GENE'S WEB SITE
GENE'S TRIBUTE SHOW, 2005
Tina Craddock (Gene's sister) Presents ...
THE LAST DAYS: Early September of 1971 Ronny Weiser of Rolling Rock Records, was curiously asking a local record store owner if she knew anything about Gene Vincent. She ironically replied that she heard he was in an apartment down the street. Ron made immediate contact and Gene recorded four vocal-only songs right in Ron's apartment, using a $140 portable reel-to-reel tape deck. Music tracks were added later. It was then back to England one last time in mid-September of 1971 soon after the Weiser apartment tapings. Gene rehearsed about 12 songs for a tour, and recorded five of them with Richard Cole and the Kansas Hook band on Friday, October 1, 1971. This material (all but "Whole Lotta Shakin'") was released years later as "The Last Session." Gene managed to get through two shows at the Wookey Hollow Club in Liverpool October 3rd and 4th, 1971 before his health completely gave out and he flew back to California.
WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SON, Gene's parents, then residing in Saugus, CA, traveled to Simi Valley to find him brokenhearted and disoriented. They decided to take Gene to their home and upon entering the house, Gene tripped and fell, bursting his chronic ulcers and began vomiting blood and tomato juice. He was taken by an ambulance to Inter-Valley Hospital, where he passed away about an hour later. Among Gene's last words while waiting for the ambulance was the promise, "If I get through this, I'm going to be a better man." However, he did not survive. Gene died in Newhall, California, from a bleeding ulcer on October 12, 1971 at the age of 36. His mother said, "After he died, he had the sweetest smile on his face. Actual burial site is Eternal Memorial Park, Newhall CA.
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john windsor, ns , canada jmurphy (at) windsorfire (dot) ca great musician, my grandfather said once he saw johnny cash live in before he was famous with about 20 other people, had a chance to get an autograph but didnt, he regrets it now. |
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terry hemsley market rasen england terrence.hemsley@gmail.com Today 18 december 2011 i have just played some of my old lP records of GENE Vincent and the BLUE Caps. This is Rock n Roll FANTASTIC. |
chris scovitch tycountry = laurel, Md. cscovitch713@gmail.com I'm working on getting the unsung rock and rollers like GENE VINCENT and THE BLUECAPS along with LINK WRAY and the RAYMEN and get them to do a story on PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS) STATION out of Washington D.C. These guys made considerable contributions to the music scene Nationally as well as WORLDWIDE attention. IF YOUR GONNA PLAY ROCK AND ROLL, PLAY IT LOUD! P.S. also go to LINK WRAY TRIBUTE PAGE - SCOBIE AKA LINKWRAY BAND LAUREL, Md. |
Linda Roberts Zullinger, Pa lindaroberts200@msn.com Just wanted to say, I'm still here and like always thinking of Sweet Gene. THE GREATEST. Love you Sweet Baby Gene!!! |
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J.R.Venville olverhampton,England. WV11 3LQ nieceven@hotmail.com Loved Gene for Fifty years, still do, still the greatest. Still have picture on wall. R.I.P. |
John Findlay Anakie, Victoria, Australia lynandjohn@spin.com.au Good day everyone. We were playing some old Carol King music this evening (I didn't realise she wrote so many great songs performed by other great artists) and I thought about Gene.Ê Great rocker - I think I remember him first -him and Eddie Cochrane before Elvis - all great in my memory.(shows you my vintage - I'm checking the "use by" date!!) My sons are in bands (Rolling Stones/Kiss influence) and I'd like to inroduce them to Gene because I reckon they'd be into his music. I've spoken to them about him and the Blue Caps a few times and they've shown some interest, but they need to hear him. I'd like to get his music so I can listen on a Friday night when winding down after a long week with a drink or two (is infinity a number?) and let them listen as well. Can anyone advise where can I get his music please? Regards and a very happy peaceful Christmas to everyone. John. |
Steve Bateman (RoCk & RoLL SteVe) Sacramento, California Sweet Gene VincentÊ Even Elvis couldn't sing or play that music.Ê Gene made the only Doo Wop rock & roll with Eddie Cochran in 1958 on the lp "Sounds like Gene Vincent". |
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Ronnie Thompson West Carrollton, Ohio USA rlt1015@aol.com They Don't Make Songs Now Like They Did Back Then. Really Miss Those Days |
Carole K. McLarty Portland,Oregon. USA carolemac2010@hotmail.com GVcomment = I knew Gene since 1957. I loved his music,he was the best. He was my Elvis. I had a fan club for him named Baby Blue. Over the years I got to know him very well and loved him for the wonderful man and friend he was. I think of him often and miss him alot. I still cry when I listen to his music or look at his pictures. Nobody will ever take his place. I loved him so much. Carole |
Larry, Debbie rotherham yorkshire england strictlyrockin@aol.com So many people would like to hear Tina's memories of Gene. Maybe on a web page like face book or periodic pages on this page. I wish Gene had lived to see the massive surge in interest in his music from the mid 1970's onwards in England and Europe with manyÊ current and past rockabilly rock n roll groups groups influenced by the sound of Gene and his bandsÊ i.e. Johnny Meeks and Cliff Gallup's guitar style/sound with Genes vocals ect. Larry and Debbie - catch us on face book https://www.facebook.com/larry.debbie1#!/larry.debbie1 |
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Lonely Street" Gene Vincent fanclub genevincentfanclub@yahoo.com Meeting Oct 12.2011 California Burbank - Joe's bar - no ticket- Free Register on Facebook GENE VINCENT FAN CLUB. GENE VINCENT -1935-1971 October 12, 2011 - fanclub MEETING -US - California. https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=229562477059098 - with Ray Campi and Rip Master Presentation: http://genevincent.weebly.com/ - Lee-Loo |
bob sedani brockton, ma. r.sedani@comcast.net GVcomment = he was the best. i saw him in person when i was in waldolp marryland 1971 |
roger brown England Was the best |
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Randy Jones Warrior Alabama United States randys98gt@yahoo.com Gene i know this year on October 12,2011 you passed away 40 years ago, and i'm sorry you had to go but you are in a better place, and my heart is with you always. Randy Jones |
sheila thompson england sheilaonholiday@yahoo.co.uk GVcomment = mm i came across this site by accident, my husband has always been a fan of gene vincent and his version of Unchained Melody is still on our turn table which does not work anymore. But if i ever ask people can you remember gene singing this song not a lot of people can. But this is the song that my boyfriend now my husband of 47 years stills sings to me. All the versions of thsi song will never match this one, anyone remember it. |
Brian Liverpool, England UK brian_oconnell@btinternet.com Vince Eager the British rock'n'roll idol of the fifties was interviewed on BBC Radio Merseyside (Liverpool)recently and told some great stories about the fateful final tour with Gene and Eddie Cochran. His memories of Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and Joe Brown in that era were a delight to listen to on the two hour programme. |
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tony budd london england anthony.budd19@google mail tina with love monuments statues etc have been erected everywhere to lesser stars. question is as an english fan, does norfolk virginia recognise gene, as it should. f i visited norfolk would i find no tribute to him. in the 50's etc all the british rockers including the beatles had to be dressed in identical suts etc. before being allowed ontv. thats why gene and eddie and all were never on the radio. i was 4 in 1957. ifirst heard rave on then blue suede shoes. a while later be bop a lula. still the greatest rock n roll anthem ever, sorry to go on tina, but thanks for putting my little tribute on the site. you get the gyst i hope |
Frank J Martinez Prosser Washington freedom1944@rocketmail.com I remember Gene very well he preformed in a small town called Wapato, in the state of washington at the phillipine Hall, there he performed his favor hits and I was in junior high had lots of fun but after the performance their were two couples were about to fight over Gene to see who would take him to breakfast.. I don't know what happened after that, because I left in a hurry. what a performances, I loved it. |
stacey england alexevansishot@live.com.au gene vincent was a godess and a brilliant man great rock'n'roll and will never be forgotton still buying his records todayÊ R.I.P gene :-) |
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Linda Roberts Zullinger, Pa. lindaroberts200@msn.com Happy Valentines Day to a Sweet Heart Sweet Gene. You are remembered today and always. Sending Hearts to Heaven. Lin. |
dennis clarke birmingham england dennisclarke1943@live.co.uk met gene a couple times 59 n 60s. he always gave his best at every show. i have many happy memories of gene's shows. god rest his soul |
tony budd london england tonybudd1@virginmedia.com overdone it in words last time. nobody in rock 'n' roll could hit you like gene. from bluejean bop to the day the world turned blue. as ian dury said the voice that cooled my heart. 40 years. but still the king of the rockers. thanks gene |
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manfred meyer heerlen limburg netherlands elvis269@hotmail.com I am a long time elvis fan, but I hear the great gene vincent singing songs and see him singing in music clips I think he is a rock god to, he have music in his heart and I think he was one of the best and great rocker to, I think he is in heaven with the boys and singing with eddie elvis buddy jonnhy carl roy, there is nevermore a great gene vincent |
terry wilson sun valley, california republic, usa bebopalula56@yahoo.com Without the rockin' culture of the '50s Gene Vincent's music would have been much different. Cat Man, Cruisin', Blue Jean Bop and others of his, could not have existed without rock 'n roll. Some recorded music made before the 1950s rock culture in a rockin' style; Gene Vincent recorded from the culture of the times hence he is so-o cool! Had the best band of 1956 hands down! And they could hang with any playing now days. A true Southern Gentleman as well, he acknowledged the music's dept to blues, yet was once a rhythm player in Link Wray's country band around 1950. He took country into another stratosphere and I hope his native homeland gives more radio play and respect. |
Lucas van Gompel belgium,prov.Antwerp,Hoogstraten luc.van.gompel@telenet.be Still miss him, after all these years. Sweet Gene Vincent, just like Ian Dury sang. Bought my 2 first albums, I was a strange guy, it was the new wave time. 1 album was Gene's capitol album Gene Vincent and the Bluecaps, album 2, Eddy's Lonely Steet. Still have them. I'm alone and when I'm feeling sad, i don't need the blues. Gene and Eddy, they make me feel good. Bought those records 30 years ago. Sweet Gene and Eddy, pals |
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Rocky La Pine, Oregon USA wozhog@q.com His music and the times will never be forgotten. Brings back the best memories of my life and that is all that is left of those "good old days". Rest in peace Gene |
clive hines melbourne, australia clivehines@hotmail.com MY DAD IAIN WAS THE PIANO PLAYER WITH THE ECHOES IN THE UK - AND ACCOMPANIED GENE ON BRITISH TOURS. HE LOVED AND LOVES GENE. AS HE OFTEN SAYS, A REAL GENTLEMAN WHO TRAVELLED WITH THE BAND MANY TIMES IN THE VAN RATHER IN A GRAND LIMO. THE CLOSER EACH SHOW WAS DAD'S ARRANGEMENT OF ONE NIGHT WITH YOU - IN WHICH GENE AND THE BAND DID A DRAMATIC VISUAL INSTRUMENTAL RAVE. THEY CAME OFF STAGE WITH SOAKED CLOTHES!! DAD WILL NEVER FORGET GENE. GOD BLESS GENE! |
Linda Roberts Zullinger, Pa. Glindaroberts200@msn.com Hey, Sweet Gene - Merry Christmas and To your buddies also, Billy and Eddie. Hope you all have a Rocking Christmas. Remembering you guys. Love you, Sweet Gene!!!! Lin. Merry Christmas Tina ... |
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Ron Breach Brooksville, FL., USA rbreach@tampabay.rr.com May God bless all of our great singing artist of our youth. They will never be forgotten. |
Nola Ross crazyhorse0703@yahoo.com I don't think I've ever heard a more beautiful voice as Gene. Up there in Rock N Roll Heaven. I miss him. |
Lucas van Gompel belgium,prov.Antwerp,Hoogstraten luc.van.gompel@telenet.be Still miss him, after all these years. Sweet Gene Vincent, just like Ian Dury sang. Bought my 2 first albums, I was a strange guy, it was the new wave time. 1 album was Gene's capitol album Gene Vincent and the Bluecaps, album 2, Eddy's Lonely Steet. Still have them. I'm alone and when I'm feeling sad, i don't need the blues. Gene and Eddy, they make me feel good. Bought those records 30 years ago. Sweet Gene and Eddy, pals |
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PATRICIA LAWRENCE DAMASCUS- OR- USA PATL788@FRONTIER.COM IN ABOUT 1959- PORTLAND,OR. WAYNE MARSHAL (LITTLE 40 FORD)TOOK ME OVER TO GENE VINCENTS HOUSE N.OR N.E.PTLD WE DRANK A FEW BEERS. GENE AND HIS WIFE WERE VERY DOWN TO EARTH, NICE PEOPLE. GENE SHOWED US THE BRACE ON HIS LEG. WAYNE AND GENE JAMMED AND SANG. GOOD TIMES GOOD PEOPLE.PATRICIA LAWRENCE. GREAT MEMORIES (I'M NOW 68 YRS. OLD) |
rich holland richied@wanadoo.nl If I am feeling down I listen to Gene. He had the true spirit of rock n roll. The fans star. I was twelve when he died but somehow I feel like he was a personal friend, when I talk to other rockers about him I see they feel the same. He was the daddy of them all. |
Leonardo Colombo Argentina leooo66@yahoo.com.ar One of the Kings of the R&R, without doubts!, I really love his powerful live performances, the way that he used to sing, not just with his voice...but his entire body and soul, that expressions in his face!. I play R&R in a 60«s cover band, a lot of Beatles stuff, and Gene was an inspiring idol for the Beatles for sure!. He is still alive in our ears and hearts!. |
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Martin Holland menak@kpnmail.nl I'm a long long time fan of gene vincent love his voiice and it's not only the rocksongs but his ballads are also great. Hope that some company bring out the tracks he made but never has realeasd on cd, like chaing gang, will you love me tomorrow. etc. Hope To hear all those tracks. Greetings from martin holland. |
Randy Jones Warrior Alabama United States melissas99gt@yahoo.com Gene Vincent is a rock n roll legend and he is greatly missed. rest in peace Gene. We love you. |
Linda Roberts Zullinger, Pa. Lindaroberts200@msn.com As tears stream down my cheeks. This very moment I am playing your music. I love everything about you. You truly were and you still are the greatest. Your Fans could never forget you . Many may have said some untrue things about you but, Sweet Gene You look down from Heaven and you see our hearts-so much love . Heaven now has the greatest Band -Billy Fury, Eddie Cochran and Sweet Gene. Always remember each star that shines in Heaven is an earthly love from one of your Fans. I wish I could have seen you and I pray someday I will. I have to ask-- Where were your wives when you were going through difficult times . True love is forgiving and standing by your man. Your a man any woman would die for. I hear the hurt in you songs I feel your hurt when I watch your videos when I look in your eyes. Remember you are loved a true love from your Fans. I love all that Tina does to keep your memory alive , but really who could forget.There never was or will be anyone greater. Sorry Eddie and Billy, Gene, did I see a SMILE? Guys , your great still but , Sweet Gene my love---your the Brightest Star. Love you. Thanks Tina |
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jim bean wingate co durham england joan bean @ymail.com ive just been playing 2 hours of gene vincent and i must say inever tire of listening even after 54 years when i first heard be bop a lula god has certainly got some great singers up there but i bet gene is on first spot on a saturday night keep rocking gene lifelongg fan |
Hartmann Jean Claude Mulhouse - France jchartmann@live.fr Nous sommes trois freres fan de gene quel talent qui a fait deux passages a Mulhouse en mars 1964 et octobre 1967 tu seras toujours dans nos coeurs nous avons profiter pour voir les blue caps lors de leur concert a Munich en 1993 super merci gegene |
linda roberts penna. lindaroberts200@msn.com I LOVE THIS GUY HE TRULY WAS THE GREATEST. THANKS TINA, FOR KEEPING HIS MEMORY ALIVE . SWEET GENE YOUR THOUGHT OF EVERY DAY. LOVE YOU A BEAUTIFUL STAR IN HEAVEN. |
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David davidy30002001@yahoo.co.uk Hello i think Gene Vincent is great. i have his photos on my bedroom wall and i listen to his old music, David |
Lynda Thorowgood Yorkshire Dales, England bronfay@hotmail.co.uk I grew up in Bromley Kent UK and in the early 1960's I was part of a large group of local friends who before mobile phones used to meet at he 227 bus stop early on a Saturday night to discuss what our options were for the evening. The bus stop was on a traffic island and had a roof so it was a good central place to meet. David Jones, later Bowie was one of us. Our usual choices were either a party somewhere which someone knew of or preferably live music somewhere, Bromley Court Hotel for jazz, Eden Park Beckenham where Manfred Mann sometimes played, Pub at Bexley to watch Ginger Baker drum, The Rookery at Bromley Common and the Civic Hall at Orpington. It was here that we used to regularly see Gene Vincent in his black leathers, which was always exciting and we'd spend the whole evening jiving away to his music. Very happy memories. |
wingate co durham england joan.bean@ymail.com first saw gene 1959 with eddie at stockton globe theatre what a show i can still hear the music playing to this day. i have just about every gene vincent record he recorded. a true fan since 1956. lets rock |
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Gene Vincent FanClub genevincentfrance@yahoo.fr Thank you to everyone who participated to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Gene Vincent and his fan club for at this date of February 11, we are very happy for the memory of Gene Vincent - thanks to Chris for flowers. For any information: read fan club on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/gettingstarted.php#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000473155825 |
MEL WILLIAMS ALORA SPAIN melnearlyfamous@yahoo.co.uk I am so lucky, my brother and I, "Ron and Mel" toured France and Belgium with Gene in 63. I became a real friend and many times thought it was a dream. I have a great foto of Gene with a very special message on it.For those of you who weren't so lucky let me say that Gene Vincent was a gentleman, a great talent, a real professional, and to me a friend. Love you Gene. |
Tina Craddock USA TinaCraddock@aol.com Happy birthday Paul still remember all the stunts u guy's played in the Portsmouth va. Love u Guys, Tina craddock & the Family Tara Steele Niagara Falls, NY USA steeletara@msn.com Thank you Gene and Tina and Family. We will always remember your wonderful family and the true light and pure soul that Gene is. |
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valerie london, england dragonflyval@aol.com saw gene with eddie at woolwich 13th feb 1960 and loved them both, also lived near welling and saw gene when he lived there but never had the nerve to speak to him, much regretted. i transferred my records to tape a few years ago and often play gene's records when i remember my younger days. he was the best. |
Germany guitartown@t-online.de Happy Birthday to your 75 Birthday, Gene! We remember you and listen to your Voice every Day. you are such a big Part of our Lives, because of your great lovely Personality you were always more than just a Rock N Roll Singer! your are sadly missed every Day! In loving Memory forever! |
Tina Craddock U.S.A. tinacraddock@aol.com We would like to thank everyone for remembering Gene on his birthday. The Craddock Family |
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BARRIE WATTS ORQUAY DEVON ENGLAND GBW0362@GOOGLEMAIL.COM HI TINA, I HAVE JUST COME ACROSS THIS SITE AND ENJOYED READING THE EMAILS ABOUT GENE. EVEN THOUGH I AM IN MY FIFTIES I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO SEE YOUR BROTHER PLAY. HE HAD THAT UNIQUE SOUND. I PLAY HIM IN MY CAR ON THE WAY TO WORK. FUNNY HOW MUSIC GIVES YOU THAT FEEL GOOD FEELING. REST ASSURED YOUR BROTHER GENE IS NOW PLAYING WITH ALL THE OTHER BIG CATS IN THE BIGGEST ROCK N ROLL SHOW GOD HAS EVER SEEN ... KEEP ROCKING THEM IN THE AISLES GENE, BARRIE TORQUAY DEVON. |
Sandy McKinley babycakes548@charter.net When I was a teen ager in the fifties I loved Genes music. I bought a couple of records of his and when I read in a magazine he was in the hospital I wrote him a letter. To my surprise he wrote me back and sent the brief note on the back of one of his black and white pictures. He thanked me for writing him and said he would be fine soon. I still have this picture in same condition as I got it in the fifties. Also have 2 of his 45's. I am glad I found this site. Thank you, Sandy |
Andy Kern Pendleton, IN. U.S.A andrewkernaselvis@yahoo.com>br> I Am A Musican,I Play In A rockabilly Band. Were I Sing And Play Guitar And Gene You Are One Of My Influences in my music. i play some of your songs. Gene you were and still are the rockist cat in the galexsey!!! |
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Gene Vincent FanClub France genevincentfrance@yahoo.fr Merry Christmas and happy new year 2010 for all Gene Vincent fans. Thanks Tina! We lov u. Lee-Loo, President and founder "Lonely Street" Gene Vincent FAN CLUB - http://gene-vincent.iquebec.com/ |
colin newnham maidstone kent england colinnewnham1@fsmail.net just found this website its great that you are all keeping genes music alive, i was a great fan, i saw him at our local theatre. happy new year to you all. |
RORY BLACKWELL DEVON ENGLAND roryblackwell@aol.com GVcomment = I WORKED WITH GENE ON OVER 60 SHOWS WITH MY R'N'R BAND "RORY BLACKWELL AND THE BLACKJACKS". HE WAS NOT ONLY SOMONE I WORKED WITH, BUT BECOME MY BEST FRIEND WHEN WE WAS ON TOUR. HE WAS NOT JUST A GREAT TALENT, BUT A GREAT FRIEND. NEVER FORGET YOU ... RORY BLACKWELL. |
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danny janssen arendonk belgium rockabillydan@live.be you'll always be the greatest! |
Tina Craddock tinacraddock@aol.com Hi everyone, Tina here. Wishing u a wonderful holiday. A special thanx to Martina & Harold, Lee-Loo, Chris and how could I forget Bob & Dianne. Lov and think of all of my brother's fans. I wish all of u Happiness, Love, all of your lives. |
Lorna Dinsdale Queensland, Australia roselor03@bluemaxx.com.au I have just read some of the tributes....I don't know when this page was started....but it is 30th November 2009 now......I too remember "Be Bop" as one of his most popular recordings....it certainly got the crowd up dancing and singing....and still does today and I'm in my sixties... |
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charles berger bethel ct USA charros43y@aol.com I am doing a one-hour presentation on 10-29-09 in Danbury CT on controversial records of 1950-1990. Gene's "Woman Love" will be discussed and played as well as a brief review of his life. I'm a "senior citizen" so remember him quite well - great performer, awful private life ... |
Pat Keedwell nee Hobbs I wonder if my old pen pal Marti Blaak from Groningen in Holland is still around? He was a mad keen Gene Vincent fan too and we used to correspond regularly about our favourite singer in the early sixties. Maybe he will read this and remember Pat from Wolverhampton. |
Bill Head Sussex England billhead1@tiscali.co.uk Gene in my thoughts 38 years gone but the memories of your fabulous music your fantastic thrilling stage performances will stay with me & all your loyal fans forever, nobody but nobody did it better. |
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Tina Craddock USA tinacraddock@aol.com Happy 4th of July and a very sad good bye to Michael Jackson. From the Craddock Family. |
FRANK DALE ESSEX ENGLAND FRA.NORM@talktalk.net I first saw Gene at the old Finsbury Park Empire in North London along with Eddie Cochran, the last time I saw him was on one Sunday night at the world famous London Palladium. In between I saw him many times along with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard & Brenda Lee. One night at a club in Tottenham called the Noreik I had the great pleasure of meeting the great man and when he signed my programme he asked me my name so that he could write to Frank best wishes Gene Vincent, sadly it got lost over the years. By then I had completely lost it and walked backwards out of Gene's dressing room bowing all the time. I sent an E-Mail to Tina telling her some of this and told her that Weeping Willow was my favourite song, to my great suprise and delight she replied the very next day telling me that their mum used to sing this to them when they were kids, I beleive it was played at her funeral. Gene was the greatest artist I have ever seen in my life. God bless you. Gene the true king of rock and roll |
Agneta Norrtalje Sweden aum@spray.se We didn't hear many of Gene's songs in Sweden in those days. Now I have discovered him on YouTube. The songs I love most is She little Sheila and Am I that easy to forget. I am glad my picture of Gene has never been dirtied by a lot of bad rumors that I hear was around. I love Gene, he seemed such a good person. I look forward to meet and listen to you in heaven Gene! |
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The Feral Hillbilly Orange, NSW, Australia andcool@southernphone.com.au Gene Vincent, to me, was & still is the undisputed absolute'KING' of 50s R & R, even though he 'belted out' the purest, most tasteful, rawest, wildest, uninhibited, most polished Rockabilly- [& not just the high energy up-tempo 'screamers'- Gene's {& band} Balladry is just so EXQUISITE!!!] - perhaps (definitely so to me) in the history of the genre. Through the varying personell line-ups of the truly legendary Bluecaps to the UK & French/European Continent years whether 'live' or in the studio, with Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, the great Norrie Paramor, The Shouts, various 'studio' session musos also demonstrated to me Gene's complete versatility as a 'Supreme' artist of the highest order. I should state that Rockabilly & Gene & his music are one of many overwhelming personal passions (& obssessions-I am an OCD VICTOR). 'Ifs' simply DO NOT exist, but I do indulge myself with 'IF' Gene had have had his own personal Colonel Tom Parker, musical history would have turned out VASTLY different. Of this I have NO doubt. With 'IF' in mind, between Elvis & Gene, to me, it was (& still is) a 'NO CONTEST'. Gene wins 'Hands Down' EVERY time for me. My all time favourite Guitarist, out of the literally many thousands of 5*, Top-Notch, Top-Flight, AAA rated 'Guitar Slingers' I regularly listen to, is 'Galloping' Cliff Gallup, once again for the frenzy he whips me into with his PURE EXCITING artistry. Once again with the Balladry as well as the high-octane 'Rafter Raisers' he recorded with Gene. Really a mere handful of recorded songs, 35 all told, but Cliff is of vital importance musically to ALL who followed as well as to his contemporaries, at least to this nut. 'Why do I compare & some (perhaps many?) might say 'ramble on' about 'pitting' Gene against Elvis? Quite Simply, Gene NEVER lost his drive, excitement, passion for his artistry & the artistry itself. As far as I know (& as far as I'm concerned) Gene NEVER had to 'Re-invent' himself & NEVER 'lost his edge'. I've heard (I dare to say most, if not all) of Gene's recordings from 1956-1964. I feel extremely unfortunate that I haven't heard any post-Shouts 1964 recordings, apart from an LP I want to 'ramble on' about in a bit. I am aware of the German Bear Records Boxed Set of ALL recordings 1956-1971 & have tabs on it through a specialty shop here in Oz. This is my 'big ticket' goal for this year. I actually think it is very reasonably priced at $500 Australian, or thereabouts-given variations in exchange rates. Especially when I think of the absolute wealth (Gems Of Gold!!!) contained within, having all of those recordings available for posterity (& my personal enjoyment!), doing my small part in keeping Gene's music very much ALIVE into the future, is quite literally PRICELESS. Now to this LP. It is titled 'Rhythm In Blue' & was compiled & released in 1979 by a very close friend of Gene's from the 60s UK days (as claimed in album liner notes-though I don't d oubt) named Greg Brook. The 'label' it is pressed on is (quite fittingly)'Blue Cap Records'. I have had a 'quick look' at a couple of other sites (& now thankfully have found the 'Official Site' [Hooray!]) & could find no mention of it. It is unreleased (at time of LP release) 'Live' & Studio Recordings. I am going to 'check out' the Discography after submitting this, but wish to close with the liner notes, written by Greg. "From 1960 to 1967 Gene lived in London attempting a come-back. Times were tough for him in the late '60s & resulted in acute depression & bleeding ulcers. I first met Gene Vincent on 4th August 1961 in London England, and later on we became very good friends. I had always liked his music prior to meeting him and I became a big fan of his. We became so friendly, that later, I travelled with him to all of his concerts. This album is dedicated lovingly to the memory of Gene & his music. It is the only live & unreleased material available in the world today. The concert in France is, as far as I can discover, the only Gene Vincent concert in existence. A true collector's item for all fans of Gene worldwide, and this will make his memory live on forever-(HERE, HERE!). I hope that you will enjoy listening to this last performing testimony to the great creativity of Gene" Most Sincerely Greg Brook. This Lp is FAR from being a Hi-Fi recording, BUT IT'S STILL GENE AT HIS BEST! If any other Gene 'Nutters' wish to contact me, please feel free to do so. In Loving Memory Of The 'Greatest of Greats' - AC |
killcare. nsw, australia davidd@aspect.net.au GVcomment = Funny that Gene Vincent is someone that was not greatly appreciciated in Australia, even though he was the originator of rock and roll and the first true rock and roll stage persona. Funny also that there is alot of commonality between Gene Vincent and Australian rock luminaries like JOK, AC/DC, radio birdman, Hoodoo Gurus , etc. Australia owes a lot to GV, and I suspectb does not know it. In fact a lot of rock musicians owe a lot to GV and do not know it. After listening to GV for a number of years and acknowledging that 'race with the devil' is one of the most on key rockabilly songs, I have only recently got into the later songs of Gene, notably 'Sunshine' and 'Slow Times'. These prove that Gene was so much more than the applaudable Blue Caps. These later productions really has made me understand this complex man a bit more, and appreciate the voice and spirit. Not a 'good guy' like Eddie, I believe Genes legend will grow stronger and stronger the further we leave his time. DD |
JANIE LEVERING DALLAS, TEXAS USA alwayslost@sbcglobal.net I USED TO GO THE BIG "D" JAMBOREE HERE IN DALLAS DURING THE 50'S... AND WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE MET & PARTIED WITH SOME OF THE PERFORMERS THAT PLAYED THERE. ONE EVENING I WAS ASKED TO ATTEND A PARTY THAT GENE WAS HAVING, I GOT TO MEET HIM AND HE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON.HE GAVE ME AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF "BE-BOP A LOOLA". I TREASURE IT STILL! I OFTEN WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM, TONITE I FOUND OUT...HE WAS FAR TOO YOUNG TO HAVE DIED LIKE THAT. HE WAS A GREAT TALENT AND WOULD HAVE GONE ON TO BIGGER N' BETTER THINGS... |
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Nick Vince essex England Nickyvince@aol.com A great rock and roller. I always remember hearing B I Bickey Bi Bo Bo Go and was overcome by the frantic frenzied music and awesome guitar riffs of Cliff Gallup. After 36 years i still play this song and it still has that great inimitable sound that will last for ever. The good die young and always those with talent leave us wondering what heights he could have aspired to have greater luck and fortunee had come his way the best, forget the rest. Rock and roll gave me the best years of my life or should I say Gene Vincent did and always will ... |
JOE ALERCIA BETHLEHEM PA JOESLEUTH@AOL.COM I DONT KNOW WHAT MADE ME LOOK UP YOUR NAME GENE BUT, I JUST TURNED 67 AND I AM REGRESSING TO THE PAST WHEN MUSIC AND SINGING ARTIST WERE GREAT I LOOK BACK AT THE ERA WHEN YOU AND OTHER ARTIST GAVE US THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO FOLLOW HOPE THAT ALL YOU GUYS GOT A GOOD BAND GOING WHEREVER YOU ARE. |
Joe Peden Liverpool England joeypeden@yahoo.co.uk GVcomment = I was always aware of Gene Vincent and the bluecaps when I was a baby, as my Dad would play the records and sing along. I have amazing memories of my Dad that come flooding back when I hear Gene Vincent which makes me hold his music very close to my heart. Every now and then I pass the old Wookey Hollow club here in Liverpool and give a thought for Gene and remember this was his last gig. Thanx for the music Gene we miss you. Joe |
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Ron Eyben Abbotsford, B C Canada ronand_deyben@shaw.ca While working on a job in Whitehorse Yukon in 1970 or spring '71 (Im 70 now cant remember for sure)I saw Gene Vincent one night in a club. I enjoyed the show he performed and never got a chance to talk to him. You can imagine my surprise the very next day when I found myself sitting in a front window seat left isle on a plane to Vancouver and sitting across from me at the opposite front window seat was Gene. It wasnt a very full plane so we each had the whole front row. On takeoff I noticed him very nervous and staring up at the ceiling so I slid across and asked if we could talk and maybe ease the tension. He was VERY obliging and explained that he always got nervous on take-offs. I also explained that I was a member of anorganiztion that put on regular dances in Surrey BC and one of our band members did a pretty good rendition of "B bop a lulu" and that my wife was picking me up at the airport and I would like nothing better to have him with me incognito and when my guy finished the song I ould introduce the "ORIGINAL" one and only! (He had allready told me he had an extensive layover and didnt look forward to waiting in the airport for 8 hours). I was thrilled that he even considered it or at least humoured me. After we landed and Before my wife got there he managed to get an earlier flight and made a special effort to thank me and told me how he enjoyed the conversation down to Vancouver. A trip I will never forget and my brush with Fame! Ron Eyben, Abbotsford B C Canada |
mick cowennor norfolk england m.cowen411@btinternet..commiss miss those days so does eddie.why aint he mentioned much? |
frank gill sheffield south yorkshire My older brother and myself went all - over the u.k.to see Gene on our motorbikes usually with a gang of mates . WWe watched him and Eddie on the fatefull tour in 1960 also the iconic show in Manchester. Will always remember going in a cafe on Blackpool pier, after a bunch of us had watched Genes show, sat there was Gene, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and a few other rockers. Guess what no autograph book, my brother still has the Park Drive packet [cigarettes] with their autographs on. When the rest of our mates came in non of them would sign their names except a very curtious and funny Gene Vincent. |
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terry fowles england flo@tiscali.co.uk first heard gene when walking into a bar in the isle of man about 1979/80, be bop a lula ... once heard, never forgotten ... thanks gene, r.i.p. black leather, black harleys, pink thunderbirds rule |
Eddie McManus Shepperton, middlesex. UK eddie.mcmanus@btinternet.com I played bass guitar for Gene when he toured France in 1963. He was a lovely man, a real gentleman. We got on so well and I met up with him in England years after I finished playing for him - we had a drink and spoke about old times. He's always in my thoughts, a great guiy. Bless you Gene. |
Geoff Peepall Tannum Sands Queensland Australia Ocean.Slayer139@optusnet.com.au I had only heard a couple of Genes songs until recently. Browsing through a CD stand I came across a CD "Ain't that too much". It's worth it's weight in gold. A keen rock 'n' roll music lover and dancer, this CD is one of my favourites. The man certainly had a magic quality and his music is superb. Certainly ranks alongside the all time greats. RIP Gene --- Geoff 03/04/2009. |
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Pat Keedwell Wolverhampton England keedwell462@btinternet.com he Adelphi Ballroom at West Bromwich was where I used to see Gene and Sounds Incorporated when I was very young. It was so exciting to go and STAND right at the front with my ribs pressed against the edge of the stage, the saxophones blaring and Gene in black leather lying across the grand piano singing his heart out. Once I even got onto the stage to take photographs (where are they now?). I recall arriving at the Adelphi very early one time and saw Gene walk down to the corner (to the pub) and he dropped a cigarette end which I kept for years much to amusement of my school pals. I was too shy to approach him but HOW I WISH I HAD NOW. Happy memories of CRAZY TIMES. |
Martina Germany guitartown@t-online.de Happy Birthday Sweet Gene! I love you and Miss You!! |
Peter Jamieson Gers. France peter.jamieson@orange.fr Hi Tina, Just a quick message for all Gene's fans - we must all vote for Gene to be inducted into the "Hit Parade Hall of Fame". At present Gene has 248 votes but he will need around 1000 at least! Please all vote fote for Gene - One vote for each e mail address, but you can vote for other artists. Click on to the Hit Parade Hall of Fame site and vote for Gene and your other favourite artists. God bless you and all fans of Gene and the Blue Caps. |
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luis buenos aires, argentina luismiguelfossa@ciudad.com.ar Gene, gracias por tu musica!!!! |
Martina Gene was a wonderful Person and amazing Singer and Performer from 1956 till his last Song in 1971. I don't care about the Stories People told, who said they "Know" Gene and his so called "Friends". I'm sure Nobody of them know the Real Gene, because they don't really care about him! I never heard of another Performer who loved and lived Music more than Gene did. Music was his Reason for living! You can hear this in every Song! I remember Gene Every Day not only on his Dying Day today. |
Peter Allen Barton on Humber Lincs England ppcallen@btinternet.com My band had the pleasure of backing Gene in 1965 for a few gigs including a TV show broadcast from the Cavern Club in Liverpool to France. gene was a lovely generous man who was misused by managers particularly Don Arden and this made him suspicious of many people. He was worked to death literally. The greatest rocker ever with the sweetest voice that to this day can still reduce me to tears. God bless you from someone who still thinks of you as a friend. |
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Tina Craddock USA tinacraddock@aol.com If u r any where near Hollywood the play Be-Bop-A-Lula is playing at the Cat Club, yes, Gene is still the bad guy but with a twist. It is the last show at the Cat Club on the 29th. Hope To See U There. Tina |
Theirry BERTRANd Gislaved, SWEDEN thierry.bertrand@telia.com The fist time I heard Gene I was about 10 years old and the song was a 1971 be bop a lula version on a english radio show. That version was incredible! I now am 45 years old and I have many records of gene, many collectors item and thanks to youtube and the ppl sharing what they have I have seen and heard Gene working on tour and answering to radio commentator who sometimes were very provocativ towards Gene. Gene defended amongs others Jerry lee Lewis's integrity on radio live when some reporter tried to make him say that Gene is the right r n' r man and Jerry Lee was following the style of the time. The man was a professional, a REAL professional to the last show and he gave all to his fans. Gene stayed for hours after the shows to give autographs. I mean hours not minutes. I listen to all music today, but I still find it very disturbing that the man never were aknowledged in the states. For even today ppl know about him in France and england. Why? For he was real! Besides, his last album is one of the best ever, at least for me. |
Lee-Loo - French Fan Club - Gene Vincent France genevincentfrance@yahoo.fr Please, think of "Vince", today ... Vincent (II) Craddock - Gene's son. Lee-Loo |
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Daniel Caillot France daniel.caillot2@wanadoo.fr je suis un vieux de 63 ans et Gene Vincent est toute ma jeunesse j'ai eu l'occasion de le voir en France a l'Olympia et la Mutualite a Paris j'ecoute regulierement ses chansons pour moi Gegene est toujours la ainsi que son pote Eddie Cochran |
ALDO VALENZUELA GRANDON SANTIAGO DE CHILE Quitin 232@yahoo.es Sin lugar a dudas el verdadero REY del Rock,su talento y virtuosismo musical no tiene fecha de vencimiento, su musica aun en el 2008 suena aun viva y fresca,ni con toda la tecnologia de hoy lograrian sonar como el y su banda Los Blue Caps, no en vano sus musicos, a lo mejor sin quererlo dejaron el sonido caracteristicos,que a pesar de que aparentemente es simple dudo que se pueda igualar. Ademas no hay que olvidar que de ellos se nutrieron muchos tales como. The Beatles, Elvis, etc. Pero dejo su semilla musical para la eternidad,tanto Gene;como Edie, Budy, Richi retornaron a las estrellas de donde fueron enviados y estoy seguro que desde alla, preparan el regreso triunfal para rescatar la corona de REYES por siempre Gracias por la Musica |
REX WEINER HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, USA bebopalulatheplay@gmail.com This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting over lunch in Burbank with Gene's sister Tina Craddock, her sweet grandson Zander, and her great friend Chris Bouyer and his young daughter. It was one of those restaurants with pictures of Elvis and other rockers on the walls, and vintage rock playing over the sound system. I told Tina how honored I was that she'd been in the audience for opening night Sept 8 of my play, Be Bop A Lula, at the Cat Club on Sunset Strip. I was very pleased that she'd enjoyed it. We talked of Gene, and she told me so many fascinating things that most people don't know about him (off-stage he was very polite, soft-spoken and well-behaved, contrary to his image!), and it was really a wonderful conversation. And then, just as we were saying goodbye and getting ready to leave the restaurant, the music came over the speakers... it was Gene singing Be Bop A Lula! We took it for a sign that he must have been very close by. Thanks, Tina! And thanks, Gene! |
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Bob Tannock Scotland I took up playing guitar on hearing Gene and the Bluecaps and went on to a professional career in rock and roll. Saw him four times live and was amazed by his energy and stage presence. I am now well into my sixties, and still play his records on a regular basis. He had soul and every note was from his heart. I now entertain people on a charity basis, and still sing his songs. God bless you Gene. You inspired me, and gave so much pleasure. |
Brian Temlett Croydon, England temlettb@yahoo.com I met Gene in Bic's cafe in Hammersmith between two seances at the local Cinema, got his autograph. |
Terry Wilson Sun Valley, CA REP USA terry58@lycos.com The first time I became aware of Gene Vincent was on a local television show in about 1969. It was about the how the early rockers influenced fashion or were influenced by it. One of the men showed was Gene Vincent. He looked and sounded more cool and manly than the hippy heavy metal types (whose music I liked). It was not until I was told about the Art LaBoe radio show, in 1970, that I could hear his music consistently; dug it then, dig it now. His archetype of rock-a-billy look became the basis of a cartoon character I made as well. May he rest in peace the world may have never given him for long. |
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Ray Kingsland Clacton Essex England ray.62@hotmail.co.uk 26th July 2008 - I was 9 years old when Gene performed one of his last gigs in England 1971 at the Fishmongers arms Woodgreen North London ... you could say I was born to late, a living legend playing just up the road while i was tucked up in bed. I would listen to the radio growing up and when Be Bop A Lula would play it would grab my attention. When I was 17 I got into the resurgent Rockabilly scene and my favorites were Gene & Eddie and I have never tired of their songs. It is lovely to watch the faces of people when I play them Gene's over the rainbow, as all they know him for is Be bop a lula so they are in shock on discovering who the singer is. And on discovering this site it is good to know, I'm not alone with my undying admiration to the Black Leather Rebel. ROCK ON GENE. |
Henrik Forss Orange, CA USA (originally from Sweden) liveandjive@hotmail.com Nothing can even come close to Gene ... he is, was and still are amazing. I grew up listening to his songs, driving to fast down the highway just blasting the stereo and singing along. It's freedom and alotta attitude. LOVE IT! |
Andre Sleeuwits Rotterdam / Holland a.sleeuwits@chello.nl Gene Vincent, whe never forget you! When i die, they play your song, "somewhere over the rainbow". Thanks for your great music! I always remember you ... |
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Rockabilly Richie Chicago, USA rockabillyrichie@hotmail.com There sure are a lot of people who have left a comment. What a great thing this is for Gene's memory. Thanks for sharing the tribute photos with us, and if you ever have a tribute musically again and need someone to fill in on upright bass, guitar, elec. bass, piano or "clapper" give me a holler!! |
fernando tirado Knoxville, TN elvis57@iwon.com Very good singer - i like to know where is gene vincent son? |
Evelyne: Ervin Travis' sister FRANCE thecla@live.fr ENE, MY SWEET GENE. I'll never walk alone, because i'm with you always and for ever ... |
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Memphis Dave (David Underberg) Memphis Tennessee David-Valentino@Cox.net When I was a kid, I was looking in an old thrift store and seen a crude 45 "Blujean Bop". Well, I liked Elvis and the song sounded cool ... I thought I'd try my luck and spend 50 cents. Well, I figured out there was more than Elvis Presley and ... a Rock-A-Billy cat is what I was found/born to be!!! Now I'm stuck in Laguna Beach but, my heart will always be in Memphis Tennessee. Gene Vincent - What A Rocker man!! David Underberg (29 yrs), 28091 Westfield Drive, Laguna Niguel, Ca 92677 Any foreigners coming to California, come on over, there's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on!! |
Simon Rodriguez Pacoima Ca USA simonlrod@yahoo.com Everytime Im in Newhall or nearby Valencia I always come see Mr.Vincent, always remembering how much joy this man has brought me. You are to me the greatest and I for one will always be proud to wear my Blue Cap |
Tina Craddock USA tinacraddock@aol.com Hi just a quick note to thank everyone for their support, and all the pictures and books they have sent me. Most grateful, Tina |
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spike trimdon, england napperspikes@aol.com dear gene, coming to see you 'n' eddie when i get there, please save me a good seat. (how missed you are). |
TINA CRADDOK
U.S.A. TINACRADDOCK@AOL.COM WELL HERE I AM AGAIN READING A BOOK ABOUT MY BROTHER, THIS ONE WRITTEN BY JOHN COLLIS. THIS IS THE MOST STUPID BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. IT DEALS WITH INTERVIEW'S FROM MARGIE WHO GENE CAUGHT SLEEPING WITH ANOTHER MAN IN GENE'S OWN HOUSE. I'M SURE DON ARDEN WAS GOOD TO HER, SHE WAS VERY GOOD TO HIM. ADRIAN WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A GOOD FRIEND OF GENE'S (WHAT A JOKE, HE LIVED OFF GENE) AND THEN HELPED MARGIE BRING HIM TO ENGLAND AND CERTAIN DEATH. DARLENE WAS NOT A DEPENDABLE PERSON LOOK WHAT SHE DID TO HER OWN CHILDERN. NOW I HAVE A QUESTION WHO IS SHERRI VINCENT NEVER HEARD OF THIS PERSON, IF THIS IS SHERRI CRADDOCK I WANT TO TELL HER VINCENT WAS NOT A REAL NAME IT WAS A STAGE NAME. HIS NAME WAS EUGENE VINCENT CRADDOCK, VINCENT WAS A STAGE NAME NOTHING MORE. WELL I GUESS I'VE SAID ENOUGH, BUT THESE POEPLE WHO WRITE ABOUT MY BROTHER ARE JUST JACK ASSES. |
Mr. Morgan sweden Hippie_hyddan@hotmail.com Be-bop-alula is one of my favorite songs ... R.I.P |
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Tammie Holloway Hello, I am Tammie Holloway, the oldest daughter of Ruth Ann Hand. Just wanted to get the word out that Ruth Ann passed away Wednesday April 2, 2008. I grew up hearing stories of her short time with Gene. She will be missed. Tammie |
Tina Craddock
USA Tinacraddock@aol.com Just a quick note to say good-bye to RUTH ANN who passed away on April 2 2008. This was Gene's first wife. Tina |
ricky suarez argentina presidenciadelanacion@uol.com.ar keep on rockin' gene keep on!! |
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Paul Jeffries Bedford England ironduke9@yahoo.com I followed Gene on most of his tours here in the uk and was allways in the front. he was amazing. He played several times in Bedford and once i was waiting by the stage exit with other fans and he recognised me and said to me hello sir, I keep seeing you, that made me up I can tell you. I met him after that at The Hammersmith Palai in london. My wife was pregnant and we both were allowed into his dressing room, I told Gene if it was a boy I would name it after him, he said it would be an honour. I asked him if he would name the baby if it was a girl and he sat back in his seat and said he liked the name sheri, and thats what she is and sings with me in a band called Sheri's Hit Men. Gene was a great guy allways so polite and a great performer. no one could fill his shoes thats for sure. God Bless Him. |
Johnny CALAVERA Sevilla jscara@hotmail.com Gene, you'll never died ... Lets Rock!! |
freek strootman nederland frestro@hotmail.com I'm almost 40 and i bought 10 years ago i lowbudget cd of Gene Vincent, than not knowing who he was. Now 10 years later and many cd's later, i'm a big fan of a big man of rock and roll. Even his last recording distance drums sound, while he was very sick, good. He was the greatest!! - freek |
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JFK Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Met Gene when he returned to Fargo, North Dakota in 1967 while I was attending Moorhead State College. He was appearing at the Round Up in Fargo. We had a great time back stage drinking beer between sets. I became a Gene Vincent fan growing up in Hastings on Hudson, New York & like everyone back then tried to sing like Gene. God Bless him. JFK |
EFFENBERG VERVIERS, LIEGE, BELGIUM henri_effenberg@hotmail.com I first greet Gene's family to say that we will never forget the most famous rock and roller the world has ever had. I remember watching him on tv when he sang at the Olympia in Paris in the early 60's. He was so impressive and I bought several of his records I still listen to today. Goodbye. |
Sandra Z Los Angeles CA USA zlincoln@pacbell.net I was at the 1957 show at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago - a young lass of 14, and Gene autographed my arm! I didn't wash it for 2 weeks, until my mother said I should wash it off. No picture of it, so instead today I have a tattoo of the music from "Be Bop A Lula" Gene started my love of real rock n'roll, and I still live it to this day. LOVE YOU, GENE! Sandra Z |
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TINA CRADDOCK U.S.A. TINACRADDOCK@AOL.COM I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHERE ALL THESE POEPLE WHO WRITE BOOK'S ABOUT MY BROTHER GET THEIR INFORMATION. EXAMPLE: GENE CAUGHT MARGIE IN BED WITH ANOTHER PERSON, WHERE IS THAT IN THE BOOKS. THERE ARE SO MANY MORE THINGS THAT ARE NOT PRINTED ABOUT MY BROTHER. I'VE BEEN TOLD POEPLE DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE GOOD THINGS. MY BROTHER WAS NOT AN ANGEL (JUST SANG LIKE ONE). BUT NEITHER WAS HE A CRAZY, DRUGGED OUT LOSER. TINA (PROUD TO BE THE SISTER OF GENE VINCENT) CRADDOCK |
Jim Church Windsor Ontario Canada jimmy59ca2001@yahoo.com Gene was great, had unique qualities, I was impressed when he said, Elvis is a real nice guy, but he is doing his thing and I am doing mine, I thought that was real first class, thanks to the french fans for keeping things going, gene was the greatest and still is, is there anybody performing right now that is a tribute to Gene that is good, thanks Jim |
SHELLY NHANTS ENGLAND SWOPPED MY FIRST PAIR OF BROTHEL CREEPERS FOR MY FIRST GENE RECORDING. IT WAS THE ALBUM GENE VINCENT & BLUE CAPS (CLASSIC). I WAS ONLY 14 AT THE TIME. DISC IN GOOD NIK COVER TATTY. WOT A IMPRESSION THAT MADE! THE VOICE, AND WOT A COLLECTION OF MUSICIONS. TRULEY THE ONLY ROCKIN GROUP WITH 100% BOL356KS. I HAVE HIS NAME TATTOED ACROSS MY BACK, IN LARGE COLOURED SCRIPT, MY TRIBUTE, TO MY MUSIC, TO THE MAIN MAN. IM NOW 45 AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PASSION. MY KIDS WHEN YOUNG, WHO IS GENE VINCENT? ID PLAY GENES SONGS, THEY SAID THATS CRAP, STRANGE HOW THEY NO THE LYRICS. EVERY DAY HE IS PLAYED. HE WILL LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF MANY FOREVER. |
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Marco Laukkanen Helsinki, Finland elmacu69@gmail.com Love and respect one of most greatest ROCK'N'ROLL singer. And my childhood memores, all ways gives me chills when i play your songs!! ROCK*N*ROLL FOREVER! - SUOMI |
JOHN PERKINS isle of wight, england johnarizonaboy@tiscali.co.uk I WAS ABOUT 14 YEARS OLD WHEN I FIRST HEARD BLUEJEAN BOP. ME AND MY MATES WERE JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THIS NEW SOUND. WE WERE INSTANT GENE FANS FROM THEN ON. WE SAW GENE ON STAGE AT ODEON CINEMAS IN SOUTH LONDON AT LEWISHAM AND WOOLWICH AND COLLECTED ALL GENE'S RECORDS. AS I SCROLL THROUGH ALL THE TRIBUTES ON THE SITE, ITS NICE TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO APPRECIATE WHAT GENE GAVE US AND FEEL THE MUSIC AS I DO. |
Lou Lagrave Cave Creek, Arizona, USA ljlagrave@cox.net I grew up in the '50's, and I always liked Gene Vincent. I remember seeing him with the Blue Caps on BW TV. I still have my old 45's of Be Bop a Lula/Woman Love and Lotta' Lovin'. When Woman Love came out there was a lot of discussion as to whether Gene was saying "I'm lookin' for a woman with a one track mind. A ----in' and a kissin' and a smoochin' all the time. The big "controversy" was whether or not he was saying "huggin'" or "f***in'". You can imagine how much play that got in the '50's! I was in the 7th grade at the time. Over 50 years later, it still makes me smile just thinking about it. He had a great voice. So sad that his health didn't let him reap all the rewards. |
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Eileen Birmingham mayqueen@blueyonder.co.uk I was one of Gene's younger fans back in the 1960's I first discovered him when I was about 13. I saw him at Birmingham Town Hall and at Blackpool's North pier when he did a summer season there in a music show. I was shy in those days but wanted to meet him so I persuaded my mother to come with me whilst I waited for Gene at the stage door. He was so kind and gentle towards me, a perfect southern gentleman; full of charm. I loved his dimples when he smiled! He was so respectful toward my mother always calling her ma'am. Of course I got his autograph which I still treasure. I even held his crutches for him whilst he signed autograhes for other fans because he found it hard to manage them with his hands full. I saw that show so many times and I remember those meetings with affection. Gene had a supreme talent, the voice of an angel when he sang ballads, any negative behaviour one may read about him was undoubtedly caused by the constant pain he suffered. His true nature was not at all negative. He deserves to be remembered as 'Sweet' Gene Vincent. |
Brian Hughes Liverpool Cheshire UK brian_hughes@ntlworld.com I was a fan of Gene Vincent from the 50's, and attended the Wooky Hollow the day after what turned out to be his last performance. I had booked the tickets just to see him, and was saddened when we were told he had become very unwell and could not complete the booking, having performed for two nights, the night before in obvious pain and discomfort. The shows had been a sell out, and I am sure he was as dissapointed as his fans were not to be able to continue, but such is life. |
Glen Greenwood Chatham, Kent, England darrengreenwood@tiscali.co.uk I don't remember Gene very well because i was born in 1978, but i do remember my late dad playing his songs. My dads favourite was She She little Shelia. My favourite one is Baby Blue. Gene we will remember you for ever. |
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TINA CRADDOCK USA TINACRADDOCK@AOL.COM THE CRADDOCK FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF KEN NELSON, MAY HE REST IN PEACE. - THE CRADDOCK FAMILY |
corral jose France corral.jose@orange.fr (no message) |
paul longden devon england p.a.longden@blueyonder.co.uk I have read most things good and bad about Gene but I collected all his recordings and still buy stuff that sounds like it was recorded in a toilet. I can't get over what fantastic voice he had [I can't believe you want to leave,fantastic] cananybody tell me what he say's first word second line? I met him every time he appeared near plymouth. I have even been on stage as a clapper boy. Since he died i have been searching for some singer to touch me like he did, but the nearest is steve young and he's kind of country but great voice. I will converse with any one on my favorite subject anytime. cheers, paul longden. |
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giuseppe nini marcheggiano genoa - italy marcheggiano@pobox.com Gene, your songs have accompanied my youth. Thanks! |
charlie barcelona espain forajidoloco@hotmail.com principe solo habra uno!! por eso decidi tatuarmelo a el y sus blue caps, para llevarlo siempre conmigo!! forever gene!! |
E.T. Oliver Bushton, Illinois, USA wwe_tigerrose2003@hotmail.com I always liked Gene Vincent music. My favorite that he did was "Hi Lily Hi Lo". Kind of describes what he left us, too. |
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Harald Hertlein Leverkusen, Germany Harald-Hertlein@t-online.de Many People don't Know what is Rock 'n' Roll. Here is the Answer: GENE VINCENT |
TINA CRADDOCK USA TINACRADDOCK@AOL.COM THE CRADDOCK FAMILY SENDS OUT A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF GENE'S FANS, AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LEE-LOO AND THE FRENCH FAN CLUB FOR THE FLOWERS FOR GENE AND VINCE - TINA |
Martina Germany guitartown@t-online.de Happy New Year 2008 to All Gene Vincent Fans! Im in love with 50s Rock N Roll for many Years. Music was always and still is one of the most important things in my Life. I always be an Elvis fan and never pay much attention to Gene Vincent. I know its a shame. My boyfriend always told me that Gene Vincent is one of the most beautiful Ballad Singers ever, I never cared about what he said (I will do know in the future!) A half Year ago, by chance I heard 2 Gene songs in the Internet "Looking back " and "The Day the World Turned Blue". This was the Day My Life Changed. I never heard such beautifully emotions in a man's voice. Gene is now my Number 1 and will be forever! From this day I started to collect everything from Gene, my collection grows up quickly! I started with Gene's Music from his early end and go back through his rockin 50's. I know this happens not so often, but so I sure miss nothing. I love everything. The 50s bring out the best songs, singers and musicians in music history. There are so many great Rock N Roller from this time, big names and not to forget the many unknown teenage singers, but its very hard to find an fantastic Rock N Roller like Gene is and amazing ballad singer in one person. (Only Elvis can do it all). I know the most Gene Fans are Rockin Cats and they prefer the wild rockin Gene. But please dont miss the emotional Gene. Turn on his early ballads like Keep is a Secret, Peace of Mind, Now is the Hour, You never walk alone ... and please dont forget the later Songs, like: Looking Back, Sunshine Where Have You Been, High on Life, The Day the World Turned Blue .... Some People say Gene was not in good shape at this time. I never heard someone else in good shape sing so beautiful like Gene in this days! To All Gene Fans do you have something good for sale or rare pictures for trade, your e-mails are welcome! Sincerely!Martina |
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Kelly Wilson Scotland, UK kelly1a70@yahoo.com My dad is one of the 50s kids, so i grew up with that music and love it. Gene Vincent is one of my faves. R.I.P. Gene. - Kelly |
Rockin' Boy 78 Toledo Espa vadyllo007@hotmail.com Gene Vincent, the star who lights up all the Rock-n-Roll heaven!!! You'll never walk alone. |
Bob Ryland Cedar Creek, Tx, USA bobryland61@yahoo.com I grew up in the 50's and to me Gene and his Blue Caps were the greatest Rock 'n Roll band ever. I Wore out 45rpm copy of Be Bop a Lula and one of Crazy Legs. My best friend in jr high was an Elvis fanatic but I thought Elvis' stuff sounded rather lame compared to Gene's. I am 64 now and I still love his music. I have recently acquired a cd with some of his songs on it. My son downloaded some 50's rock and roll songs at my request as I was going to a reunion at my old summer camp. After listening to Lotta Lovin he remarked that Gene must have had a good band and I replied no, he had a great band. Now I am looking for more cd's of his and I am wondering how and where to find them. |
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anthony england uk rockabily@ntlworld.com hi gene vincent, sorry has you have gone allway thinking of you like you say mama can i go out tonight keep rockin r.i.p xxxxx from all the rockers. |
Peter Bondsfield Ridgeway Ontario Canada pidgiebond@yahoo.com I remember seeing Gene Vincent at Southampton, England in 1964 at the Guildhall. He gave a concert for all the newspaper carriers as a thank you because the winter of 1963/64 was one of the worse ever in England and we had all continued with our paper routes regardless of the weather. He had the audience in the palm of his hand and I still remember it!! |
Lee-Loo - French Fan Club - Gene Vincent France genevincentfrance@yahoo.fr Special Thanks to Tina Craddock who suggested that she deliver flowers from us, with Chris our godfather's Fan club, for Gene Vincent s Tribute last October the twelth at Eternal Valley, where Gene rests - everybody has been touched - thank you for being here with all the members of Lonely Street French Fan Club to keep this so precious link with Gene. With Love, Tina & Gene. LONELY STREET - GENE VINCENT french fan club & website http://gene-vincent.iquebec.com/ |
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steff france bstephane18@aol.com GENE VINCENT, you are always on my mind! |
Tina Craddock cathedral, ca usa GVemailaddy = tinacraddock@aol.com Hi Guys and Gals, I went to Gene's grave today and delivered some flowers from Gene's French Fan Club. IT'S A SAD BUT PEACEFUL PLACE. WHEN THE BREEZE BLEW I KNEW HE WAS NEAR (AS HE ALWAYS IS WITH ME) I SANG A SONG TO HIM THAT HE USED TO SING TO ME. I LEFT A PICK AND A CIG. AND THEN I WENT TO HIS SON'S GRAVE AND DID THE SAME. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT HE IS NOT THOUGHT ABOUT, IF NOT BY ME BY ONE OF HIS MANY FANS, AND I THANK EACH AND EVERYONE OF U FOR THAT. LAST NITE CHRIS AND I WENT TO SEE A BAND CALLED THE GO KATZ. THEY DID A TRIBUTE SHOW FOR MY BROTHER. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ANYONE ELSE, BUT THE DAY THE WORLD TURNED BLUE FOR ME WHEN MY BROTHER PASSED. TINA CRADDOCK |
hot rod garcia long beach, ca u.s.a. gokatz@yahoo.com Long live the rock legend, Gene Vincent! What an impact he made on rock and roll. Not only did he contribute to rock and roll, he also paved the road to rock and roll. ROCK ON, MY FRIEND! |
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Bob & Phyllis Schaeffer rms1jrs2@aol.com Gene Vincent was our next door neighbor. He would sit out on the pouch and play his guitar and sing his songs. I was too young to really remember all this but my father, would always tell me about us being neighbors to Gene Vincent. |
John Fern Crystal, MN USA johnfern99@hotmail.com Gene was the coolest, and I can see how he and his band just blew people away back then. I get chills when I hear his music and the music of the great artists of the 50's. I wrote a song and put together a video about them if you would like to see it. Of course, I included Gene in there. Just go to my site and click on the link: "Tribute to 50's legends." |
Sherri Vincent London, England sherri.gvm@free.fr As each year passes, your presence becomes stronger ... I miss not having you in my life, but am so very proud of your musical legacy and how you continue to touch the lives of so many people across the world and across all divides. Your spirit and image lives on in your grandson, Jack and today, we will together remember and celebrate you and what we share. Always and forever, Dooksie x |
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Charlie CSJETFAN@aol.com Charlie here, fellow Gene Vincent Fannatic! I recently got, from Norton Records, Gene's Third, fifth, and sixth albums, all on the original Capitol Labels(these are Lps). I am curious about something, how did these albums chart on the Billboard hot 200 LP list. The albums are GENE VINCENT ROCKS and the BLUE CAPS ROLL, SOUNDS LIKE GENE VINCENT, and CRAZY TIMES. How can I tell if CRAZY TIMES is the stereo version (only DARLENE sounds like it is stereo)? By the way, I wonder if you know that there were 2 versions of DARLENE? Both the stereo and mono versions have different lyrics. Thanks again for any info! |
DESTINY WILLIAMS Woodland Hills, CA USA destinywilliams417@gmail.com nice one |
Bill Head West Sussex England billhead1@tiscali.co.uk As the sad anniversary comes around again my thoughts go back to those magic times (for us fans) in the sixties when Gene lived in London appeared at both large & sadly increasingly smaller venues occasionally on tv/radio, my memories of seeing him onstage flood back when as i often do indulge myself in a "Session" headphones on lost in time & space he truly was the most magical of singers no one has ever got close to the emotion & energy that he had in his voice & performance I always thought he laid his soul bare he gave us so much in such a short time we must never forget him. as a footnote i read recently that that evil s..t Don Arden has finally gone his daughter appears to be a "chip off the old block" it never was a just or fair world. always "true to you". Keep rockin |
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Jc.B. Adler D'sseldorf/ Berlin, Germany jb.adler@web.de For me (now age 39) it's exactly 25 years with Gene's sound. It still doesn't fail to thrill me ... and so it will! |
Tina Craddock Cathedral City, CA. USA tinacraddock@aol.com To Gene's fans, I ask u to be careful what u buy from auctions that claim to be Gene's or given by Gene - this doesn't come from the family, but some very sick and greedy poeple. I'm so sorry to u who have bought any of this stuff (such as the harley jacket, it wasn't even Gene's). |
gnmorton england grahamnm@hotmail.com I HAVE AN ORIGINAL GENE VINCENT AND HIS BLUE CAPS ... BLUEJEAN BOP. CAPITAL RECORDS LP. CAN ANY ONE TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT IT? I CANT FIND IT ANYWHERE. PLEASE EMAIL ME, CHEERS. |
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Dominique FARAUT SAINT-MAURICE, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr Hi, You all Gene's fans from all over the world! Last Saturday, i went to the town of Béthunes (in the North of France) for an-all week end Rock'N'Roll show with expositions of motorcycles , Hot-Rods (Gang ?!) and... a lot of bands from France, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, etc. ... and i saw the gig of a great band called "Hot Chicken". And let me tell you, what a band! Raw & Powerful Rock'N'Roll. They made an album called "Play Gene". Believe me, it's a wonderful record. They sing 14 of Gene's greatest hits, they play really good and set the stage on fire ! Another good French singer, all dressed in black leather, he's got all Gene's attitudes on stage. He made two albums and one DVD. His name is Ervin TRAVIS, and he 's got good critics in England. It proves that Gene's memories are not forgotten! This real Rock'N'Roll rebel. I will never stop say it, will always live in the hearts of all the true world's Rockers! P.S: I 'm waiting to talk with Gene's fans (men or women) from all over the world! Keep On Rockin' - Dominique |
luca genova-italia bop.roll@yahoo.it THE GREAT GENE VINCENT, THE GREAT MAN IN A BAD WORLD, DON'T FORGET HIM. by luca |
Steve Mabbett Auckland New Zealand steverm@ccs.co.nz I cant believe the music is now over 50 years old. I first heard Gene when I was 14 and discovered my fathers old record collection. I still have the records tucked away and have recently bought the 1st 4 albums on CD so i can enjoy them over and over. Thanks for the music Gene and I'll see you soon! |
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Mike Wilson Southampton, PA kc2965@aol.com Gene, you magnificent soul. I loved you so much. You died much too soon. I think God wanted you "In the house". Bee Bop a Lula ... all the way to God's stage ... Baby ! I was born and raised in England. Rock and roll was banned in it's early days. 1956 to 1961 I used to go on Burtonwood Airbase near my hometown of Bolton, every Friday and Saturday night. During the week I tuned into American Forces Network for my music. I listened to all the Rock and Roll and revelled in your music. Sadly missed, but I know I will see you again with all your pals. Love ya Gene! Mike |
Tia southampton england tia_maria2006@hotmail.co.uk wow, what a man. i go to dialysis n take my ipod n listen to gene, helps me get through my dialysis. love you gene xx tia age 40. |
Peter Rees Neath, Wales, United Kingdom peter.rees@ntlworld.com It is August 30th 2007. So sad to read of the passing of Sheriff Tex Davis - Gene Vincent's first manager. Gene died way to early but I (and no doubt, millions of others) reall appreciate his legacy. What a singer and what a performer! I hope that Gene and the Sheriff are re-united in the great Rock'n'Roll heaven. |
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Alan Harrow, England GVemailaddy = alan.ha1@talktalk.net GVcomment = I saw Gene perform with Eddie Cochrane and Joe Brown at the Finsbury Park Empire in London about 1960. |
TINA CRADDOCK CATHEDRAL CITY C.A. USA TINACRADDOCK @AOL.COM I WOULD LIKE TO THAN ALL OF MY BROTHERS FANS WHO HAVE SENT ME MESSAGES AND A FEW PICTURES, BOOKS, ETC. YOU HAVE MADE AN OLD LADY VERY HAPPY. TINA CRADDOCK |
Smitty smv@hotmail.com Hi all, Gene's music lives on and on and on. I do remember the FT-90 Epi Gene got it before he went to England later gave it away. If you look close it had his name on the headstock. I bet its worth a fortune today. Gene will truly be missed. There were a few more guitars he had I'd love to see again. |
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Anthony Eversole Tulsa, Oklahoma eversole@cox.net I have Photos of Gene Vincent. One is on my web Site under entertainers. A blue photography. Please take a look. www.anthonyeversole.com All but one on my site all unpublished. Have fun ... Anthony Eversole |
Dennis Kernan Dillsboro Indiana U.S.A monkberry2003@yahoo.com Good God, I just can't stop listening. |
Christian Krefeld, Germany Truegrit@freenet.de Thank You Gene, I sure miss you |
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Dennis Storrings Hope BC, Canada ds3690@hotmail.com Gene was one of my best singers growing up as a teen ... Greatly missed |
tony zimmermann stembert belgique fa548042@skynet.be salut aux fans de gegene qu,ils reste fidele a sa memoire partout dans le monde |
mauro martins bagestero sao paulo brazil martinsbagestero@uol.com.br gene vicent king of rockabilly saudades desta grande fera do rock in roll 2007 brazil. mauro, sao paulo |
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COLIN YOUNG NORFOLK- ENGLAND fyneladye49@AOL.com I SAW AND WAS WITH GENE IN HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS, ON ONE OF HIS TOURS. HE WAS GREAT. I WAS ALSO BACK STAGE AT THE TIME BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETS, THE BIG BOPPER, AND RITCHIE VALENS TOURED THE UK. I THEN WENT ON AND WORKED WITH A RECORD DIVISION OF EMI RECORDS. I AM IN MY 60'S NOW, BUT PEOPLE LIKE GENE VINCENT WILL REMAIN IN MY MEMORIES. |
Eugene St. Peterburg, Russia Teddy-boy9@yandex.ru People like: Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Johnny Cash - FOREVER!!! Somebody comes, somebody goes, but these people forever. |
RORY ROBINSON BROUGH, CUMBRIA, ENGLAND a66rory@yaoo.co.uk. Class never dies and Gene, you were class and along with Eddie Cochran and Elvis you will always keep us young at heart. Keep on rocking. RORY (you're never to old to rock and roll). |
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rockin ronnie shirley solihull ronnie.ward@hot mail.co.uk keep on rockin gene. to me you was the king of rock and roll. long live the king. |
pauline ward nee o malley shirley solihull england ronnie.ward@hotmail.co.uk had the pleasure to see you in birmingham in the early 60s. it was very moving to hear you sing lavender blue and also the best version ever of over the rainbow. you left us with great memories R.i.P. |
Kathy Kimball Wisconsin, USA kakimb@aol.com I was maybe 12-13 when I first saw Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps. I grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and he played a couple of times there. I am 61 now. I still have my autograph books and Gene's autographs (twice) and the bands too. Those were the best years!! I still feel that way. All the great rock n' roll stars there were. The "fabulous fifties". I still remember the excitement as me and my cousins tried to find the hotel Gene and the band were staying at. The drummer was a doll too. He signed his name Bubla. They sure were great seeing in person. We saw them at the Hollywood movie theater. It is fun thinking back to then. |
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William E. Pettipas Oakville, Ontario, Canada majoie@netrover.com I think Gene Vincent is one of the greatest rocker's ever. His "Be-Bob-a-Lula is my all time favourite song. I love to sing it at family parties. He will always live on in my mind and heart. God bless you Gene Vincent. May you live on forever through all those fans who love your music. |
Leon Mach Portland, Oregon, USA leon.mach@gbrx.com It was 1961, I was 21 and a singer with my own bands (2), The Neat Beats and later The Majestics ("Red Coats") playing the northwest in Oregon & Washington states. My manager was Pat Mason. He sent me without my band on a 2 week NW tour with Gene Vincent and another NW instrumental band. I was the fill-in singer for that band as a warm up act before I would introduce Gene, nightly. I, with my suitcase met Gene at the Interstate bridge on the Washington state border to Oregon. He pulls up in a hot, red Chrysler, rolls the window down and said, "You drive?" I hopped behind the wheel and we were off. Stayed in the same motels, ate in roadside cafes and rocked our way through Oregon for two weeks. He told me about the accident which took the life of Eddie Cochran in England and a few facts probably no one else knows. I thought, "Imagine me, traveling around with...Gene Vincent!!" Quite an experience for me, a young singer working with the "Cat." I could tell a dozen stories from that tour but will close with one. The final night Gene drove me home about 2 am in Portland, Oregon. In my driveway I got my things out of the car, we shook hands and he drove away ... with my brand new pair of shoes still in the trunk that I had bought for the tour. Since then, One of my 45 RPM vinyl records, "You Hurt Me So" is now a collectors' item and in multiple albums around the world and it landed me in the Internet Rockabilly Hall Of Fame. Pretty good huh, Gene? We all miss you, "Cat" and as for me, I will always carry a fond memory of that time, on tour in 1961. |
Petri Koivisto Lahti, Finland petrikoivsto@hotmail.com Sweet Gene Vincent ... The Man with a Big Passion. No one made so full-hearted rock and roll music as he did. I wish I could have seen him. |
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David Garvin Sugar Land (Houston), TX hartge325325@yahoo.com Listening to the large Gene Vincent box set now. Missing such a talent, along with local rockers like Johnny Carroll and Sonny Fisher too. |
Amanda Hellsten Umeå, sweden judy_oz@hotmail.com My favorite artist ever is Gene vincent, i am so sad too be living in this day and age instead off the fifties where i could have seen him. There is truly few legends of the 50's living today, and it's a drag he ain't one of them. Will love the music forever and ever daddy'o. |
Mercedes Gustems Pardo Catalunya (Spain) merce.gustems@telefonica.net Si tuviera que escoger una música que me hiciera vibrar, llorar, reir y una voz que me haga sentir ... entre otros, pero en un lugar muy especial estaria él ... GENE VINCENT. Alguien a quien siempre adorarè aunque nací en el 62. Le siento cerca cuando le escucho. Es como si le conociera. Besos desde la tierra. |
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Rockabilly Chick Houston, TX (USA) blondechicksinger@hotmail.com I discovered Gene Vincent in the early 1990's and was hooked! His amazing talent, IMHO, surpassed the likes of many other artists of that era. He was so underrated in the U.S., but, we fans can introduce so many others to the music of this amazing man! R.I.P. Vincent Eugene Craddock. |
Gareth Hill Southampton, England gene vincent, eddie cochran, buddy holly, ricthie valens, the bopper, elvis, all taken from us to soon, but they left behind so many great songs, never to be forgotten, LEDGENDS, R.I.P. |
brett clarkson brettnwanda@earthlink.net coinjock/norfolk va. hi i did not grow up when Gene was singing his heart out, i was maybe then a dream in my parents mind. but as i talk to them about who Gene was, a glow came over the phone as my mom discribed the white shoes my dad wore as they did the bop to Genes music. the reason i wrote was i purchased a epiphone eldorodo ft-90 guitar that was Genes purchased in 1964 and i wanted all to know the true heart of who i now know was a rebel acting youth. he gave this guitar to a man [friend] named Jack Franks who recently passed. i got the guitar from his nephew Martin Cooper. what a heart of love. to me 1n 1964 Gene didn't know his career was closing but by a gift of this fine guitar another was begining. i wish i had a picture but thats the way life goes. i hope this touches some one God bless. brett clarkson 252 202 4057. |
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Nicolás Bartolomé Mieres, Asturies; Spain nicolasbartolome@lycos.es La música de Gene Vincent se convirtió en la banda sonora de mi juventud. Keep on rockin'. |
John Butcher Yorkshire, England luv_mi_mini@yahoo.com Had the priveledge of see Gene at Sheffield City Hall. He was awesome! My all time favourite rocker. Me & my mates all bought blue caps. We loved the guy. Still listen to him now. I have lots of vinyl LPs that I bought in the '50s. |
Ken Taylor Bath England taxis@blueyonder.co.uk I first got into rock n roll in the early 70's and ended up running a mobile Disco playing r n r and rockabilly never failed to play at least 5 tracks from Gene on any gig I done. Always a great preformer and will never be forgotten. Rock on Gene |
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Brian O'Connell Liverpool, England UK Theokie@btinternet.com I saw Gene and Eddie at the Liverpool Empire in March 1960, and Gene and Jerry Lee Lewis together many times in the sixties. Here is a poem I wrote recently: Be-Bop-A-Lula! Be-Bop-A-Lula and a Brand New Beat Spaceships to Mars and rye whiskey neat! Handclaps and BlueCaps and Lovely Loretta, Crazy Legs, blue jeans and an Ivy League sweater Race with the Devil down a twisting rocky road, Pedal to the metal! Motorcycle gunning into overload! Pretty pony-tailed girls, all dancing to the bop, On Bandstand, where the music don't ever stop! The girl can't help it if she's still in love with you, Twin peaks of perfection, in stereo and Cinemascope, too! A good man, a scholar, saw you re-born as a King, A crippled hero in leather, always reaching for the brass ring. Touring England with Eddie and Billy and Joe, Searching for new hits, somewhere over the rainbow! Taxi to the Airport, spinning out of control on a bend, Sparing your life, but taking away your very best friend. A polite Southern gentleman, you called everyone 'Sir' Say Mama! You even taught The Beatles how to shake their hair! The sixties saw you performing in cheap dives, staring into space, Still with the voice of an Angel-that had fallen from grace. Pick-up bands and 'One night stands' to help to get you through the night, But the demons came for you Baby Blue when you turned out the light. Fifty years on, I watched you sing in black and white on a bootleg DVD, Sweet Gene Vincent, do you know what you meant to me? Brian O'Connell 2007. |
MARTIN MARTINEZ Monterrey. N.L. MEXICO losgallosrockabilly@hotmail.com pues solamente kieri komentar qwe uno de los motivos qwe tuvimos para formar un grupo de rockabilly aqui en monterrey fue para recordar a gene vincent ke su memoria y sus obras se sigan escuchando en todo el mundo - es una lastima ke se haya ido muy prematuramente pero lo bueno es el legado ke nos dejo para seguirlo disfrutando ... y desde aqui monterrey nuevo leon MEXICO - keremos decirle ... Eugene craddoc vincent gracias por tu musica ... viviras por siempre ... .DICE UN DICHO MUY FAMOSO EN MI PAIS - QUE LAS PERSONAS VALIOSAS MUEREN JOVENES ... i hope so understand my letter i m no speakin very good english only i say Gene Vincent and his blue caps ... THANKS .. livin forever. |
Dominique FARAUT Saint-Maurice, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr Hi To All GENE's fans from all over the world ! "I Flipped" when i heard the "Brand new Beat", the "Hot-Rod Gang" "Dance In The Streets", "It's No Lie", I danced for "Five, Five Days". "The Road Is Rocky", but i'm gonna Rock my Blues Away! I "Sure, Sure, Sure Miss Gene" Hey! "Wildcat", did you ever "Slapped John?" Your "Be-Bop-A-Lula"is still "Right Now" "Right Here On Earth". With "Red Blue-Jeans and a Pony-Tail" , my "Baby Blue", she swored that she'll be true ! She said "Hold Me, Hug Me, Rock Me", and we'll be "Cruisin'" in your "Pink Thunderbird", dancin' to the "Blue-Jean Bop" in the "Bop Street". She gaved him a "Rockin'Date", but she was late. ... and the "Black Leather Rebel" cried near the "Weeping Willow" "For the "Love Of A Man", oh, how much, "The Night Is So Lonely"... He Needed a whole "Lotta Lovin'","By The Light Of The Silvery Moon", and his "Race With The Devil" made the "Story Of The Rockers". He said "I'm Back And I'm Proud" with the "Wild Angels".And in 1971, it was "The Day The World Turned Blue". Your Passion & Love For Rock'N'Roll was so sincere ... GENE, we will never forget you!! |
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Don Leighton Auckland New Zealand don_leighton_2006@yahoo.com I saw Gene perform live in 1963. He was playing a seafront venue in Llandudno, North Wales in the United Kingdom. Performers these days are lauded and applauded called Divas and other non deserved honorifics that many young people really don't know what a true legend is. Gene Vincent was and is the real deal, a legend. He electified the audience and gave us all a lifetime memory. LIsten to his early work with The Blue Caps and marvel. Essential rock'n'roll fully formed. It never got better. |
ann & mike minchella scarborough england ann.minchell@hotmail.co.uk Always made good records sadly missed but not forgotton |
adrian white folkestone. kent. united kingdom adrian_dancer@hotmail.com I'm 62, back in the sixties being a great fan of gene's. i was overjoyed when he came to play here at the odean cinema, waiting around outside the stage entrance, i was there when gene drew up in a large black, my proud moment meeting him, and his words to me "you look more like me than i do" have remained in my memory ever since. i was of course in black leather with a medallion. the show was electric. just a couple of years later he came back to folkestone to play the leas cliff hall, by luck i was chatting to some old guy before the show who turned out to be his manager for the tour, and was invited backstage to meet gene again. it was so good to talk to him again, he was always most kind to me. i still have all the singles he put out over here, and the box set as well, but my proudest possession is the autographs he gave me, yes still got them "regards gene vincent" ... bless you gene a true legend, who gave joy and pleasure to so many and at such a cost to himself, especially in the latter part of his woefully short life. rock on gene. |
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Laurie Facsins Twinsburg, OH US LSJF@aol.com Just an FYI to all Gene fans ... a once in a lifetime event is coming up - Gene's brother-in-law, Larry Lund, is auctioning off the bulk of his personal memorabilia from Gene - including Gene's leather jacket. The sale is being held in Dallas in April (at Heritage auctions). Thought true fans would want to know this. |
tina craddock cat city ca usa tinacraddock@aol.com I am Gene's sister. Who is Larry Lund? |
Buddy Hotton Jersey Channel Islands United Kingdom lord.herupe@virgin.net I met Gene in Jersey in the Channel Islands in the early 1960's. I am not sure of the exact date however we used to drink and I meaqn drink!! together at the Sunset Strip in St Ouens Bay Jersey. Gene never done a gig in Jersey, I believe he took a few days off to come to Jersey, while touring the UK. Unfortunately for us, me (and my friends) Gene would not not get up on the 'stage'. Anyway Gene's memories will remain with me forever, so will Be Bop a Lula, Buddy. |
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ubangi ciudad real, castilla la mancha, españa Fuiste, eres y seras el mas grande |
barry lamb sale cheshire uk bazjan1@sky.com i am 59 years old, and have been a fan of gene vincent since i was 12. in my teens i used to dress in all leather with the same hairstyle as gene. i still play his records all the time. the greatest rock n roller of all time. p.s. if john and vanessa russell in norfolk read this please get in touch. |
Neil Foster St Helens, Merseyside neilfoster@onetel.com GVcomment = Hi, I used to run the VRRAS (Vintage Rock'n'Roll Appreciation Society) which was started in 1971 and we published Alan Vince's book "I Remember Gene Vincent". I am glad that we did(even though it cost and lost a lot of money) because Gene has never really been given his due.(Even I, 67 next month, never really appreciated his genius in the 50s, even though I loved "Be Bop A Lula" and "Bluejean Bop" as much as anything.) It was a 15 year old friend in 1971, Chris Taylor, from Southport, who taught me there was much more to Gene Vincent than his hits as he constantly played his albums while I was at his house. How had I not seen how great he was? Ironic, isn't it that Chris, who was only 6 months old in 1956 could see clearly what I could not see as a 16 year-old in 1956! Thinks: I must write a Vincent tribute song to be called "MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME"! |
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Danny K Essex UK andybill45@talktalk.net Just looked at the website tonight, and remembered it would have been Gene's birthday today. I'm 63 and did my homework listening to Gene and the Blue Caps, and spent my younger days following him around his shows in the UK with many top rock singers of the day. That's when most of the shows were at the Odean cinemas, and it was affordable to travel and pay to see perhaps three shows in a week. One show had him AND Brenda Lee on the bill - wouldn't happen today. Met him a number of times when he used to stay at the Tottenham Court Hotel in London. Still have many of the early singles, but lost my signed album copies many years ago when had to sell to feed the offspring. Great singer, and no regrets about being part of the scene then. |
Robert Esquel. Chubut. Argentina steplp80@yahoo.com I am 65 years old. I remember the great artist Gene for all my life because he is parte de mi juventud. my best regard to his family from Patagonia Argentina, south america |
John Unger Ludwigshafen, Germany jogaung@t-online.de Gene Vincent ist seit 1957 bis heute täglich im musikalischem Programmablauf Das heisst er wurde verinnerlicht und hat seit 50 Jahren einen festen |
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sam sami.rouvari@salo.salonseutu.fi We sure miss you. |
Rockin Lee Andy Brussels, Belgium merlem88@telenet.be I had to chance to go and visit his parents, and even luckier enough to see his white leather costume (hanging right there in the closet!) and that remains one of my biggest and intense moment of my musical Everests. |
rick forsyth middleton manchester england rforsyth@sky.com SIMPLY THE BEST ROCKER IN THE WORLD AND HAS BEEN SINCE I FIRST HEARD "BE-BOP-A-LULA" WHEN I WAS 15 AND I'M NOW 65. MY NAME IS ROCKING RICK FORSYTH. |
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Richard Adamski radamski@btinternet.com Quite simply: the greatest rock & roll performer/singer of all time. |
mick reeve mbe fareham hants uk mickreeve@fareport.co.uk I WAS IN THE SUPPORTING BAND WHEN GENE PLAYED THE SAVOY BALLROOMS IN PORTSMOUTH UK, GREAT ARTIST, SADLY MISSED. |
tony tidy maidstone uk tonytidy@btopenworld.com always has been and always will be second to none. |
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roy "supastix" phillips r.phillips715@btinternet.com Hello, i am a pro musician (drums/guitar/voc) and have been for over 25 years now, playing mainly in the rock/punk/60s garage genres but have always been a huge vincent fan. My little story goes like this ... i played new years eve at a massive stately home in devon, a masquerade ball with a general covers band and i met 4 people from the states, well it turns out they are from norfolk, virginia and of course my first sentence was the obvious one about gene coming from there. Well it was quite a shock when all 4 of them had never even heard his name before let alone what he had achieved in his brief spell as a rock god. After i set them straight they have all gone back home to find out exactly why this has happened and why indeed any of their friends too have not even heard of the man. Any way the point being one of them has a small part in a tabloid over there and has asked me to write a few words about gene and i hope this will help spread a little more focus on what i believe was a truly great artist, stranger things have happened as they say and i did play them be bop a lula at the gig and only one of them had heard it before which is hard to believe as the youngest of them is 36, rock on my man. |
dan "bat" battista new york dmbatt37@aol.com I met gene while in the Navy at Norfolk Va. He invited us to a club in North Carolina to see him perform be bop a lula ... he was still in a cast ... but put on a hellava show ... a friendly guy ... god rest his soul ... |
jason lincolnshie, england bebopalula@btinternent.com gene vincent is the reason i started playing guitar. thank you gene your music lives on forever. |
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Gary oldies-editor@comcast.net Hi: I was wondering if you could help me with information on the group member names and their individual BIRTH DATES (month and day only, year not necessary). (Concerns GENE VINCENT & BLUE CAPS). Thanks ahead of time for any help you can give me. Sincerely, Gary (Oldies Editor) |
ian kingdon reading, berkshire, england iankingdon@hotmail.co.uk I WAS BROUGHT UP ON HIS MUSIC AND IM ONLY 26 PROVES HE LEFT A MARK. WHAT A LEGEND!! HE WAS THE BEST EVER. ROCK ON GENE UP THERE!! WE MISS YA. |
Peter Allen Barton on Humber England PPCALLEN@BTINTERNET.COM Gene was THE MAN. I saw all of the great rockers including Jerry Lee, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins etc and no one came even close to Mr Vincent. I still have all of Gene's records and play them regularly and still get that shiver down my spine when I hear his wonderful voice. I was lucky enough to meet Gene several times when I was younger and a band that I managed played for him at the Cavern Club in Liverpool back in 62 (I Think) for a TV show transmitted to France. I always found him to be charming if not always sober. Gene is not forgotten by this old man (64) he was simply the greatest rock star ever. |
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James M Baham Natalbany LA USA jamesbaham123@yahoo.com The first time i heard you Was on radio In new orleans LA, 1956 since that day I have always been a fan. God bless you And your family. James Baham. |
Paul Williams Southampton Hampshire England WilT689@aol.com First heard Gene's music when i was 14. Im now 43 and i still get a buzz when i hear "Be-bop a lula" or "Say Mama". I had "Gene Vincent" tattooed on my arm when i was 16 and have never regreted it. Thanks for the memories. May your music live forever. |
BRIAN ANDREW ROBY WIGAN NR MANCHESTER UK andyadele@blueyonder.co.uk ive been a vincent fan for as long as i can remember, although i never got to see him as i was born a month after he died, i love reading about him on these site, learning about his life and family, there could never be another gene, he was a one off, "Gene Vincent i sure miss you" - Andy Roby |
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David Andrews Weston super Mare. North Somerset. England d.andrews23@hotmail.com I have been compiling lists of all the groups and artistes that appeared at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Weston super Mare along with an article for the local paper. I found out that Gene Vincent was the first rock and roll star to appear in Weston. On the 18th July 1962 as a guest of Ronnie Hancock and his Band, and again in 1963 in his own right with the Blue Caps for an RAF Apprentices Dance. Best Wishes, David Andrews. |
Dominique FARAUT SAINT-MAURICE, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr Hello, You, All Gene's Fans, men & women from all over the world! I'm in total agreement with my friend STEFF, from BOURGES (FRANCE), when he said that our national "Rock-Star", Johnny HALLYDAY, sang "Be-Bop-A-Lula", on the French TV Channel T.F.1, the 8th December. It was a great tribute, but, if every 11th October, our French Rock'N'Roll artists like: Ervin TRAVIS, The Hot CHICKENS, Carl & The RHYTM ALL STARS, The Rocking BOYS, and so on ... could make a tribute on our T.V networks, it would be really great!! It's a good idea, don't you think? Because i know (and i'm not alone) that GENE will always be the most popular ROCK'N'ROLL singer. It's true, we love all of them: EDDIE, CARL, BUDDY, J. BURNETTE, BILL, ELVIS of course (but maybe was he too distant, with all his bodyguards, the "Colonel" PARKER , and so on...) but with GENE ... he was so different! He sang with all his heart, he was our friend, our brother and we will never forget him, as long as we will be "Right Here On Earth"! to live "Crazy Times" with his voice and so emotionnal. I'm sitting alone near the "Weeping Willow", and i remember the "Story of The Rockers". Lost loves, alchoo , motorcycles, black leather, loneliness, and ... ROCK'N'ROLL! May you Rest in peace, GENE, All your fans will always love you!! |
Chris B Sydney, Australia chrispyis@hotmail.com Tim Rogers of YOU AM I Fame wrote a song bout Gene Vincent called "Secrets" on their latest album CONVICTS released stateside January 2007 on Yep Roc Records. Cheers. |
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Michele I first listened to Gene with my grandpa when I was 7 and I have loved him ever since. The saddest day I remember was the day that I told my mom I was going to marry Gene and she told me that I couldn't because he was dead. I have had several of my friends listen to him and they have loved him too. It's really nice to see that all of these cats aren't being forgotten just because they're old. |
ROBERT ANDERSON SCOTLAND ROBANDERSON650@FSMAIL.NET For Gene ... GOD LOOKED AROUND HIS GARDEN. HE FOUND AN EMPTY PLACE. HE LOOKED DOWN ON EARTH AND SAW YOUR TIRED FACE. HE KNEW YOU WERE SUFFERING, HE KNEW YOU WERE IN PAIN. SUPPOSE HE KNEW THAT YOU'D NEVER GET WELL ON EARTH AGAIN. IT BROKE OUR HEARTS TO LOOSE YOU. BUT YOU DIDNT GO ALONE FOR PART OF US WENT WITH YOU. THE DAY GOD CALLED YOU HOME ... REST IN PEACE GENE. |
David Andrews Weston super Mare. England d.andrews23@hotmail.com After sending my previous info I went and had another look.I found out that Gene's backing group at Weston in 1962 was advertised as Sounds Incorporated, and as a special guest of Ronnie Hancox (not Hancock)and his Band. For 1963 I found a photo in the local paper (the Mercury) of Gene and the Blue Cats in full swing on stage at the Winter Gardens.I also found out that later (July 1963) he appeared in 2 shows at Weston's Odeon, one of his guests was Heinz who had the hit "Just Like Eddie". Best Wishes, Dave. |
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"Our John" crystal river fl usa Liverpool. uk johnandyoko@hotmail.com My dad used to sail to "the States" in the 50's/60's and bring back loads of records and I used to play them when he was out .... my favourites were his 78's ... amongst which was Gene Vincent's Bluejean Bop with Who Slapped John on the b-side. I've still got them (ssshhh) .... and once in a while i play them and still luv 'em ... on a purple Capitol label ... magic ... just sheer magic. Rock on Gene. One more time for me. |
A.W. Saranpaa Finland a.w.saranpaa@hotmail.com GVcomment = We always remember Gene... |
Steff France BSTEPHANE18@aol.com Tonite (Dec. 8, 2006) on French TV, the biggest star of France "JOHNNY HALLYDAY" sang "Be Bop A Lula" - a good version. He wore black leather trousers and jacket, too. It was a nice tribute from Johnny Hallyday to GENE ... and maybe 4 or 5 million people saw the show! |
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dotty albritton crystal river fl usa I saw Gene & the Blue Caps in Montevideo Minnesota in 1959; he autographed my arm! I didn't wash it off for a week, and only because my dad made me! I still request Gene's songs on the radio -- what a great musician, one who will always live on in the hearts of his fans! |
Jean Verity-Doyle Manchester england uk jeanvd@hotmail.com I was only young when Gene came to England and I thought he was great. We shared the same name although I am female. My neighbour saw him at a night club after he tried to get back onto the British scene she got his autograph for me. He did an interview here and the reporter was not very nice to him I remember him calling him a 'has been'. It was not long after this I heard he had died. Didn't know he was only 36 yrs old. 'God bless him' |
BERNARD G COOKE NANTWICH ENGLAND vulcan588@fsmail.net I AM NOW 72 YEARS OLD, AS A YOUNG MAN I SAW GENE VINCENT MANY TIMES WHEN HE TOURED THE UK. HE WAS A TRUE ROCKER WITH A COMMANDING PRESENCE ON STAGE AND UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE FINEST OF THAT ERA . I STILL LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC ON MY OLD AUTO CHANGE RECORD PLAYER AND REFLECT ON THOSE HEADY DAYS OF PONY TAILS AND BROTHEL CREEPERS . MY LAST MEMORY OF HIM WAS SEEING HIM PERFORM AT CREWE TOWN LYCEAM THEATRE BACKED BY A GROUP CALLED "SOUNDS INCORPERATED" A GREAT NIGHT. DESPITE HIS TROUBLED LIFE HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY HEROES. GOD BLESS HIM FOR THE PLEASURE HIS MUSIC GAVE TO SO MANY PEOPLE, I THANK THIS SITE FOR KEEPING HIS MEMORY SO ALIVE TODAY I AM SURE HE KNOWS WE STILL THINK OF HIM |
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Linnea Uppsala, Sweden linnea_bergholm@hotmail.com Rockabilly rules! That's all you need to know! |
LUCIE Liege, BEGLIUM waldyursule@hotmail.com Sorry my English is so bad ... Gene was a good singer. He's the great with Eddie COCHRAN, Buddy HOLLY and the others. Rock and roll is here to stay. My brother died in october 2004 and he loved Gene so much. Now they are together. |
ROCKY DEMAZIO BLOXWICH ENGLAND jim@rainbowsafety.co.uk Gene your music reshaped the world you are always my numero uno. love your music to play on my guitar and to listen to. you will never be forgotten. |
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Faye Coffey Enniskillen Northern Ireland UK Faycoffey06@tiscali.co.uk I spent lots of time back stage with gene when he was on tour with Jerry Lee. He was so kind I will never forget him and love his music |
Curt Cunningham 69-yrs old beech grove indiana Gene was one of the GREATEST, sorry his life was cut short to to soon, by about fourty years to soon. |
Bill Wence Nashville, TN. www.billwencepromotions.com Gene Vincent was the first rock and roll act I ever saw. I was 15 years old and my Dad dropped me off at the Big Barn in Salinas, California in November of 1957. Of course, Paul was with Gene at that time and I met him between shows and got some pictures with him and Gene and I also took quite a few pics of the show. Paul was very nice to a young kid who was infatuated with the music at that time. About a year later I saw Gene again in Salinas and Paul wasn't with him. I've been in the music business for over 40 + years now, having played piano with Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall during that time and having written songs recorded by Ronnie McDowell, Cristy Lane and Bobby G. Rice, I have to think those guys were quite an inspiration to me. I've lived in Nashville for over 30 years now and would hear about Paul in Atlanta from different music people from time to time. I'm sorry I never looked him up while he was alive. |
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Peter Ciraolo Hanover, Massachusetts USA hemi_392_dragster@yahoo.com Just Letting Gene know that I remember him and would never forget him. I just want to say "Thank You" to him for all that he has done. He and his music will live in my heart forever. |
Dominique FARAUT SAINT-MAURICE, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr Hello to GENE VINCENT'S Fans from all countries! I send you this little letter to tell you that GENE is still in our hearts, his legend will keep on growing up, as the years gone by. I've get a real great pleasure, everytime I go to this web-site, we love all the same passion: ROCK'N'ROLL is the thing and GENE is the king! R.I.P GENE, we will never forget you! All GENE'S Fans (man & women) can talk with me, when they want, I'm open to all discussions, write me! Dominique |
robert fleck rochester ny rcfleck@rochester.rr.com What can I say. I still treasure my album of him I bought in 1959. He is one of a kind. ROCK ON!! |
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Dominique FARAUT SAINT-MAURICE, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr Hello, you all. GENE VINCENT's Fans from all over the world! Today, 12 October, is a sad day, for all of us. Nobody forgot that today, 35 years ago that Gene left the world. So, I would like to call all Gene's fans from all over the world, to pay a tribute to the one who was the representative of the Real Rock'N'Roll! Now, with his friends, Eddie, Buddy, Carl, Elvis and so on , he's in "Rock'N'Roll Heaven". Gene, we "Sure Miss You". "Right Here On Earth", you made a great "Race With The Devil", with your "Woman Love". And you asked her "Say Mama", won't you "Hold Me , Hug Me , Rock Me". And you were "Dance To The Bop" and screaming "B-I-Bickey-Bi-Bo-Bo-Go!" "Rock On Blue Caps!" with your beautiful "Teenage Parner" she was only 17! Dedicated to the one and only "Rock'N'Roll Rebel", "The Rockin'Black Leather man" - GENE VINCENT 1935-1971 |
Bill Head West Sussex England billhead1@tiscali.co.uk I am writing these comments on 12th October 2006, 35 years to the day that we lost the most charismatic performer I ever saw and listened to. I have been a fan of Gene ever since I first saw him on TV's "Boy Meets Girl". I was priveliged to see Gene live on six occasions in the UK in the 60's and met him all to briefly twice he was as others have said so polite seemed genuinely interested in my questions regarding musicians who played in the various versions of the Blue Caps. On both occasions I gained his autograph (I have 5 album covers he signed, no I'm not intersted in selling. I'll treasure them forever). Gene's pesonal life may well have been a mess, but the one thing that never suffered was his performances. When he hit the the mic, stared at the roof, launched into "Say Mama", he delivered something no one has ever matched - sheer spine tingling exitement. 35 years on I still picture him when I listen to his recordings especially the ballads his version of "Over the Rainbow" still sends shivers down my spine. We will not see his like again. We lost him far to young, but we have his recordings now, thankfully some visual evidence via DVD's so we can still tell any one who will listen that he truly was the "King of Rock n Roll". |
BUDDY DUGHI SANTA ANA THE TRUE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, R.I.P. GENE |
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Jarkki Finland jarisiekkinen@suomi24.fi< Black Leather Rebel, Keep on Rockin* Where ever You are !!! lov ya music!! - wishes Jarkki from Finland |
Paulo Rocker Lisboa, Portugal paulorocker@hotmail.com I will never forget you. |
Bob Timmers Burns, TN bob@rockabillyhall.com October 12, 2006, marked 35 years since Gene has left us. His memory and influence are still strong today. Gene's voice and style has stood the test of time and continues to impress hundreds of new young fans, leading them to discover the true origin and legends of early rock 'n' roll music ... a gift that keeps on giving every day. Those who know me, quickly discover that I'm a Gene Vincent & Blue Caps fanatic. "God bless the boys who make the noise." |
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Lori Warren Hernando, Florida USA lawarren55@earthlink.net I am a fan of Gene's from way back. My husband (John Warren) was a drummer for Gene for a brief stint in the 60's so I have that connection through my husband John. He too has fond memories of Gene and will sit and talk to me about him at times explaining things about Gene's songs that caused a stir in their day. What a shame Gene died tragically young, it would have been wonderful to see what would have happened had he lived longer. |
Hildur Visby, Gotland, Sweden hildurwiking@hotmail.com gene vincent, now and forever. |
nick vince southend on sea Nickyvince@aol.com I will always recall hearing for the first time Bi Bi Bickey Bi Bo Bo Go. As inane title for an incredible raucous rock and roll record that I still play everyday 34 years later. It still sounds as good today as it did then and will always sound years ahead of its time. I dont think Gene had a fair deal in life being ripped off by managers and bad health ultimately leading to his early demise, but not so for his music ... Love live rock and roll and the memory of Gene Vincent ... |
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Fernando Guerra Santiago de Chile - CHILE mafegu61@hotmail.com Nunca olvidaré aquel día en el cual compré con mi primer sueldo, mis dos primeros discos; "Walkin'Home From School" (Capitol, single) y "Hot Road Gang" (Capitol, ext.play). Gene Vincent fué para mi el verdadero y único rey del Rock and Roll -"Gene, you'll never died"- |
robert anderson scotland robanderson650@fsmail.net hi to all out there in gene world. i just want to say, GENE VINCENT is and always will be number one in all our hearts. a wildcat through and through, he rocked on earth and now he rocks in heaven. rest in peace man ... rob |
luca italia bop.roll@yahoo.it ciao. una preghiera , e un grande ricordo, x un grande rock n roll man. gene vincent. luca |
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June London U.K. Rockin_Lil_Kitty@hotmail.co.uk GVcomment = The first Gene Vincent record I ever heard was Blue Jean Bop I must have been about five, and I can remember my aunt playing it for me. As I grew up I became more obsessed with rock and roll music and all things American and one of the first albums I ever purchased was a Gene Vincent one. To this day I still love his music, its amazing how the dancefloor at the Ace Cafe will still be packed everytime his songs are played. Was recentley at the Ace Reunion night and his songs got the loudest cheer of the night. His music will live forever as the great man himself said ... Lets Rock!! |
Dominique FARAUT Saint-Maurice, FRANCE Brigidom2005@yahoo.fr HELLO! I'm a 45-Years old French Teddy-Boy, I discovered Gene Vincent when i was 14 years, by buying the first Gene's L.P. "Blue-Jean Bop!" and, since these fabulous record, Gene became my only one Rock'N'Roll singer (with Eddie Cochran). I bought all Gene's albums , and box-sets, D.V.D'S, books, t-shirts, etc. Gene will always be in my heart, as long as I will live. His songs are what's Rock'N'Roll is at it's best. I dance like a "Wild Cat" to the "Brand New Beat", "Cruisin'" on the "Bop Street" with the "Hot Rod Gang", looking for a "Pretty, Pretty Baby" in "Red Blue-Jeans And A Pony-Tail". But "Who Slapped John?" "Maybe", the "Be-Bop-Boogie-Boy", a vicious "Cat-Man" with "Beautiful Brown Eyes". OK, it's all for today, but if Gene's fans all over the world want to write me, no problems! Keep On Rockin'! |
ALAIN HUPEZ FRAMERIES, BELGIQUE alain.hupez@skynet.be J'ai écouté pour la première fois GENE VINCENT en 1970.Depuis j'écoute régulièrement ses chansons. En sa mémoire en 1984 à la naissance de mon fils je lui ai donné comme prénom Vincent. Sans me vanter je pense avoir une discographie très complète de ce chanteur exceptionnel qui vivra à mes côtés tout au long de ma vie. |
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luca italia lucacoloniello@yahoo.it ciao . mi chiamo luca 39 anni. di genova. italia. ho una grande, enorme, passione x gene vincent and the blue caps. penso che gene sia stato e sara sempre il piu grande e unico artista di rock n roll . rockabilly. ecc.. un vero rockers. sono un chitarrista suono r n r . come meglio posso ... ma a genova è molto difficile ... gene è il mio idolo da sempre .... !!!! penso che sia unico!! ciao a tutti e una preghira x te. SWEET GENE VINCENT |
Ray Sterling, MA rzer@comcast.net The man and his 'Caps are absolutely crazy! There are many rockabilly cats out there but when Gene screamed "Rock!", "Yeah, git-it, go", "Rock, Blue Caps", or "Rock again Blue Caps", etc. to his boys, they lifted off! To this day, nobody can touch them on this planet! Rock in Peace, Gene! |
jean loup jouve Châteaumeillant, France jouveloup@orange.fr Hello, i have also an comment regarding Gene but i changed address. Could you please change the mail address "roland.jouve@noos.fr" by my new adresse "jouveloup@orange.fr" If someone want contact me about Gene Vincent remember in France. Many thank you, if i'ts possible. Amitiées Jean loup Jouve |
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John Butcher Yorkshire, England john.butcher99@hotmail.com I had the pleasure of seeing Gene at Sheffield when i was a teenager. I loved him then and I love him now. He was simply the very best. Rock on Gene. |
Bill Douglas Kent, WA, USA BillD1938@aol.com I had the luxury of seeing Gene and his group at the Odd Fellows Hall in Walla Walla, WA, USA. The sad part was he played to maybe at best 100 people. His music and the quality of his voice deserved more! I have his original 33 r.p.m. record as well as some 45 r.p.m.s that show a lot of wear and tear. Even tho his is best know for Be Bop A Lula. Women Love, and especiall Lotta Lovin were also terrific. Bill D. |
jean pierre villeneuve de marsan 40 france jnprr32@aol.com i am 57 years old now and remember of Gene in the years 1961 or 62 whith the marvelous song "over the rainbow" and lot of others. i had the chance to see him in concert in Limoges in year 1967,i think, one of his lastest concerts.it was a great day for me. ce sera pour moi le souvenir d' un grand moment. jean pierre |
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Tony Tunstall Eastleigh, Hampshire, England tony_t@onetel.com Gene Vincent was probably the first true Bikers icon in Britain, I remember his performances on programmes like 6.5 Special. The original Mr. Cool He was a tragic loss to the early Rock years. I was too young to follow his gigs but his memory is deep in my soul. |
Giorgio de Inzucare Orchestra Buenos Aires vonvincentdelaaldea@hotmail.com Inzucare orchestra extiende su elevada admiración a uno de sus grandes iconos. salud. |
Josias Almeida Jr. Bahia rockabilly@click21.com.br Gene Vincent... Você era o cara! |
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RODOLFO SUAREZ A CELAYA GTO. MEXICO suarezr28@hotmail.com I was learning to play guitar with Gene songs. I have only two records from him. I never forget his sound. I would like to have all of his records but in Mexico can't find it. |
Ian McMaster Mississauga, Ontario, Canada bigian30@yahoo.com I sure agree with a comment posted on the website www.hmv.ca wherein someone suggested that Gene was a better rocker than Elvis EVER was. After purchasing his "The Screamin' End" CD last week, I can honestly say that Gene's recordings contained thereon, are the purest forms of rockabilly that I have ever heard!!!! Granted, Elvis, Johnny, Jerry Lee, Carl all had good recordings of different songs, but Gene's were extra-special because of the variations included in his vocals. In short, Gene died for too young (two years before I was born) and has simply NOT gained the recognition that he deserves. If anybody cares to hear how I became interested in his music, don't hesitate to drop me a line:) Rock on, Ian M. |
Geoff geoff.maddin@btinternet.com I found this site searching for a bit more of Gene and the Caps. http://www.answers.com/gene%20vincent. If you type in Ken Nelson there is a great article about him as well. |
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Tatiana Holly Santa Cruz, California US totoro30@earthlink.net I think gene vincent was one of the greatest singers for his time! His voice was so silky, listening to Be-bop-a-lu-la still makes me melt. I think more groups should play his stuff!! I'm a guitarist, so I'm hoping to become one of them ... |
Sascha Gottschalk Greenfield, Massachusetts blagamuffin69@yahoo.com Nobody ever touched Gene, not even Elvis for pure soulful grit. Born to be a rolling stone. RIP GENE. |
LeeLoo Annees Vinyl Websites France anneesvinyl@yahoo.ca Always on my soul. LeeLoo |
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Peter Donnelly Belfast, Ireland peterdonnelly666@hotmail.co.uk Hello! Well i never met the guy but when i heard his music i knew then i wanted to become a Rockabilly & in 1977 to the present day i became one. Long live Gene Vincent. God bless. K.T.F & Rock'n'Roll. Good-Luck. |
dehannigan usa dehannigan@yahoo.com Gene Vincent is the bomb! |
Thierry France titi_07@caramail.com How to forget you, each time your voice gives me shivers. I do not forget you, my son is called Eddie Gene, and it is not for nothing ... |
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peter middleton saint john, nb doubled_766@hotmail.com came across some gene vincent 45s and eps at my web www.britishinvasion.ca |
Joe Ives Pennsylvania, USA joeives@comcast.net When I was growing up in South Norfolk, Virginia, Gene Vincent and his family were our closest neighbors. Gene wanted to date my older sister, but my dad would not allow it ... he said that Gene was a "juvenile delinquent" and no way would he date my sister. Another sister married Gene's first cousin, so our families stayed close until Gene's family moved away. I knew his sisters Evelyn, Tina and Donna. When Gene signed his first recording contract, he bought a new convertible and Gene's sisters and I rode all over town, waving at everyone we saw. I sat in the back between Tina and Donna and Evelyn sat in front with Gene. We miss Gene ... but his music will live on FOREVER. RIP Gene |
Peter Stitt herol31@herol31.karoo.co.uk I find it absolutely remarkable that America had the bad taste to buy the records of (as Jerry Lee put it: "Bobby this and Bobby that") when Gene Vincent was releasing magic. I've just listened to "Maybe" which I consider to be one of the greatest doo-wop recordings of all time, then "My Heart". The man's vocals were as good as you get from a human being. I'm listening, as I write, to Gene Vincent and it just gets better. Know I am confronted with "The Night is so Lonely" which is one of the most beautiful recordings ever made. I'm listening in Hull, England, I am a proud Scot and I love Gene Vincent. When will this man get the recognition he deserves? |
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Rick Darby Duluth, MN USA wild4leggz@yahoo.com I just can't believe he's gone. I remember hearing Be Bop A LU LA, in my dads car in the 1960's, and I never forgot that song. Gene had a voice that gave me the chills. Not many so called singers have that ability to make me wanna listen too their words. Today we have very few real performers who can sing. I believe Gene was brought here for a reason, and I have always loved his music. Thank you Gene, and heaven has a musician to be proud of. God bless you, and keep on Rockin. Love, Rick |
andre scoth São Paulo Brasil andrescoth@hotmail.com I am brasilian man, i love your music, your feeling. Gene vincent and blue caps, is the best. The one rockabilly band. I'm guitar man of Rockabilly songs, Cliff Gallup is my Hero. I love rockabilly. |
Tina Craddock Cat., CA USA tinacraddock@aol.com I have heard some very funny stories about my brother. If anyone has more please get in touch. I would like thank everyone for remembering Gene. Tina |
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freek netherlands frestro@hotmail.com I was almost 3 when Gene past away, but know almost 25 years after his death, i'm very proud to have almost all his songs on cd and hear his songs very often. I think he is the only real rock and roller!! and the best of his kind. |
hellcat FRANCE/ lunéville emmanuelwolf@wandoo.fr bonjour de france, pour moi gégène comme on l'appelait dans mon pays reste le meilleur rocker que notre planète a pu enfanté. il reste la référence supreme en matière de rock 'n' roll. gene avait la classe, il était magnifique et quel interprete, une personne avec une sensibilité à fleur de peau. be-bop-a-lula, catman, jezebel, unchained melody, over the rainbow ... bye, bye gene. Repose en paix ici on ne t'oubli pas. je suis pret a partager ma passion du rockabilly avec d'autres personnes. git it. |
carol cuenca, España carolreyal@yahoo.es Mi tributo es mi corazón, nunca nadie podrá igualar a mi príncipe. I love Gene. |
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Ewa Ciesielska (sushi ;) Warsaw, Poland, EU R.I.P. |
Tony Akron, OH Wish I had a chance to see him live in a show. Whenever, I need to hear something that truly rocks I can always count on "the Screaming End". |
Jerry Oregon jwg9999@msn.com Rest In Peace My Good Friend |
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keith gordon highland park, illinois k_gordon@architex-ljh.com Even today I don't hear Gene on the oldie stations but was thrilled to hear him included in a United airlines collection on a recent trip. Such a talent he seems tragically ignored. |
Bob Gilbert Port Colborne, Ontario Canada papas52004@yahoo.ca I recall Be-Bop-A-Lula the first record I ever purchased, and through the years have amassed quite a collection. Gene Vincent was brilliant, his voice was definitely Rock N Roll, in England we called him the James Cagney of Rock and Roll. I had the opportuniy of seeing him in person in England, incredible performance. I am 64 now and still enjoy his music, one of my personal favorites was "when you walk through a storm" - Heaven is a better place with Gene's music there. Bob G |
Michael Crean michaelacrean@eircom.net I had never heard of Gene Vincent until I went to see: The Girl Can't help It, with Jayne Mansfield. The memory I took from that movie was not of JM but of Gene Vincent and his band singing, Be-bop alu-la. People say that, at Hallowe'en, Dead rock'n rollers convene, To revisit our Earth and to sing: Some come to see Elvis because he was king, But the rest of them come to hear Gene. michael crean |
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ATOMIC BEN DECAZEVILLE(12) -FRANCE I GOT HIS BLUE FACE TATTOED ON MY LEFT ARM AND WHEN I PLAY GUITAR WITH MY ROCKABILLY BAND EVERYBODY CAN SEE HIM STILL ALIVE ... I'M 38 YEARS OLD AND I STILL CAN CRY LISTENING "THE KING OF FOOLS" "THE BEGINNING OF THE END" OR "WEEPING WILLOW" ... I MISS YOU EVERYDAY GENE ... EVERYDAY ...!!! |
ray craddock london england woodnetuk@yahoo.co.uk ive always liked genes music although r&r were not my thing.but ive only just found out that he is a craddock. distant relative from this side of the pond maybe? |
Wog242 MSK, Russia Wogel@mail.ru He is still a King! Purest Energy... R.I.P. |
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Lary Saltzman Louisville, Ky. USA worker@bellsouth.net To me Gene Vincent is Rock and Roll at its best and rawest. At the time of his best music, when you heard it, you put the collar of your shirt up and snapped your fingers. This was the true spirit of the music. Your parents hated it with all their might and WE loved and worshipped it. To me he will always be youth gone "wild". |
Brian Quinn Caddington - Luton - UK Brian@quinnfb.freeserve.co.uk I had the pleasure of seeing Gene in concert many times in the UK. His stage act was dynamic and he always gave 100%. He is very underated and is one of the Top 5 greatest rockers of all-time in my book. The 50's and early 60's were the most exciting times for rock 'n' roll and certainly coloured my musical taste for the rest of my life. Gene Vincent - R.I.P. |
Dave Leicestershire England Having just listened to a Rock n Roll show here on BBC radio I was hooked on the Gene Vincent sound. I'd barely heard any of his work before and it just hit me like a bolt from the blue. So today I was out first thing in search of CD's. I found a greatest hits double. I raced home to listen to the whole album and was totaly blown away. God I wish I'd been around to catch him live, what a performer. I sat and listened to the whole double album at least 5 times and have to admit it's probably some of the best sounds I've EVER heard. Not just the Rocking material but also the softer ballards. I sat listening to "Over the Rainbow" with tears in my eyes. |
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Bat-Mario Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires, Argentina mrfe57@hotmail.com Gene will be forever the very core of Rock & Roll. I've got all his music; and I listen one and a millon times that songs. Man, you've got to hear that wonderful tracks, and you'll know what is Rock & Roll. If you add Rockabilly + Rock & Roll + Rhythm'n Blues; you'll only got one name: GENE VINCENT |
Patrick Gueguin Paris, France patrick.gueguin@alcatel.fr Hi, Now I'm 59 years old. I have had the pleasure to meet Gene at different times from his first tour in France till the last one. Gene was the singer who changed my way of life. I was backstage during his show at the Olympia of Paris in the early 60's. Then I met him at the Golf Drouot later in the 70's. That show was terrible for him due to a bad flu (he lost his voice) but for the audiance it was so great. I own lot of LP's and some of them have the Gene'authograph. I'm really proud of them and they are framed on my home's walls. Today, I still listen his music in loop either at home or in my car. I'm happy that Gene is still living in you heart via this fine web site. |
Don New Zealand furywilde@yahoo.com I was very fortunate to see Gene Vincent perform live around 1963 in the North Wales holiday resort of LLandudno. This is in the United Kingdom. He was of course the real deal, one of true legends of rock'n'roll, enormously popular in the U.K. and like Eddie Cochran, rather less so in his native land. He wielded the authority, the excitement of rock'n'roll, but Gene had that something extra, that was often reflected in his choice of material. He had heart and soul. Take a listen to Ian Dury's tribute, Sweet Gene Vincent as a reflection of that soulfulness. I feel very priveledged to write these few words in honour of Gene Vincent. |
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julius cesar monteiro costa anápolis, goiás, brasil gosto muito do rok de gene vincent, ele foi um dos pineiros mais importantes da historia do rok and roll |
Pierre Gagne Saint- Simon de Rimouski pierre11@globetrotter.net I have a picture of Gene Vincent signed to George Collange, the signature is, to george thanks a million, and signed Gene Vincent |
tina craddock cathedral city, ca usa tinacraddock@aol.com I haven't heard anything about the tribute to Gene at the Ace Cafe, was any one there? Tina (Gene's sister) |
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Tony Quinn Birmingham England tonyquinn007@btinternet.com Gene Vincent Wasn't Crazy As Most Tabloids Once Said, I Remember Listening To Be Bop A Lula and Beautiful Brown Eyes, Fantastic. Gene Had A Smooth Voice And When I Heard Him Singing Over The Rainbow That Sent Cold Shudders Down My Back And The Hair On My Neck Was Tingling. Actually He Sang That Song With A Lot Of Feeling It Almost Made Me Cry, So I And My Wife Yvonne Wrote A Short Song And We Give Gene Vincent A Mention As A Tribute To Him And His Music. I Like All 50s Rock 'n' Roll Artists, And Gene Just Like Elvis And Eddie Cochran Their Music Will Never Die. To Listen To The Song Be Bop Please Go To www.tagworld.com/tonyquinn This Is Not An Advertisement. This Is A Tribute To The Ones Who Gave Us Decent Music Thank You And God Bless You All. Tony Quinn In Birmingham England. |
Rob Moates Torquay, Devon, England jackol@biscit.biz He was and STILL is simply the best, a true original, sing away Gene. |
Lucy Jordan Brussels, Belgium lucy.jordan@hotmail.com I was very amazed to see Little Richard singing Be-Bop-A- Lula with the audience at his last concert in Liege (Belgium) in june 2005. |
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Lord Spritzer UK lordspritzer@hotmail.com He was & will always be my favourite RnR singer, he was a Rebel with a cause! He was "GOD" of RnR! RIP Gene! I was sorry to learn about the demise of Paul Peek, what a great chap he was. Very friendly, as I recall meeting him, and the others in 1980. Regards, Lord |
tacky retallick waunlwyd south wale GB retalliR'@aol.com>br> at aged of ten brought up on stones an beatles 60s music. then found rock n roll. loved m all still do. but still regaurds gene vincent as one of the best. 54 now but feet still tapping. long live rock n roll. |
julius cesar monteiro costa anápolis, goiás, brasil juliuspresley@yahoo.com.br geni was big of rok and rool. sempre gostei do velho e bom rok and rool, por isso acho que gene vicent deve ser sempre lembrado |
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Jeús Antonio Pulido García Tingüindín, Michoacan, Mexico Japg@mexico.com Gene Vincent is my Favoryte Singer, he is great. |
Johnny Lott los angeles CA, USA lottjohnny@yahoo.com Margie or Sherri Vincent, I am a writer trying to get a fact straight. Please email me at your convenience. sincerely, Johnny Lott |
Evgeny Russia - Moscow evgen@svao.net Foreva in my heart!!! |
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Bill Merrill Port Angeles, Washington USA billm@pcadmin.ctc.edu I saw Gene at the Masonic Temple in Billings, Montana about 1959. The thing I remember besides the great music was that Gene had a broken foot. He'd swing the leg with a cast on over the microphone. Those were great days. I drove 200 mile to see that concert. His performance was as good as his recording, perhaps better! Bill |
Bob Molinets Palos Park, Illinois b17heavy@comcast.net Gene Vincent, Cliff Gallup and a kid with a mail order guitar. That was in the 50's. If that kid didn't listen to Be Bop a Lula 1000 times he didn't listen at all. He wore out the 45! The "kid" was still playing that tune, (lead guitar), in 2005 ... and he listened to the Mp3 a few hundred times in 2005 too! The kid thanks Mr. Vincent and the Blue Caps for a lifetime of music ... The kid had to send this! |
Denise Martin/Adams Ignacio, Colo. USA wildhorse6203@hotmail.com My father was Pee Wee Adams who played drums on Town Hall Party in LA County, California with Gene Vincent. I would like to know if anyone out there would know more about this TV show back in 1957, 1958. I'm putting together a tribute to my Dad and all the people he played with. He was Best Drummer of the Year back in 1967. Thank You. |
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Mario Vargas Tijuana, B.C. Mexico Mario_armando69@yahoo.com Lo admiro mucho,le hice un pequeño homenaje poniendo su nombre en el vidrio de enfrente de mi carro. Ese wuey era de los mas perrones y locochones,admiro su musica su banda era a toda madre. Tu fuiste y seras de los mas cabrones, tu musica levanta muertos y hace que le acelere a mi carro cuando escucho esos requintos chingones. Arriba Gene vincent putos.dios los bendiga |
Tony Bradley Bristol, England abradley@fsmail.net As a kid I remember a greasy cafe, full of greasy haired rockers, sipping coke and coffee to the strains of 'Be Bop A Lula'. They told me it was too dangerous ever to go in there. The music seemed to support this view. By the standards of the day, 'Be Bop A Lula' sounded different, raw and exciting. It still does, some 49 years after its initial release. Converted, I managed to get hold of two LP's, 'Bluejean Bop' and 'Gene Vincent And The Blue Caps'. The Dansette was built to cope with the beat, but the neighbours were not. Mum was OK about it. I have had to replace these wonderful LP's with CD's, they were just worn out with use. Rock 'n' Roll is great music, but I think to really understand what it's all about, you have to listen to Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps. I wonder if CD's wear out? |
andy kett walton on thames, surrey, england andykett@hotmail.com it was 1969,i was 16, and gene vincent was playing at kingston coronation hall, kingston upon thames surrey, he appeared with the house shakers, i was excited to see him, already well in his own ledgend by now, we were as brothers, teddyboys, rock and roll music and motor cycles, although at this time,it was not vouge, skinheads and scooters were the rage, but we were none conformists, ha ha, any way that evening went off so well, i have seen and forgoten so many things since then but for me, i will never forget that emotional night,it set me on the rocky road to the real music, i loved it then and love it even more now, my very best wishes, and thanks to gene vincent,for my most profound memories |
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Tina Craddock cat city, CA, USA tinacraddock@aol.com Happy Holidays to all of Gene's fan's. From The Craddock Family ADRENNE OWLETTE, I KNOW WHAT U DID ON GENE'S LAST TRIP, NOT COOL |
IVAN FARIÑAS DE ARMAS CIUDAD HABANA CUBA ZIP CODE 2101 HAVANA CITY MY NAME IS IVAN FARIÑAS FOR LONG, LONG YEARS I HEAR ROCK AND ROLL. I REMEMBER WHEN I ONLY HAVE 11 YEARS OLD THE FIRST LP OF GENE. ITS SEND ME FOR HANDS SISTER WHO STUDY AND LIVE IN U.S.A. TRUELY VERY IMPRETION HAVED THIS MUSIC INTO ME...TODAY FOR 3O YEARS AGO IM LEADER OF VIENTO SOLAR BAND AND YET REMEMBER GENE VINCENT MUSIC, BLUE CAPS AND CLIFFTON GALLUP LEAD GUITAR SO GOOD .. I REBEMBER SONGS AS I FLIPEED, BLUE JEANS BABYS, JEZEBEL, BOP STREET AND OTHERS .. TANKS ABOUT MY BAD ENGLISH - IVAN FARIÑAS - ivanvientosolar@yahoo.es |
Bob Hanson Port Charlotte, Fl. rwh329@comcast.net Back in 1960 and some of 1961 I had the pleasure of playing guitar for Gene in the upper Midwest (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mn) I also had the pleasure of playing with Paul Peek, Bill Mack, Donny Ingle and more. I only wish Gene would Have tended to business more as he would have been a bigger star than he was. But as we were all in our twenties, we didn't care about that stuff in that time of our lives. It was," wine, women and song baby" Anyway, It was a great experience for all of us and I wouldn't trade all those memories for anything in the world. I am still playing guitar and singing (more than ever) Mostly jazz. I have been in touch with Bill Mack after 45 years and it is just great to talk to him and e-mail him. I am so sorry Paul Peek has passed away. I only wish I could have talked to he and Barbara. I had lost track of all of the guy's in the Blue Caps. I ran into Johnny Meeks in Las Vegas in 1965 and lost track of him also. Thank You for allowing me to say a few words about Gene And The Blue Caps. They are and were a great bunch of guys and I am prud to have worked with them. Bob Hanson |
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Robert Duckworth London England rob@visphoto.co.uk Saw Gene in London 1971 Woodgreen, Fishmongers Arms, brilliant never to be forgotten, all ways with us in memory and music. |
george duff scotland alexa.duff@btopenworld.com old god must be rocking and rolling in the big gig with gene vincent, eddie cochran, buddy holly, etc and listening wolfman jack. god thanks for the memories. |
John Walker Annandale, VA, U.S.A. jrwbrit1@hotmail.com I remember seeing Gene Vincent a couple of times in England during the early 1960's and once in San Remo, Italy in 1961. Also, a friend of mine played rhythm guitar in a band called Rory Blackwell & The Blackjacks, who often acted as backing band for Gene on his European tours. A combination of his singing style, repertoire and unique stage stance - due to his injured leg - to my mind made him one of THE great rock pioneers, not to mention of course his fabulous backing band, The Blue Caps. |
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Marc Simon France marc-yves.simon@laposte.fr Agé de 51 ans, je pense que mon premier souvenir musical fut "BE BOP A LULA", entendu à la radio à la fin des années 50. 1971 fût une année terrible pour le rock'n'roll. Gene était la beauté musicale même et, si j'aime le rock-a-bily, la voix de Gene est inégalée dans les ballades (over the rainbow et le superbe someday que j'ai redécouvert il y a peu). J'ai deux regrets : celui de ne l'avoir jamais vu, le second, c'est qu'il n'est pas eu la chance d'avoir une deuxième carrière comme celle - trop courte - du tout aussi regretté Roy Orbison, dans les années 1990. Rock'n'roll is here to stay! |
Slim Wilson Mobile, AL ghsjesse@yahoo.com Gene Vincent - The greatest Rockabilly vocalist/performer to ever walk the earth. Thanks for all of the great songs. |
Roland Ingelin Finland rbillyrolle@hotmail.com I just want to say that I think that Mr. Gene Vincent is the best rock/rockabilly vocalist ever. His music really changed my life. I always got a Gene record in my record player. I'm only 17 and I just love Genes music. It´s to bad that they don't make that good music anymore. Well, I could go on and on ´bout Gene Vincent, but I just wanted to say that Gene Vincent is very much alive, even here in Finland. ROCK ON ... |
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Nick Solomos Voorheesville, NY nsolomos1@nycap.rr.com Gene was one of few singers that really ipitomize what rock and roll was in the early days. He was great and to me a real shame he died so young. I still listen to his recordings and enjoy now as I did when I was young in the fifties. |
Steff France BSTEPHANE18@aol.com My tribute to Gene: Photo15102005.jpg |
GRANDPA CANDYS belgrade,serbia joovandeka@yahoo.com First time when I heard (1986)"GENE VINCENT"everything changed in my life,musicstile ... 19 years after I'm still thinking the same ... Now I play in the band "grandpa candys"and prepare for tribute to GENE VINCENT. My favorite bands and singers who trying to sing like GENE: dave phillips, the blue cats, matchbox and flying saucers .... http://grandpacandys.cjb.cc/ - best wishes from sasha. |
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Rita Hutton Wakefield, Yorkshire, England I first met Gene in June 1959 and started working for Don Arden a month or so later. I travelled with the show for a couple of years as PR. There are a few names on this list I recognise and would love to share memories with. if anyone remembers me I would love to hear from you. I feel so sad when I think of him. |
Tina Craddock California tinacraddock@aol.com I was at the tribute it was wonderful, Gene would have loved it. Mr. Weise u have the story wrong and jessie (kody) give it up, Gene and Donna never got along. Love u Big Brother and always will - Tina |
Paulo Rocker Lisbon, Portugal paulorocker@hotmail.com I will never forget you, you of this force to everything what I feel, in my way of life. |
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Kali Vantaa, Finland timo.kalijarvi@elisanet.fi Thanks Gene. We'll never forget you. |
Peter Ciraolo Age: 38 Hanover,MA U.S.A. We all know that Oct. 12th marked the 34th Anniversary of Gene Vincent's last day on this Earth. I was only 4 years old when he passed on and I've always wished (and I still do) that I was older because had I been,I would have liked to have gotten to talk to him as there are so many things that I want to say to him and to thank him for all that he and his music has done for me and how important he and his music are my life. I honestly couldn't fit it all in here,that could easily take a whole website (and them some),but I want to share a few of them with everyone that is reading this: I would tell him that the first record I ever owned was a copy of "Be Bop A Lula" when I was 6 years old and how that one record led me to go through other records in the house looking for other titles by he and his Blue Caps and how these records are still,and always will be,the most important ones of my whole record collection. I would also tell him that although there are other Pioneers of Rock N Roll that made some great records, I will always feel that there is something very special about he and his music that touches me in a very special and personal way that only he and his music can. I'd also let him know that although there are so many different types of Rock N Roll music in so many different forms,that in my eyes and in my heart,whenever someone mentions the words "Rock N Roll",my thoughts always come back to him,Gene Vincent-the Original Rocker. I know that his life had a lot of hardships and he went through a lot in such a short life,but he's always put his heart and soul into every record and every performance he ever did. So many musicians have,and still do,model themselves after him and look up to him. I just hope he knows just how much we all think of him and how special he is to us. I just want to pay Tribute to Gene and say "Thank You" to him and let him know that although he's no longer on this Earth in body,that he is still here with us and always will be a very important part of my life. Thank you again, Gene - For everything. Peter Ciraolo - merseybeat_pete@yahoo.com |
Bill McCabe Albany, NY. USA mccabewilliam@hotmail.com I can't seem to remember much of what I was taught in High School in the FIFTIES, but I can still remember every word to BE_BOP_A_LULA and Blue Jean Bop. If you were there in the fifties you remember. The start of real R & R. Too many of the early R & R pioneers have passed on. Rock ON Gene you are not forgotten. |
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Brett Arney Nashville, TN audiodamage@comcast.net Gene Vincent, we need you now. |
Lyndon Crampton England Ctuscani@oal.com Gene Vincent is Rockabilly at it's very best. Thankyou for the music and the Passion |
Nikliss Anderson chico, california, U.S.A. turtlecake1138@yahoo.com Only the good die young dear Vince I know this to be true and though the world is not as bright I guess we'll have to do I struggle with this fact sometimes and often wonder why of all the souls on Earth to take why'd Vincent have to die? and when the answer came to me it wasan't such a shock cuz someone had to go upstairs and show the Angels how to Rock!! |
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julio spain julio358@hotmail.com A big fan Gene's music. |
MICHEL "HOT BOPPER'S" COUSIN MONTREAL-QUÉBEC-CANADA michelcousin76@hotmail.com Je suis francais,depuis peu de temps au Québec.Je suis moi meme musicien et chanteur de Rockn'roll, j'ai 50ans et voila plus de trente ans que je colporte la bonne parole en chantant plusieurs chansons de GENE. J'ai eu l'occasion de voir les BLUE CAPS en Angleterre il y a quelques années,trés bon souvenir d'un excellent concert. Je n'ai pas pu voir GENE en concert a l'epoque parceque trop jeune. Merci pour lui pour ce site. I ALWAYS LOVE YOU GENE, YOU MISS ME BUT YOUR MUSIC IS EVERYDAY IN MY HEART AND IN MY LIFE. THANKS GENE, REST IN PEACE, WE LOVE YOU. MICHEL COUSIN |
Chid Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland selkid68@aol.com What is there left to be said about Gene? For me he is the only singer that brings a tear to my eye when i listen to him sing. What a voice. Listening to Born to be a Rollin' Stone just now, for me this song sums Gene up. Only wish i was old enough to have had the opportunity to see him on stage. Forever Gene. |
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miika.keskinen@europress.fi I was 4 years old when Gene Vincent died. First time I head Gene I was 10 years old, after that my life never was same. After 27 years later I still love GENE VINCENT. I am really fan bacauce in 2001 I visit at Gene´s grave: Eternal Valley Memorial Park. That was the top moment of my little life. I think that is cool because I live in Finland, about 4000 miles from California. Long live Gene Vincent´s music. |
Angel Casalduc Utuado P.R. www.kingcoler@hotmail.com I have 33 years old and I love Rock and Roll music. I ever think is the best music and then way too much people forget the good songs, moments, nice life, when never comeback. Vincent is the #1, he have nice voice. Gene live for ever. Jerry Lee Lewis, the Tune Weavers, Platters etc. Good bye to all my friends. |
Jim Redland Kent, Washington jimredland@comcast.net Back in the fifties we lived in Richfield, Minnesota. Across from our house lived the the Rahbien Boys. They real had the house parties. One night low and behold "Gene Vincent" happened to be special guest brought by local DJ, Dorty Fredricks a friend of the boys. I'll never forget that. "Gene Vincent" really had it and his songs reflected the whole rock-n-roll era. Sad to see people check out so early in life, but he left us with great memories and tunes we'll never forget. Rest in peace Gene! Jim Redland |
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Vincent Fourmentraux Le Mans France scramby72@hotmail.fr I remember in 1972 my brother bought the "be bop a lula" single. I was 14 years old and when i heard this song i immediately fell in love of this music. After i bought all the songs of Gene Vincent that i can find and i have now a collection of LP's from this great singer....the best rock & roll singer for me (with Eddy Cochran). I still listen Gene very often, as often that i can, and i think that the voice ond the melodies if Gene still very fashionable now. Gene was really for me a great man, as artist and also for his kindness. My big regret is to never saw him live. Thanks a lot for your tribute to Gene Vincent, it's really a great thing for Gene memory. Many many thanks. |
Gloria Knight Bendigo, Victoria, Australia gkni5459@bigpond.net.au I will never forget the RocknRoll music.It's so sad that a lot of RocknRoll artist's died young. When my friends and I were about fourteen, we would go to each others homes for the weekend and jive from Friday night 'til Sunday. Our parents hated the loud music, but at least they knew where we were and what we were doing. We sure had a lot of fun. Now we are all in our early 60s it still hasn't changed. We get together as often as possible and play our RocknRoll music. So as long as we are alive Gene Vincent and the all the rocknRoll artist will live forever. |
Alan and Rusty Vince Kent England (UK) rssllvince@yahoo.co.uk We had the privlege and pleasure to run the Gene Vincent Fan Club (late 1950's to 1960's). We met and knew Gene and he truly was the finest Rock'n'Roller ever. It is unique to read the tributes on this page to the finest person and singer ever. We still are friends of Dickie Harrell, Tommy Facenda and Johnny Meeks and wish we could be at the forthcoming Gene Vincent Tribute in October 2005. I Remember Gene Vincent was a book that Alan had published and this reflected Alan's times with Gene. Keep on Rockin' |
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Marco K Finland oddisslajos@hotmail.com As a young teenager, in late 70's, I recorded a song called "lotta lovin'" from radio. At that point I didn't gave it too much attention. Few weeks later I heard the same song perfomed by famous Finnish rockabilly-trio Teddy & The Tigers from radio also. I played again that earlier version I had in my tape. It was like lightning strike thru me and I was sold. Second song I heard from Gene was Blue jean bop and I knew that this is my man and music that carries me thru my life. Ever since, almost 30 years later, his my man furter more and today again I found myself in tears listening his "absolute voice" singing Weeping willow. I cherish his memory and wish all of you Gene-fans the best future! |
Doggy Daddy Maryland, USA herddog51@yahoo.com Gene was awesome, timeless and very moving! I wish there was a Gene Vincent memorial with a statue down in Norfolk Virginia; I think it would be a worth while task to make such a thing. |
Toby Hochscherf Frechen / Cologne Germany My older brother showed me a Gene Vincent record when I was 8 years old and since then I love his music and I always will. Thank you for all the wonderfull music. |
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angel de la orden madrid. españa rockgelito@yahoo.es 2siempre sera el mejor. |
Beto Brasilia, Brasil beto11111@pop.com.br VIVA Gene Vincent!!! |
Michael Ross Jackson, TN USA mjxross@yahoo.com Even though Jackson, TN is the home of the "Great" Carl Perkins (whom I truly love & respect) my fondest memories lie with Gene Vincent. It was in the late 50's that his rendition of "Woman Love" was my "first" girlfriend's and mine love song. Every time I still play it now it brings back so many memories of my first puppy love! Gene may have physically left this realm but to all of us who love his music, he will never truly be gone! |
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David Lindsay York ENGLAND United Kingdom deelindsay@ntlworld.com I was 10 when Be bop a lula was issued, so it was later records that grabbed me. It was when I heard Gene sing live that I knew that his voice was the greatest that the world has ever heard. Add that talent to a tremendous stage act and Gene was unbeatable. From that time, I had to buy every record that he made. Almost 50 years later his music is still being listened to. People are still finding new live recordings - and there are some wonderful tracks amongst them. From Be bop a lula and Say Mama, to I'm Goin' Home and Right Here on Earth, to Sunshine and The day the World turned Blue, and too many more to mention the classics kept coming. Keep Rocking Gene. The world is listening, Vincent. David Lindsay |
Buddy Dughi santa ana CA orange rcknkat@hotmail.com I listen to Gene every day. I have a cd with me at all times. Gene had the best band ever.Gene is the true king of rock and roll! |
Tina Craddock cathedral city, ca usa tinacraddock@aol.com The Craddock family sends it's deepest regrets to a country (UK- 7/7/05), that Gene loved so much. |
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susan carradice birmingham england susancarradice@yahoo.co.uk may we always remember gene vincent and his music. |
jimmy cregg accrington, england pinecottage@manx.net Gene was and still is a light in my life. When times are bad just pop a Gene Vincent song on. He's up there now singing with Eddie and Buddy. God bless Gene Vincent. |
ladybug6308@yahoo.com i still love gene vincent me and my sister loved him every time we would hear a song of his we would get up and dance. god bless gene vincent. |
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Dave West Morongo Valley, Ca Thesliphammer@adelphia.net I remember when I was about 16 in the 50's that I heard a song on American bandstand called "Lotta Lovin." I just had to find out who recorded it, of course it was Gene. That is still my favorite Gene Vincent song. I just loved the Bop. |
Tina cathedral city ca usa tinacraddock@aol.com Gene is my brother, I will never forget all of our war games. I will always love and respect you, even if some of the poeple who write about you are way out in never never land. I would really like to know who you got your material from. tina craddock |
Dimitri VERDET Libreville GABON dimitri.verdet@missioneco.org I had the chance to see Gene on stage with the Sunlights the 20th of October 1963 in Theatre du Gymnase Marseille, when i was 15. The show started as the light were not in yet on and I still have this first song vivid in my memory. I never stopped then collecting his records and memorabillia. In 1970, still in Marseille I was one of the few hundreds waiting for Gene to perform a show outside a small club but the tour was aborted after five gigs and never reached Marseille. Gene answered to me in english in 1966, after I sent him a letter in french, as I was not managing wellenglish at the time.This shows how sweet the man was and cared about his friends! Let's his memory being kept alive for ever! |
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Christina F Ontario, Canada ravenrainstorm@hotmail.com I am only 26 years old so unfortunately for me, I missed out on the magic of the 50's. [the best musical era EVER]. Gene Vincent is, in my opinion, the best vocalist EVER!! There will never be anyone even half as good as him. RIP Gene ... |
Keith Fontaine Lampasas, Texas, USA cottagegarden@isot.com One of the greatest things about Gene Vincent was his ability to turn his musical style a full 180 degrees. One moment, he could be rocking with a song like 'Race With The Devil' and then flip and do 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. What a fantastic voice he had, and what a band!!! One of my all time favorite guitarists just has to be Cliff Gallup, of whom was not with the Bluecaps that long but he sure made his mark. I first heard Gene Vincent when I lived in England. He was really, really big over there. It is a shame that he wasn't as big in the U.S. as he was in England. When Eddie Cochran arrived in England along with Gene Vincent, they really were treated like gods. Believe it! These were the days of REAL rock and roll. God, I miss you guys! |
ANDY BURNLEY,ENGLAND MRVESPAMAN@AOL.COM Gene, I was only 3 years old when you died. would have given anything to have seen you perform. you played at the Nelson Imperial Ballroom (about 4 miles from where I live) several times. I was born too late. God bless you! |
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charles a. o'mara marysville, mi usa comara@advnet.net I am 62 yrs. old and I have listened to rock & roll since I was 11 or 12 maybe younger. I used to listen to a station out of nashville,tenn. that played blues and early rock & roll. I wanted to play the guitar because I wanted to be like Hank Williams. The best years of Rock & Roll were from 1955 to 1960. The guys in our neighborhood had a garage band and after hearing them play my baseball playing days were over. Any way I remember all the early Rock-a-billy stars. Jack scott who was from Royal Oak, Mi., Eddie Cockran Gene Vincent & the Blue Caps, Buddy Knox. After hearing them plus Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis I was a goner. I now have a sattlite dish and am able to hear all the old songs, it brings back such great memories. Although over the years I listened to other Artists and thier music the early Rocker's were the best. They laid it all out for everyone else to follow. |
John Boswell Burlington, Ontario, Canada jedbos@hotmail.com I am 62 years old, when i was a teenager gene vincent was my idol, i had every record he made. The first one i ordered was "be bop alula", i got "be biki bi bo bo go", which was actually pretty good. i saw "The girl can't help it" 5 times in three days just to see Gene Vincent. i will allways remember him and his tragic end. Gene Vincent & Bill Haley are the true legends. |
guitton yvonnick paris erwanig@hotmail.fr hi, we are very enjoy to collect gene vincent information. FULL DIMENSIONAL. SPECTACULAR DOCUMENTS. |
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rudy vergauwen antwerp - belgium - europe rudy.vergauwen@pandora.be Hi, I am rudy. As I was born in 1956 I totally missed the hey days of the rock and roll era. However I discovered Gene's music by the mid-seventies. For many of us Elvis will remain the King but for me Gene was THE TRUE KING!! now I have most of his regular output on CD except for the kama sutra albums "if you could only see me today" and "the day the world turned blue" which are impossible to find in europe. I sincerely hope that sooner or later they will get a proper re issue !! let me just end my comment by saying that Gene Vincent will never be forgotten. His influence can be heard within every generation that came after him. Just listen to the beatles, the stray cats, robert gordon, just to name a few. For me Gene is not dead at all. His personallity and music live on inside my heart!! a warm thank you for sharing your music with me Gene!! (and I mean that!) - rudy |
FELIX MOORE LONGVIEW, WASH. U.S.A. tinamoore@johnlscott my wife's E-mail] I am 63 years old and I was in Jr. High and high school during the best years of Rock 'n Roll [1956 to 1961]. I live in a small town located between Seattle, Wash. and Portland Ore. We were fortunate to live between these two cities because some of the groups would stop off for a one night show. Little Richard played at our theatre, Jerry Lee Lewis played at the Longshore Hall. Elvis Presley stopped off and ate at one of our restaurants. His Picture is still painted on the side of that building. Eddie Cochran, Buddy Knox, Bobby Darin, The Coasters, and The Fleetwoods also played in our town. One of my favorite memories was when I went to a dance where Gene Vincent was playing in Seaside, Oregon. That night he sang four sets and we boogied for almost three hours. That doesn't happen nowadays. Every once in a while he would let out an extra howl because the mic he was using kept on shocking him. I think he spit a little bit when he sang and the system they were using wasn't well grounded. Amazing some of the things you remember. Anyway, in my opinion, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran are the best Rock-abilly singers ever! [p.s.] I am trying to find the original Gene Vincent recordings of "Say Mama" and "Right Now" Can anyone help me? Also, Does anyone know of any DVD's available besides Town Hall Party that he performs his songs on? I remember a movie "The Girl Can't Help It" where I think he sang Be Bop A Lula. Is that movie available? I enjoy reading the comments about the good old days, thanks for letting me share some too. Who said there was a day the music died? |
David Jackson Crafers West, South Australia, Australia jackhall@ozemail.com.au I have been a fan since 1956 when I purchased BeBopaLula, heard about it from a friend and imported the record through an Adelaide record store - I still have that original recording (a bit scratchy now) plus "Blue jean Baby" on 45. I bought the first Lps also but sadly they got lost/stolen at some party back then. Saw him live when he toured with Eddie Cochran & Little Richard, performed at the Centenial Hall, Adelaide. I recall it was a wild show and everyone was up dancing despite the hall being packed. He will always be the performer for me who got Rock & Roll off the ground in the 50's and he epitomised the rebellious streak many of us were developing then. Personally, I love and own an early Triumph, still enjoy cheesburgers, wearing black leather jackets and keeping that rebel streak alive. Long Live his memory. |
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Nancy Neal Turco turcoworld@msn.com HI, MY DAD IS JACK NEAL THE BASS PLAYER FOR THE BLUECAPS. I'M THE OLDEST OF 4 KIDS 53, AND REMEMBER BETS AND PIECES OF THOSE EARLY YEARS, SO WERE GOOD AND SOME WERE NOT. I DO REMEMBER GENE. I WAS IN AWE OF HIM AS I GUESS I WAS AROUND 6 OR 7 AT THE TIME. MY DAD IS DOING GREAT, STILL WORKING BUT NOT PLAYING MUSIC ANYMORE, STILL LIVING IN VA. BEACH. DICKIE IS IN THE AREA TOO. THANKS FOR THINKING OF THEM AND LOVING THEIR MUSIC. FONDLY, NANCY TURCO :) |
Jessica Cooper Richmond, Virginia kodycooper@aol.com I am Gene's Niece. I never got to know my uncle. I was born the year after he died. Oh How I wish I could have met him. My mom, his youngest sister, Donna Craddock, told me so much good about him. Why did he die so poor and why does his sister suffer poverty at this moment just like he died? If someone wanted to continue his legacy they would look into his baby sisters situation and hear her stories and help her. She once sang with him before he died. She has a great voice and wants to continue his legacy by singing his songs. She is a great singer!!! Someone that really cares about Gene and not just enjoyed his music please reach out to my mom who is suffering major poverty at this time. Thank you, Jessica Cooper |
Jean Thomassen ine.veen@quicknet.nl Amsterdam Who I am you can see on the website of my work [www.jeanthomassen.nl]. I am fond of Rock and Roll and Rock a billy since the 50 ties. From the minor stars, I like Johnny Powers, Vince Taylor, Marlon Grisham - but from the top ten of bigger ones I think Gene Vincent and Jerry Lee Lewis was/is the true Kings of Rock and Roll. In my studio in Amsterdam you can hear this music daily very loud. Beautiful website you have. Kind regards, Jean Thomassen. |
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Rob Daknob Va Beach, VA - USA robwater53@earthlink.net I met you when you visited my parents, but I know I met you when I was very young. When Gene was young his parents and mine were very close, but I remember Gene's Parents and Sisters real well. Gene's mother and my Grandmother were sisters and there were allways pictures of Gene at all the families houses. I was too young to know then but since I have learned what an important man Gene was. Genes induction to the Hall of Fame was a real big deal for me. Someone from Creeds hit the big time. (I didn't know it but Gene was big time since the 50s) I wish I had more momeries of such an important musical pioneer. God Bless you Gene, you will allways rock our Clubhouse. RTK |
Jean Paul Martial Age: 56 St Etienne, France 11 Febuary 2005 in this day, 70th anniversary of Gene Vincent's birth, i' m sending this message from France for pay hommage to Gene. For me Gene Vincent is the greatest rock n roll artist of all time he epitomize the wild rockabilly also sad blue and melancholy ballads. Be bop a lula, race with the devil, bop street, important words, baby blue etc ... all this songs are wonderful. I get to know Gene in the 60s when the rock n roll come in French , unluckily, i never saw him. I was not much money for travel and ticket for show,in this time, i lived in the country far away and not ad for they shows. i listen Gene 40 year ago. I want also pay hommage to Eddie Cochran, Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley all this originators with well on Elvis Presley. If the heaven exist, keep on rockin Gene with Eddie, Carl and all your friends. Here on the earth all your fans always listen your songs, and pay hommage to you with Ervin Travis and Graham Fenton |
Mark Dillman Topeka, Kansas, USA daddyodilly@yahoo.com I wish to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of Gene Vincent's birth: February 11 or 17? Since Gene's mom always insisted it was the 17th, I think I will accept her birthdate, since she was certainly there when it happened! There are some nice new items coming out this year for our collections to commemorate this anniversary. I guess it is about the best way we can acknowledge these anniversaries. The Bear Family CD box set no doubt leads the pack. The revised book by Derek Henderson and the two planned CDs on the Rockstar label are also anticipated this year. I also read that Gene's grave was cleaned up by a West Coast fan on the 11th. I encourage bands to include a Gene tune or two in your sets this month. Let's extend our greetings to the members of Gene's bands from throughout the 1950s and '60s. Gene and the Blue Caps played in my home town twice in the 1950s. I was only about 5 or 6 years old at the time and had no idea... |
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Sandy Kelley Issaquah, WA grapenutz@comcast.net I'm a Gene Vincent era lady who is so happy to have been a teen in the late 50's and early 60's in southern CA! I still hear his music often on our oldies station up here in the Seattle area. Of course, I never knew him, but as fate would have it, he is buried only a few feet from my young husband, who was killed in a tragic industrial accident less than a year before Gene died. I live far away now, but whenever I go down there, I pay my respects to both my lost love and father of my children and go the extra few feet to Gene's grave at Eternal Valley. It's been 35 years now, and neither of them will be forgotten soon. Incidentally, I also went to Pacoima Jr. High and knew Ritchie Valens-another great memory. |
michael speed sydney, nsw, australia michaelspeed@bigpond.com my user name gene vincent, i met gene vincent in shrewsbury uk, that's were come from i went to gene shows all over uk. i love gene vincent. i have all is records. my friends when at partys say come mike lets see you take off gene vincent before you send us all mad. to me gene vincent is number 1 to me anyway. i could go on and on about gene vincent. GENE VINCENT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE NUMBER ONE. you are great, love you always, michael speed |
Mr. Jack Gregory Rochdale England greg12@myway.com I'm 63 new to computers, but so pleased so many people remember the greatest rocker ever. Keep rocking & don't forget GENE Vincent, Jack |
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Frank Hambleton U.K. frankhambleton@aol.com Gene Vincent was a Rock'N'Roll revolutionarie and Unique. His stage shows superb his voice beautful. I had the privilege of meeting the great man at one of his shows in Buxton Derbyshire in the 60s, Unforgetable. |
Peter J. Martin Penzance, Cornwall, U.K. Peter@petermartin5.wanadoo.co.uk Gene, in my opinion was underrated, undervalued and poorly managed. I have been a fan since the beginning and have all his recordings and am aware of his unique and natural talent. I saw Gene in Penzance on 6th. April 1963 and took some photos and got his autograph-a night to remember. Unfortunatly, in common with most of the first generation rockers, Gene was saddled with the "50s only" tag. Many of his fans were disinterested in his newer recordings and Gene became locked into a time-warp, unable to move forward. I believe that this was detrimental to Genes career and in part was responsible for the decline in his physical well-being. Its a pity that Gene will only be remembered (by some) for "Lula" - he was so much more. |
Rick Rae Conyers, GA USA rick.rae@graypub.com Gene hit the scene with a Brand New Beat that soon had us Jump, Giggle and Shouting. Even though one was bad, he still had Crazy Legs and his Unchained Melody was the Peg O' My Heart. All the girls wanted to Wear His Ring and were willing to Race With The Devil to get a Lotta Lovin' from this Baby Blue, Catman in the Pink Thunderbird. Gene was Cruisin' with Rollin' Danny but got caught up with a Double Talkin' Baby who gave him Five Feet of Lovin and made the Blues Stay Away From Him. "Jump Back Honey, Jump Back", he said to the gal in the Red Blue Jeans and a Pony Tail but she just purred, "Hold Me, Hug Me, Rock Me", Pretty, Pretty Baby... let's just Waltz in the Wind for a while. Now this may sound like Double Talkin' to you but to those who first turned an ear to Be-Bop-A-Lula (little Lulu to us oldsters), You Better Believe that B-I-Bickey-Bi, Bo-Bo-Go has a special meaning for John, Who got Slapped, for Dancin' To The Bop with Jezebel. |
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Torben L Andersen Silkeborg-Denmark t.lindhardt@webspeed.dk Gene. A great rock n roller |
Doyle Clark Muskogee, Okla doyleclark@sbcglobal.net I saw Gene and the Blue Caps in Muskogee in 1957. I was 13 years old and still have a photo of Gene taken that nite. it shows the leg brace that he wore. After 47 years the memory is still fresh in my mind. |
Ray McCall Boulder, CO USA mccall@colorado.edu I first heard him in 1956 with Be Bop A Lula. From then on I regarded him as the pinnacle of Rockabilly style. Nobody else was able to get that extraordinary level of quiet intensity. It was a real innovation. I saw him once live in 1958 (I think) in Milwaukee. He played to a hard-core greaser crowd, and they treated him like a god. The drummer spent half of his time throwing girls off the stage as they tried to mob Gene. Gene seemed to put his heart and soul into the performance, and the audience reacted accordingly. Quite a spectacle. He was really a star to these people. I got to talk briefly to the drummer and to Johnny Meeks, who was playing lead guitar. That was very interesting for me (who was all of 15 years old). I am just glad I got to see Gene in top form with an audience that completely dug him -- even when he was no longer in the Top 40. I was glad to learn that Gene had success in the UK later on, and I was sad when I heard he had died. He was a true original and deserves to be remembered. |
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april martinez bristol united kingdom lincoln park michigan prncesseyez@aol.com he's my great etc. grandfather and now i know i've found him i just wanna say r.i.p granddaddy, we miss you somuch and hope we will see you some day in the after life. ha ha ha ha. love april your granddaughter. we miss you. |
Tim Lecouteur Sardinia Italy Blacklion50@yahoo.com Hi, I just wanted to say that I love Gene's music. I also wanted to ask a question. I've been looking for the answer to this question for days and I can't seem to find it. Dose anyone know what kind of motorcycle Gene was riding in 1955 when he had the accident? I have been told that it was a Triumph, but I'd like to know the year and model. The reason I'm asking is because not only am I a devoted Triumph rider and a Gene Vincent fan, I'm also in the market for a classic bike and I think that if I could find out what kind of bike he was riding I would not stop looking till I found one I could buy. If any one knows the answer to this please e-mail me. Thank you. |
the hepkat kansas city, kansas, USA hepkatbob@yahoo.com he was the best. |
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alan walker bristol united kingdom trapsteruk@blueyonder.co.uk my late uncle played on a tour with gene vincent. i think 1960s his name was mervin walker. i wonder if anyone has a picture of my uncle with gene vincent on the tour, i think my uncle played guitar, many thanks in advance. |
Elliott Irving elliottirving@hotmail.com It was the Fall of 1969 and I had just arrived at RAF Alconbury England. At the Airman's Club, Gene appeared with "The Wild Angels". Really appreciated seeing him, being a native Virginian and an early fan. By this time, he did not remotely resemble the Gene Vincent I remembered from "The Girl Can't Help It". Still he put on a great show and I came to see how appreciated he was by the British. Too bad that much of our population in the U.S. doesn't know who he was. He was a pure "rocker" if there ever was one. Thanks for the site. |
James Madden Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia maddenco@westnet.com.au It was many years ago that I first heard Gene rocking on a '78. I got I think from Batman records in Melbourne. I had to get the records imported from his French label because there was nothing else around. The problem with gene was that he was a chronic alcoholic who deserved greater success than he got. There were plenty who did very well without having anywhere near his talent, and he was very talented. |
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Lennon/McCartney's Fan Gene Vincent is the best rock'n'roll singer I've ever heard. I found his songs just because The Beatles were talking a lot about his influence and they recorded some his songs like 'Ain't She Sweet' and 'Be-Bop-A-Lula' and I thought: 'Why didn't I hear the original recordings?'. I was very impressed when I listened to the music (it was Blue Jean Bop) and I asked everyone: 'Didn't you hear this before? Just listen!' Oh... We lost rock'n'roll heroes but we still have the music. -- 'The love you take is equal to the love you make.' |
Elliott Irving elliottirving@hotmail.com It was the Fall of 1969 and I had just arrived at RAF Alconbury England. At the Airman's Club, Gene appeared with "The Wild Angels". Really appreciated seeing him, being a native Virginian and an early fan. By this time, he did not remotely resemble the Gene Vincent I remembered from "The Girl Can't Help It". Still he put on a great show and I came to see how appreciated he was by the British. Too bad that much of our population in the U.S. doesn't know who he was. He was a pure "rocker" if there ever was one. Thanks for the site. |
Antero ylisalo Finland antero.ylisalo@luukku.com Thank you GENE!Your voice is really something else! With your music i will keep on rocking forever! |
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f smith scotland for gene vincent fans: god bless you all young and old. we love you gene vincent. what is steve ansley doing now? |
kevin freeman notts, nottinghamshire, england kevin.freeman30@ntlworld.co.uk Thanks Gene for helping me find myself, and you, and what Iam all about. Presley was the candle, eddie and chuck the innovators, but you were the master, without you there would have been nothing later, not even the beatles, enough said. kev |
al poyzer fargo nd usa fargo fans late 50s, crystal ballroom fargo north dakota, we loved when gene vincent came to town. many memories. |
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Maheen Mississauga, Ontario Canada maheen5894@sympatico.ca I have always been a huge Gene Vincent fan and I would love to correspond with anyone of you out there who is a collector of Vincent's music! I am a 20 year old visually impaired boy and I have always loved the old time music. Gene Vincent and the Blue Cats will always be the greatest rock and roll pioneers of all time! Sincerely, Maheen. |
Martyn 'The Big Bopper' Gillie Matlock, Derbyshire, England martyn@gillie5254.freeserve.co.uk The Bopper, Ritchie Valens, Buddy, Eddie and Gene Vincent, Rock and roll remembers you. |
f smith glasgow specs0408@aol.com gene vincent rocked and the blue caps rolled. the black leather rebel is now in the ground long live gene vincent rip. |
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CARLOS D GALLEGOS BAKERSFIELD CA BLUE CARLOS AOL GENE LIVED THE REAL COOL CAT LIFE, NOT A ACT BUT THE REAL DEAL. I DID TO AND I STILL DO, BUT THE WORLD CHANGED SO I HAVE TO, BUT GENE WILL ALWAYS BE A COOL CAT AND THE WILD ONE. I THANK THE HEAVENS FOR GENE VINCENT. LOVE-BLUE CARLOS. |
candy martinez bell, CA USA candy2lick4fun@yahoo.com Gene Vincent is the best rock and roll singer that has ever set foot in this world. I love you Gene Vincent. |
SPECS0408@aol.com I'm new to all this comp stuff now im finding more about gene and the caps. i have played the music, read the books, saw the films. thank goodnes for the girl cant help it and now this. hello to cap fans around the world. |
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Iain Driver Nottingham England driveriain08@aol.com Thank you, Gene, for shaping my teenage years and showing me what real rock'n'roll is all about. Has God learnt how to bop yet? |
jean-luc "long-tall" DENIS ITTEVILLE FRANCE gvrnr@wanadoo.fr mon plus grand regret est de ne pas l avoir vu lors de sa derniere tournee en france. il sera toujours present parmi nous et dans nos coeurs. longue vie au rocknroll. long tall. TO THE BOP FAN CLUB. |
Mike Mogelgaard mogelgaard@aol.com ou need only remember ONE thing, that epotomizes rock and roll of that era. You can still say it now, and it always will empower you. I need your lovin' AH hAH YOU BET ... (Lotta Lovin') Say it out loud right now ... And you will see it works!! |
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mike doyle longboat key fla mdoyle941@aol.com I HAVE BEEN A GENE VINCENT FAN SINCE I CAN REMEMBER. I THINK ABOUT THOSE CAREFREE DAYS, WHEN LIFE WAS SIMPLE. I HAVE A COPY OF BE-BOB-A-LULA ON 78. SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT IS. REMEMBER THE DAYS. MIKE DOYLE, LONBOAT KEY . FLA. |
Keven Roberts Lincolnshire England keven.roberts@btinternet.com For me on first hearing Gene Vincent on a friends Dad's album (Gene Vincent's Greatest Volume One) at the tender age of 15, that Voice and that Great Beat set the style and the music I would love since that time. For me the modern music just did not seem to cut it anymore. 25 years later and I am still blasting out Be-Bop-a-Lula or Bluejean Bop out on my Car Stero. Having dedicating my intrest in Gene Vincent and Rock and roll I'm proud to have earned the nickname ROCKY (short for Rockabilly). Gene Vincent The Man And the Music Will live on, A TRUE LEGEND IN OUR TIME. |
Dennis Vigil Lafayette, CO USA tdcare@coloradocomputer.com I was 12 years old in 1956 when I first heard "Be-Bop-A-Lula". I was fully engaged then in the cusp of early Rock 'n' Roll and am now an "Oldies" veteran and collector. I was definitely into Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps, including his song, "Woman Love". What's amazing is that, after so many years had gone by, I rediscovered Gene Vincent when I purchased some of his CDs with so many of his old songs that I had never heard of before. I was astonished with the power of his voice and the authenticity of his roots to rock 'n' roll. While I was glad to hear his vast repertoire, I was sad to find out that he passed away so young. I am now fascinated with him, and want to learn even more about him and his music. |
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Riddler Lincolnshire, ENGLAND Dunstable Bedfordshire England andy.trace@virgin.net To me Gene Vincent is the KING of Rock 'N' Roll. Unfortunately i never got to see him perform as i was too young. I was introduced to his music by a mate at school when i was only 14, i liked his style of music and still do to this day 26 years later. It's great to see so many people like his music and have dedicated sites to him like yours. |
Steve Astraikis Kent Cliffs, New York-USA steve_astraikis@yahoo.com Let's rock!!! |
Myron Miller Slidell, La. USA Winsti@charter.net I do remember Gene. He had a couple of real top hits that we indicative of the time and yet his own thing. I am 61+ years now and I feel very fortunate to have been a teen during the '50's and early '60's. It is a remembrance that kids of my youth can never forget. Thanks Gene! |
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Billy Dumpleton Houghton Regis, Dunstable Bedfordshire England billy.boys.mail@ntlworld.com I've loved Gene vincent since i was 14 years old when i first heard him. I'm 40 now and its September 2004. I'm well into the rock and roll scene of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran to name a few greats, but to me none of their voices came close to the melancholy tone of Gene Vincent especially when he sang a ballad like Over The Rainbow or Peg of My Heart. It was really sad to see him scraping about in the late 60's trying to make a living, but to hear the great man speak you could tell that he loved his music and all the fans who enjoyed it and supported him. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest rock and roll heroes of all time. I'm off now to play my new Gene Vincent dvd ... what a man. |
Jean Loup Jouve Paris (France) roland.jouve@noos.fr Gene Vincent is for me the most important voice of rock'and roll. "So many great thank Gene, for all your songs and particulary for Over the rainbow (the best version to my mother) and in this time if i heard rock music Gene, you are still the best one". |
John Boswell Burlington, Ontario, Canada john.boswell@sympatico.ca I have been a Gene Vincent fan since "The Girl Can't help It". I guess that would be 1956, I am 62 now. |
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Roger A Collis Bournemouth, Gloucester, England racol@bwpuk.com In the late 50's when I was first introduced to Rock music, Gene Vincent and Cliff Gallup were my and my friends'idols. I played guitar and tried to imitate Cliff Gallup but of course couldn't. When Gene appeared for that first time on the Jack Good Rock Show on TV, singing 'Baby Blue' I thought he was the greatest man in the world. When he was in the car accident in which Eddie Cochran was killed we were all devastated, as we were at his death. I will always remember him as a great performer, showman and inspiration. Rest in Peace Gene. You are not forgotten. |
Jacki Valberg Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia GVemailaddy = surfshack@ozemail.com.au Hi my name is Jacki, I am 19 from QLD Australia. I'm a fairly young Gene Vincent fan, but I love all of his music. I'm partial to a lot of older artists, todays music doesn't cut it for me. I have a boyfriend who's 24, and he feels the same. We sometimes think we were born in the wrong decade. It is now 2004, 33 years after his passing, long before me and my boyfriend were even thought of, but we still love his music, his voice is so pure, and captivating, Gene Vincent will live on forever in our hearts. Back in the 1970's medicine wasn't what it is today so Gene was probaby suffering a painful last few hours of his life, I really couldn't think of a more horrible death than the one that Gene Vincent suffered. |
tom North East England tloweryuk@blueyonder.co.uk a unique sound, a unique legend. |
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ML Valencia, Ca We found Mr Vincent's grave at Eternal Valley. It seems like no one has ever visited his grave. We cleaned it up a little and left a flower on Father's Day 2004. What has happened to all of his family? May he rest in peace. |
Brian McTamaney Richmond Va setzer56@comcast.net Gene is the wildest brand of Rock and roll there is, its not about amps to 11, and cursing. its about attitude to be a rocker. and Gene had the attitude, he is Rock and roll. I hope they make a bio pic on him cause the world needs to be turned on to his magic!! |
Jonathan Horwitz Philadelphia, PA, USA chan_tam_tham@yahoo.com I was like 15. My best buddy, Bart Soutendijk, he could really dance. Almost even before it came off the press, Bart had a copy of Be Bop a Lula. What a sound. The golden days of Rock and Roll. But Gene was different. There was something about his Guitar and his silky smooth voice. The we turned it over. WOW! Woman Love! You know, Gene, you really set the mark. If the others didn't meet it, they just didn't make it. "Cool" whas the word we used back then. Gene, you were the King of Cool. Thanks for all that GREAT ROCKIN'!!!! |
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Lasse Frisk Fagersta Sweden lars.frisk@secotools.com Gene, the world misses you!!! |
kevin martinez lexington, ky usa pacochaos@hotmail.com Gene Vincent's music will always live on. he was a true rock n roller. |
melody benin city, edo state, nigeria melody4real2003@yahoo.com I want to know more about Gene. |
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Juan Ernesto Yha Shimazaki Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan inami@sage.ocn.ne.jp cuando tenia unos doce anhos escuche por primera vez a Gene Vincent and the blue caps , quedo grabado en mi memoria , hasta que por fin pude encontrar informacion de este gran cantante de rock . Viva el rock and roll por siempre!!! Mil gracias por dejarnos tu musica |
geoff maddin rayleigh essex uk geoff.maddin@btopenworld.com Was so very lucky to see the man in several concerts in the UK. He is without doubt the greatest rocker ever. The beautiful part about it is that my Kids dig him and his music as well, and one of my grandsons plays his stuff! What a wonderful thing that different generations are keeping his name alive. Rock on Gene, you will never be forgotten. |
melody benin city, edo state, nigeria melody4real2003@yahoo.com I want to know more about Gene. |
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Abraham Santos garden grove ca united states gwenstefanicrazy@yahoo.com well the first time i heard of gene vincent was from my friend. As soon as i heard be-bop-lula-, i knew that this was a great rockabilly legend. |
-tony zimmermann stembert/pr.liege fa548042@skynet.be aux fans de gegene et que sa musique nous reste encore longtemps dans les airs |
Ken Moyer Austin Texas USA kenmoyer@austin.rr.com During my teen Years, Gene was one of my favorites. I learned to play guitar, had a band and always played WOMAN LOVE at every gig. It was one of our standards. I saw Gene one time. It was about 1954 and he and the Blue Caps were one of the acts in the Lounge of THE SANDS HOTEL in Las Vegas. I was only 14 and couldn't go into the casino but could stand at the edge and see Gene perform onstage in the lounge -- FOR FREE!. He had a broken leg but could stand up at the mike and sing as great as ever. I think I heard at the time that he had been in a motorcycle accident. I saw Jerry Lewis in the famous COPA room that night as well, but the highlight of my Vegas Trip was seeing Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. Thanks for letting me share a Teenage Memory. Ken Moyer, Austin TX |
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E. Berberick Juiz de Fora - MG - Brasil kingdomcome@bol.com.br Para o Brasil: Em nome do Rock, n?h?alavras para definir Gene Vincent. qualquer adjetivo sobre sua obra j?oi dito. Resta-nos recordar este grande "rocker". Valeu Gene. For rest of the World: In the name of the Rock, we thanks this Great Rocker, Gene, You live in our hearts, forever! Thanks the Blue Caps |
jason and alexia lincolnshire england elvisgenevincent@AOL.COM we are your biggest fans. forever we love you sweet gene vincent. |
jason and alexia Elvisgenevincent@aol.com gene vincent is the best! |
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Jessica MikeyO1957@wmconnect.com All i want to say is Gene Vincent is a true legend and will always be, rockabilly is awesome music and i think gene made it even better. |
lasse heinonen Turku, Finland lasse.heinonen@saunalahti.fi (no message sent) |
p. winstanley hull england pwinstanley@pwinstanley.karoo.co.uk one of the truly greats of the rock & roll world. sadly missed always remembered. |
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Larry Towsley Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada larshar@tbaytel.net I have been a fan of Gene's for more years than I care to remember. Now that I am retired I have more time to reminisce about my early influences from the rock music of the 50's and early 60?s. As a teenager growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the rock capital of Canada, I was constantly plugged into CKY listening to PJ (Peter Jackson) the DJ playing the latest releases. When I lived in England in 1979/80 a musical about Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran was making the rounds and I went to see it at the Bristol Hippodrome, which of course was where Gene and Eddie performed their last concert before the tragic accident that took Eddie's life. The concert revitalized my interest in the early rock era and an even greater appreciation for Gene's marvelous talent on the stage and his incredible singing voice. About two weeks ago my wife and I were driving up the California coast and stopped at Newhall to visit Gene's gravesite. It was a gorgeous California day and I was glad I had stopped to pay my respects but at the same time saddened by the fact that Gene was only with us for such a short time - but what a time it was! The music will never die! |
Alex Ruiz Valencia-Spain alexru31@hotmail.com Gene,the best rock and roller. I like your voice very much, your songs. Gene forever! -a spanish cat |
fred borja butler, pa usa fredeborja@yahoo.com to me gene was the ultimate! he did what he wanted and didnt give a damn . he did things his own way. he wasnt anyone's corporate suck up like elvis. he wanted to stay true to rockabilly music. he wasnt about to sacrifice himself for the powers that be. he will always be a legend someone who took charge and did it his no matter what the consequences. thats the stuff legends are made of! |
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andy cat oberhausen from germany purzelkinski@gmx.de oh yes the first punk in the early 50ths. gene is my special hero (GENE I SURE MISS YOU) i think the best CATMAN of the f*cking world. thank you gene .. "the rhythem,of the crazy beat" - andy cat |
Kurt Maris Mechelen, Belguim Kurt.Maris@pandora.be Gene Vincent is always on my mind. |
COLIN "THE TED" BENNETT WORCESTER ENGLAND ROCKABILLYCOLIN@AOL.COM GENE VINCENT ... What can i say that has,nt already been said? He was the greatest RnR performer of all time. A voice that could rock your socks off, and then change in an instant to sing such beautiful melodies!! "Race with the Devil" - "Wild Cat" - "Important Words" - "Over the Rainbow". We Love you Gene, R.I.P. Until we meet again in ROCK n ROLL HEAVEN ... COLIN THE TED |
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Gordon Harris Brampton, Ontario, Canada gordo.harris@rogers.com I am now 63 years old. I was just a teenager way back when Gene played live at the Town Casino, in Toronto. He played with a full plaster cast on his leg which was a result of an accident he substained while touring. This did nor deter him and "THE BLUE CAPS" from putting on an excellent show. To me his best sound came when he sang the phrase "BE BOP A LOOLA, SHE'S MY BABY" from his great hit. I will always consider him to be one of the top five best R &R artists of all time. He passed away far to young and we will never know what extent his great talent could have achieved for him.. |
david anthony parkersburg, wv. u.s. anthdvd@aol.com i found gene in 1959 in landshut, germany. i flooded the whole barracks with his tunes. the only thing that kept me going. over the rainbow was truley better than anything elvis ever done. where can i purchace it? |
martin mitchell batley,w yorks mtch649@aol.com GENE'S DEATH WAS SUCH AN ENORMOUS LOSS TO ROCK MUSIC. THE FACT HE DIDN'T HAVE MORE HIT RECORDS IS UNBELIEVABLE WHEN YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE TALENTLESS ACTS THAT HAVE NO.1'S NOWADAYS. R.I.P GENE YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE TASTE. PS: IF JOHN CUTHBERT IS READING THIS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. |
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Mike Itzinger Leipzig, Germany Itzenblitz@gmx.net My English isn´t good! This was the geatest Music of this Planet!!! Forever Rock´n Roll |
tom szabo toronto ontario canada jacks4@rogers.com I am a rock-a-billy!I love it,I live by it. The first music I can remember is Elvis, Buddy, Chuck and Jerry Lee, all thanks to my mother. She always played her old 45`s while doing her daily routine. This awesome music was a part of my life ever since I can remember. As the years went on,though, I found myself more and more removed from rock-a-billy and more drawn to punk and metal music. I guess it was around '81 or so when it all came back to me. I was watching Much Music (the Canadian equivlent to MTV) and something wild happened. The wild thing I saw was called the Stray Cats. They completely blew me away, and all my old memories came flooding back. I was once again introduced to rock-a-billy and I loved it even more than ever. In an interview with Brian Setzer, he named off his major influences in music. Of corse he named off Elvis, Buddy, Chuck and Jerry Lee, but he had also named off two guys (as his biggest influences) that I really hadn`t heard of before. The two guys were Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. My mother died a few months before this, so I couldn't ask her about these two mystery men of the rock-a-billy past. She had left me with all of her old records, but there wasn't one to be found of these two artists. I phoned my uncle, who is a professional musician, to ask him what he knew about these two dudes and he laughed when I told him about not finding them in my mother's collection. He went on to tell me how he used to borrow those old 45`s so often from my mother`s collection, that she finally said, just take them and get out of my hair! He told me that Gene Vincent was the greatest and that I should come and pick up the old records to hear for myself.I went over immediately,my uncle had already gotten the old relics out and was dusting them off as I arrived.We listened to them all night long and I have to say, there was a new Gene Vincent fan born on that day! Since then, Gene Vincent has moved to the top of my list and he doesn`t stand a chance of having dust collect on him ever again!! (at least not in my world). |
IAN. R. PARRISH Crook, Co. Durham. U.K. sheikhian@aol.com The greatest Rocker Ever and I'm so Proud to have had the pleasure of seeing him perform live at the "Old ABC" Theatre, Blackpool on either July 59 or 60.I was only about 13yo at the time & it was my 1st live concert on my own(I ran 2 miles all the way there)+ i got a seat 2 rows back & right in front of Gene's Act. Totally Unforgetable: Pure Rock/Black Leather/Leg over the Mike/Non-Stop Performance! As far as i'm concerned you are still Rockin Away somewhere, Gene. |
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Barry Green Grimsby, N.E. Lincolnshire, England. barrygreen.grimsby69@ntlworld.com As a young reporter with the local paper I met many rock stars, including Little Richard, Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard, Adam Faith and, yes - Gene Vincent. I have to say that of them all, he was the most polite person I ever interviewed, addressing me as "sir" and my wife who was with me on that occasion as "ma'am". I recall being instructed by his manager before going into his dressing room that under no circumstances should I mention the car crash in which his friend Eddie Cochran was killed and he was injured. I dutifully avoided the topic, only to fall into another trap - of inquiring about his marital status! My one regret is that I didn't ask our photographer to take a picture of us together. But I've still got his records! What music! (22/2/04). |
Terry J. Erdmann Woodland Hills, CA USA rockblocky@aol.com In 1958, when I was 15, Gene and the Blue Caps played in the Nat. Guard. Armory, Moorhead, MN, across the river from Fargo, ND. It was my first concert and I was completely overtaken by it. When someone set a stack of Gene's photos on the edge of the stage, the fans started grabbing them. I rescued the stack and was rewarded with a trip to "the dressing room" where I visited with Gene and several others for 15 minutes. Gene acted very friendly, although I realized later that he'd ridiculed my clothes and my haircut. It was great! 45 years and I still treasure the memory. Several months later, I went to the same Armory to see Buddy Holly - but he didn't make it - his plane,as the world won't ever forget, crashed on the way to that concert. Those two events shaped my life; I moved from the farm asap and found a great career in "sho-biz." Thanks Gene. -Terry J. Erdmann |
paul carnall portsmouth hampshire, united kingdom paulvcarnall@yahoo.com a ledgend, a true star |
