. That goes without saying. There's a clip of Gene singing Temptation Baby on U Tube from an English movie called Live It Up made in the mid 60s.

[@dpmuir9748]

I love Gene Vincent just for creating ‘Be Bop a Loula...’. Stunning intro to his heights of fame.

[@TheOnlyOneKingElvis]

I first met Gene when I was 8 and lived next door.

[@Alpha11]

Holy cow! That's awesome! What do you remember? Was he a nice guy?

[@theonlyonekingelvis3842]

I only saw the best side of him, he took me on busses and trams and let me in to see many of his shows in Blackpool. I saw some of his last shows but he looked awful.

[@davidgibbs7232]

Brilliant story.Nice to have been there for a bit of rock n roll history.

[@Alpha11]

That's amazing! Nice to hear he was a good guy. So cool you got to hang out with a legend.

[@Kuntyful]

wow.... in South London?...

[@wteuscher85]

I didn’t know about the Glitter attempt, but my face is flush with American pride.

[@ljrees1721]

The greatest Rock star EVER! gave my son the middle names Gene & Vincent after the great man

[@moped1975]

Cool

[@muffs55mercury61]

Wow that's awesome !

[@wesleycook7687]

I totally agree. Check out his version of Unchained Melody.

[@chrispearman1822]

So very sad - I did not know how tragic the circumstances were in Genes demise

[@Alpha11]

Yeah, pretty sad. Thank you, Chris!

[@joegongora2200]

He knew Eddie Cochran and must've been devastating being in the same car crash with Eddie Cochran. Gene Vincent was an influence on the Beatles music. Gene Vincent's music will always live on especially to Rockabilly fans.

[@socaleyes8684]

Gene is buried near my mother in Eternal Valley Cemetery in Newhall, Santa Clarita, California. She passed away last June 30, 2018. She was a teen in the 50s and grew up with all that cool rock and roll. I think she would get a kick out of knowing she was going to be laid to rest just a few feet from a rock and roll legend. Miss you mom...

[@carolemclarty2036]

May your mother rest in peace 🙏 The passing of Gene has left my world forever Misty Blue 😥I knew him well for 14 amazing years. 1957 * October 12, 1971 * Loved him deeply 💔 Forever Missed 😭Sweet Gene was a gift from God 🤗 Carole/Baby Blue 💙

[@pauldashwood2897]

Great story but sad ….keep well guy

[@johanneduardschnorr3733]

He was backed at one point in the early 60’s by the Outlaws, a Joe Meek band that included Ritchie Blackmore, Chas Hodges, Mick Underwood, and Kenny Lindgren. The road manager was Peter Grant, later of Led Zepplin fame....

[@John-ob7dh]

And of course Chas became Chas & Dave.

[@orkycathcart6397]

WOW , GENES DEATH WAS SO SAD , THIS IS THE FIRST I HEARD OF HIS PASSING , AND AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE TOO . GENE VINCENT WILL GO DOWN IN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY AS ONE OF THE INNOVATORS OF THIS GREAT MUSIC AND HIS SONGS WIL LIVE FOREVER !!!!!!

[@marijooneill8015]

Such a sad ending for Jim as he was popular when I was a young teen, I'm 78 years old and still like to hear his songs, like BE Bop A Lula one of my favorites.

[@commandercodyvideos]

we backed gene up on a comeback tour he was making in 1971, wonderful guy great singer lost in the ozone as well

[@Leen61]

Gene Vincent was a great rockabilly artist and it is very sad how his life ended :(

[@E171955]

Jerry Lee Lewis once said “ I always thought Gene Vincent was one of the greatest”!

[@mickbrod1]

MANY YEARS AGO MY GIRLFRIEND NOW MY WIFE SAW LIVE HERE IN LONDON IT WAS A BIG VENUE FILL ED WITH GENES FANS HE WAS STILL AT THE TOP OF HIS CAREER & GAVE A GREAT SHOW THEN APPROX 1970 SAW HIM IN A MUCH SMALLER HALL FROM THE START AS ALL OF US WERE SO CLOSE TO THE STAGE WE COULD SEE HOW LIFE HAD BEEN SO UNKIND TO HIM IT WAS SO SAD IM SO GLAD WE SAW HIM THAT FIRST TIME BUT WISH THE LAST SHOW HAD BEEN CANCELLED AS THE MEMORY OF THE PAIN IN HIS FACE 4 FT AWAY IS STILL SO FRESH IN MY MIND R.I.P YOU DESERVE IT

[@Alpha11]

Thank you for sharing that story; it's sad what life can do to people.

[@robotnik77]

Rather, he was unkind to life.

[@carolemclarty2036]

Gene was such a dear soul, loved him deeply. It broke my heart 💔😢 watching his life deteriorating before my very eyes as the years passed by and knew that he was slipping away 😥He deserved so much better * He was the True King 👑Of Rock'n'Roll 🎸🎸🎷 Carole/Baby Blue 💙

[@joepalooka2145]

I really hate that Steve Allen introduction putting down Gene and Be Bop A Lula. He did not get it, but the kids sure did, especially over in Liverpool where the teenage Beatles idolized him. Gene Vincent and his band was one of the all-time greats.

[@user-hn7ug4tf5d]

Τζιν βινσεντ για παντα στις καρδιες μας σ ευχαριστουμε για την μουσικη που μας προσφερες εσυ και ολοι οι αστερες του ροκ εν ρολ!

[@sueritchie9171]

I’m 70 now but, when I was about 12, my grandad took me round to a relatives house (London) where he was introduced to me as a cousin so there was some British connection in his family

[@carolemclarty2036]

Gene was Scoth, Irish, English and Welch 🤩

[@ronaldgoodhall7207]

a great talent to rock and roll gene v thanks so much a wonder full man x rip

[@jubalcalif9100]

Holy Underwear, Batman ! Love this video ! Saw a lot of photos of Gene I had never seen before ! He was truly one of the icons of early rock n roll....what a tragedy he left us so young. And how impressive he continued to perform though in great pain from his injured leg, not wanting to disappoint the audiences ! The sign of a real "trouper" ! THANK YOU so much for sharing this very interesting, informative & intriguing video with us ! CHEERS !! :-)

[@bobmarker6812]

The Stray Cats music sounded similar to the Gene Vincent sound. I think that's what made them great. Gene Vincent's recording guitarist Clifton Gallup was fantastic.

[@wesleycook7687]

It was intentional. Brian Setzer did Rocking With Gene And Eddie one of the Stray Cats better songs.

[@karlmay1949]

The soft spoken Wildcat, and my hero. RIP Gene.

[@TheGenyV]

Simply the best...

[@gurnaspen4782]

Rock on Gene and Eddie

[@BeachsideHank]

That hair during his BeBopAlula days, either it was Brylcreem (a little dab'l do ya...) or Vitalis, us young wannabe's couldn't afford such luxuries so we used a swipe of Vaseline petroleum jelly instead.- that's when I learned the difference between it and Vicks Vaporub. ☺

[@SuperGingerBickies]

LOL! Did you get girls as well as a clear chest?

[@BeachsideHank]

No girls, but it stopped my runny nose. ☺

[@Beatle849]

Funny.

[@jkrk7006]

for me there are 2 kings..... of course Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent ! I love their music now for 42 years and still I play Blue Gene bop, be bop a lula, race with the devil, jumps giggles and shout, catman, five feet o'lovin, bi-bickey-bi-bo go go, and all other Gene songs he wrote .... later this year (2017) I will have both rockabilly rebels tattooed on my arm !!

[@lendrury2771]

I liked gene He had a unique style and was a pioneer of rock and roll music

[@tweedpenguin712]

His best tune is “Ain’t That Too Much”

[@lendrury2771]

Gene was a pioneer in early rock and roll music and bridges rhythm and blues with bebop

[@jacksprat3009]

Saw Gene and the Blue Caps in Atlanta1957 or 8. Back in the day rock was just being born and seeing him on stage wearing as leg brace while the band really wailed on, the guitar player, hair combed back in the "duck tail" was swinging his head and hair around so hard I could see the sweat and grease flying off. It was revolution in action. Of course, my friends and i had to form a band playing all the 3 chord rockers and 4 chord slow songs at school and teen clubs. Glory Days.

[@carolemclarty2036]

❤

[@orkycathcart6397]

MAN THIS GUY WAS THE COOLEST BACK THEN !! HIS HIT < BE BOB A LULA > I WAS RAISED ON AND PLAYED IT OVER AND OVER THILL I WORE THE OLD 45 OUT !!!!!

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

It's appalling that the pioneers of Rock 'n' Roll became inducted into the RRHoF so late. They should have been the very first.

[@Gam1ngYT_]

He suffeted but had a real heart and standed on skene while had problems

[@nigelbiglari4552]

Im sorry that he gone so soon. We miss Gene a lot. Rest in peace We will remember you 💟💜💖💛💚💙🌷🌷🌷

[@garbage854]

Good singer :) RIP

[@Alpha11]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@garbage854]

Welcome :)

[@garbage854]

Welcome :)

[@gary1961]

Oh no, what an absolute tragedy ..... he missed Gary Glitter!!!!

[@Getyabootsoffskinny]

Skinny white sailor. Love him and his blue caps x

[@fredrighetti]

GRANDE GENE, CIAO DA FRED, ROCK SONGS, MILANO, ITALY, BYE,

[@hellbent6344]

Thank you for these videos

[@wsid3342]

Well when I grew up Gene Vincent and Be-Bop-A-Lula was a real classic. Thanks to this video I've learned a few new things. Very Grateful.

[@questionguy5863]

I have great respect for the "pioneers" of rock&roll

[@jgood4085]

Great memories, thanks for sharing, j

[@jenniebugs1]

Peg ‘O My Heart was my favourite. He sang it beautifully.

[@pascaljosset6109]

J ai tellement aimé ce mec et sa musique que la terre te soit légère 😢

[@andrewdemetrius8090]

The backing music is from an Elvis Presley classic "I'll Remember You" (1966 and 1973 live TV special Aloha from Hawaii)

[@colinpurssey9875]

Terrific concise bio on a great artist. Perhaps more celebrated for his up-tempo numbers, but just as competent as a balladeer. Sounds like a pretty unassuming dude too, at least judging by his interviews. Sadly missed.

[@Alpha11]

Thanks for the compliment; I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@johndoyle486]

I'm a Mod but I have nothing but respect for Gene. He had class a singer and as a person.

[@carolemclarty2036]

❤

[@matthewdobbs5320]

Thanks for your great music and God bless you gene Vincent

[@vernwallen4246]

MR Vincent was GREAT.💕💕💕

[@GiorgosDimitriadisArtist]

Great Gene!!!!

[@monika123870]

Love music style forever Gene Vincent, RIP Gene.

[@arthurgearheard4701]

Steve Allen always mocked songs that didn't have exactly most exquisite lyrics but are really Classics! Many of Irving Berlin's songs had simple lyrics!

[@JR-dd8bf]

A very sad history for a great rock'n'roll singer.

[@genyridonate4418]

You rest in my heart for ever and ever See you soon in paradise I love you

[@bobtranquilli9985]

VERY NICE JOB.

[@Alpha11]

Thanks, Bob; we're glad you liked it!

[@TheGenyV]

Absolutely

[@bluenote824jones7]

Well known for uptempo rock a billy .but check out his ballads . They are really great

[@MrFunkia]

Gene Vincent - the man who tried to kill Gary Glitter!

[@Alpha11]

That's right!

[@kevstacey8639]

And I don't think any less of him for it.

[@Alpha11]

Me neither!

[@buckwild6759]

It's ashame he missed

[@michaelserby7697]

He shot Liberty Valance. 🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶💙

[@vmat1000]

wow,,,i thought the Eddie Cochran crash messed Gene's leg up. Poor guy. Did see Hot Rod Gang via TMC the other night. I'm sure i wasn't alone.

[@dianamarie4351]

g mat I've always heard that too

[@harrisgagnon2228]

It did also mess his leg up by just making what already happened worse.

[@wesleycook7687]

Motorcycle wreck.

[@jamieb0nd]

On your Eddie Cochran video video you said that gene Vincent got his leg injury in the car crash that killed Eddie . Your videos are great by the way I really love them. Specailly the edde cochran one I still got the album he made. Although I was born 4 years after his death.

[@wesleycook7687]

Gene got his leg injured in the Korean war as a motorcycle courier. He was only 16 but lied about his age. Of course after his injury, he was discharged for being underaged and received no benefits.

[@jamieb0nd]

@@wesleycook7687... I forgot to complete my last message, I was going to correct it by saying Eddie Cochrane was the only one in his spyder porche at the time. Can't remember any mention of Gene Vincent being there? I remember reading this in a new pop magazine around 1978 it was called "the story of Rock" very good mag in deed, also had another one called the story of Pop. Wish I still had them they were very well produced.

[@19genowefa21]

I still have his 45 rpm records.

[@michaelserby7697]

RIP Gene❤🎶🎶🎵🎶💜 🌙🌙🌙 🌙🌙🌙 🌙🌙🌙

[@tetrisity72]

i used to play wild cat over and over ,till it drove my mum mad

[@AlexysB]

Gene is the TRUE king of rock and roll!!!

[@juancarloscabreramenendez7628]

Solo existe un rey y es Elvis, Vincent no invento nada y como cantante de baladas era una basura.

[@mick62mick]

Fascinating stuff!

[@RandyR]

The opening dude i think is Steve Allen. He was a right winged conservative in the 50's. Some just don't get it. They said Rock would not last. An we have had the wonderful music for 60 years. So take that Squares. Gene was far out man

[@jerrywhitworth2363]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENE !

[@ciceroaraujo5183]

I want to cry

[@johncitizen4856]

I stopped by his place in Virginia where he and the band played outside on the front porch, the only song I really liked was Be Bop a lula

[@Danketti]

3:19 gene should of been awarded for attempting to shoot Gary glitter after all he's done

[@albluesfish7972]

ALPHA 11 THX THESE VIDS ARE WAY COOL

[@Alpha11]

Thank you for the compliment and for watching! We're glad you like them!

[@johnsradios484]

Trying to shoot Gary Glitter!

[@Alpha11]

Yeah! What an outlaw!

[@michaelward9880]

I think Lux Interior stole a little of Gene's thunder, but did it brilliantly. RIP Gene and Lux.

[@jamesmoon8947]

The epitamy of Rock and Roll.

[@yesterdayman3329]

I There are two versions of Be ~Bop~ALula by Gene . One is faster love both . There is a single Gene did which for me is a fock n roll classic yet was not big hit ? The lyrics & driveing saxophone beat were perfect for Gene .its called of course ....SAY ~MAMA.

[@wesleycook7687]

Are you talking about Temptation Baby. If not, pull it up It's from an English made movie called Live It Up.

[@yesterdayman3329]

@@wesleycook7687 Hello i am refering to SAY / MAMA ..... which i cant belive never even made the charts ? .....

[@wesleycook7687]

@@yesterdayman3329 Never heard that one.

[@HardCold-Alquan]

Damn - he looked old when he was young and very old by the time he was only 36!

[@nibsvkh]

36yrs old..looked like hell for so young!

[@markthorne5025]

Gene was a good judge of character so he knew Gary Glitter was a no good ...... What a fantastic sound Gene and the 56 Blue caps had streets ahead .Sweet Gene Vincent.

[@anunturipubli7997]

Amen

[@163andyc]

The accident that killed Eddie Cochran and injured Gene Vincent was in Chippinham in Wiltshire, almost 100 miles from London.

[@ginger1959able]

Bill Haley called Steve Allen an anti rock and roll jerk he was spot on!

[@fosterglantz6682]

ripgene

[@franklinloll2229]

Its said Bowie fashioned part of his Alladinsane character after Vincent. Also the song " Gene Jeani " .

[@Mozart1220]

It was a motorcycle accident that wrecked his leg..

[@brucewrestbee5984]

Rockabilly Royalty

[@ronniebishop2496]

Move the Rock and Roll hall of fame to Memphis where it was invented and recorded. Get it out of that cold nothing Cleveland. All they had was a concert.

[@RockandrollNegro]

I remember "Be Bop A Lula" but what's this "Be Bop a Looba" you speak of?

[@drspaseebo410]

Marvin ~ Squares ain't got a damn clue !

[@santalofty4917]

@@drspaseebo410 MARVIN say is the way SHE spokkkkkkkkkkkkkkkke

[@karinbeste321]

Ist řight

[@DavidDantePhoenix]

lol- I know. It's like, you're a narrator... you had one job.

[@wesleycook7687]

That was Steve Allen's joke on his Tonight Show. He had no use for Rock and Roll. When Elvis did Hound Dog on Allen's show, Elvis sung it to.......a hound dog.

[@mobbchicomedia]

If a movie is made featuring him, I vote Tom Holland to play him

[@michaelszczys8316]

Gene Vincent has a Hollywood sidewalk star

[@carolemclarty2036]

Gene's star on the "Hollywood Walk Of Fame" was placed there on Feb. 8, 1960 , across the street from Capitol Records 1750 North Hollywood & Vine * Gene was one of the first rock stars to receive such an honor , of which he was very humbled by *

[@rockyroadblues100]

Love gene

[@davewalker3561]

Take a listen to the Stray Cats song Rockin with Gene and Eddie.

[@JJCJR953]

Knew his son. Looked and sounded just like him.