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LTC Stephen F.
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Edited 6 y ago
Thank you my friend SGT (Join to see) for sharing the live music-video of Eddie Cochran performing the classic "Summertime Blues" at a Town Hall Party in 1959 in honor of the fact that on September 8, 1956, Eddie Cochran signed a one year contract with Liberty Records.
"This was supposed to be the B-side of "Love Again," which was written by 17-year-old Sharon Sheeley. It was clear that this was the bigger hit, but Sheeley eventually became Cochran's girlfriend. She was in the car when it crashed and killed him in 1960."
Rest in peace Eddie Cochran!

"Summertime Blues" Eddie Cochran wrote this with Jerry Capehart and recorded it at age 19.
Lyrics
"I'm a-gonna raise a fuss
I'm a-gonna raise a holler
About workin' all summer
Just-a trying to earn a dollar

Every time I call my baby
Try to get a date
My boss says "No dice, son
You gotta work late"

Sometimes I wonder
What I'm-a gonna do
But there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues

Well my mama and papa told me
"Son, you gotta make some money
If you wanna use the car
To go a-ridin' next Sunday"

Well, I didn't go to work
Told the boss I was sick
"You can't use the car
'Cause you didn't work a lick"

Sometimes I wonder
What I'm-a gonna do
But there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues

I'm gonna take two weeks
Gonna have a fine vacation
I'm gonna take my problem
To the United Nations

Well, I called my congressman
And he said, quote:
"I'd like to help you, son
But you're too young to vote"

Sometimes I wonder
What I'm-a gonna do
But there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues"

Background on the song songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2313
Cochran was 19 when he recorded this. It was a big hit with his teenage fans, who could relate to the lyrics about being held back by society (and parents). Cochran got an image as a rebel with a guitar, and his legend was secured when he died 2 years later while riding in the back of a taxi. He was often compared to James Dean, who was 24 when he died in a car accident.
Cochran wrote this with Jerry Capehart, a songwriter who was good friends with Cochran and helped him get a record deal. Capehart explained the inspiration for this song in Rolling Stone magazine's Top 500 songs issue: "There had been a lot of songs about summer, but none about the hardships of summer." With that idea and a guitar lick from Cochran, they wrote the song in 45 minutes. >>
This was supposed to be the B-side of "Love Again," which was written by 17-year-old Sharon Sheeley. It was clear that this was the bigger hit, but Sheeley eventually became Cochran's girlfriend. She was in the car when it crashed and killed him in 1960.
Sheeley provided the hand claps on this. She really wanted to do it, but had trouble getting the rhythm. Eddie helped her out by showing her how to clap.
This was Cochran's breakthrough hit. His previous singles didn't do very well, but this gave him a lot of exposure and established him as a star.
Cochran's record label were trying to turn him into a crooning teen idol, which was why this was originally going to be B-side to the ballad "Love Again." >>
This song was a big influence on George Harrison. He had a picture of Cochran and wanted the same kind of guitar.
Many artists with a rebellious image have recorded this over the years, including Joan Jett, T Rex, The Who, Van Halen and The Stray Cats. Then again, it has also been covered by Olivia Newton-John.
When Rush performs this in concert, the crowd sings the lines "No dice son, you gotta work late," "You can't use the car 'cause you didn't work a lick," and "I'd like to help you son, but you're too young to vote." >>
The Who performed the song as a staple of their concerts from their early days up to 1976, with intermittent appearances thereafter. A version from their 1970 album Live at Leeds was released as a single peaking at #38 in the UK and #27 in the US. It was the only Who hit not written by Pete Townshend."


Here is a stereo version
Eddie Cochran - Summertime Blues [stereo]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In7z7B87Puc
Thanks for mentioning me SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
PO3 Phyllis Maynard
6 y
LTC Stephen F. this is a timeless song. I loved it as a 6 year old.
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