Tribute Graphic

Gene Vincent Tribute & Fan Exchange

God gave Gene the Talent and Gene gave us the Music
...MAY HE ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS

Fans, friends, family and all who were touched by Gene Vincent's presence
are encouraged to submit a TRIBUTE or COMMENT to this site.


TRIBUTES / COMMENTS:

December 28, 1999
Finally got onto the Internet & one of the first things i looked up was info. on Gene & the Blue Caps. I must admit it brought a few tears to my eyes to read the history of this great rockabilly. It was an incredibly sad day when he died & we are the poorer for it. I have just retired from teaching senior history at Canterbury High School in Ottawa & one of the sections we always looked at was the influence of the 50s & 60s on our society. I have an old video of the greats of Rock n' Roll which I always showed to my classes. One of the highlights was a cut of Gene & the Blue Caps doing "Be Bop A Lula" in England. The look one the faces of my students was one to behold. I always assumed that they were jaded by all the music videos but the one thing they always commented on was how "raw' the music was back then. Something which I suspect they miss today. Anyway I just wanted to mention this to you after visiting "Gene's" site. Incidentally, I am 56, & still miss the "good old Rock & Roll" - Cheers, IAN, e-mail: ian_rayburn@ocdsb.edu.on.ca

November 20, 1999
I remember Gene several years ago. I never got a chance to see him in person. I had one of those old (new at the time) of a 45 record that had four songs on it (like a third of the album). It had "Jumps Giggles and Shouts", "Ain't She Sweet", "Blue Gene Bop" and I can't remember the 4th song. I really loved the echo and the electric guitars, bass and drums. My favorite was "Jumps giggles and Shouts" and Blue Gene Bop"! He certainly had the beat and will remain one of my favorite R&R artist!! Dan Bastian - DBas100480@aol.com

November 9, 1999
Hi, I found two articles mentioning "dude kahn" on the net:
About the "Lost Dallas Sessions", with a short but clever interview of Dude Kahn talking about the Caps: http://www.dallasobserver.com/1998/032698/streetbeat1.html
And there is an article about "A golden age in Dallas jazz turns 40" with two mentions of Dude Kahn in this address: http://www.dallasobserver.com/1997/082897/music1.html
Pierre-Yves

Posted October 9, 1999
Hi Great website, It's become my second home for the last two years. I see that the lyrics to some of Gene's songs are here. I've recently taken up learning guitar. Has anyone out there transcribed any of the early (Cliff Gallup) stuff in tab form? Would that be appropriate to put on a website? Or if anyone could mail me the tabs I would be so grateful. I was thinking that if all Gene's fans had remained as dedicated as the folk who visit this site where would Gene be now? How perverse that he should wind up a victim of those that he gave everything to (present cyber company excepted) big time fans will know what I mean and newcomers will soon find out. It is, however, uplifting and comforting to see all the tributes and work that has gone into this website. Keep up the good work and may Gene's memory live longer than us all. John E. Pimlott, 35 yrs, London, England. jpimlott@breathemail.net

October 3, 1999
Chippenham, Oct. 2, 1999 - Sheila and arrived at 6pm and met Wolfgang and Dagmar Hetzel, over from Germany, immediately at the Angel reception. We checked into our delightful suite in the old building part of the old coaching inn and headed for the important business of exhausting the bar. Unfortunately the place only had one real ale and a mediocre one at that. Ah well. After a couple of pints the Blue Caps entered the area. They had been down with John Braley et al to do a sound check/"rehearsal", which by all accounts was hilarious (Johnny doesn't like to rehearse). I went over and got re-acquainted. The boys, despite having had a lousy journey over due to storms, plus having lost all their baggage, were in good form. How I love those old jokes. Whilst we were larking about, Steve Aynsley and Bob Erskine appeared and the full cabaret went into over-drive. I called Sheila over and the boys all remembered her from previous occasions. Johnny always recalls her name because of an unhappy marriage to her namesake! I introduced Wolfgang and Dagmar before things got too wild, and then the group somehow gravitated to the bar! After that, you can guess that some serious chat/tomfoolery/laughter ensued. By about 10pm a collective decision had been taken by most of the mob to get something to eat and head down to the venue to see what was happening. We had no ticket for Friday night so stayed in the bar. The next morning Mr Aynsley was in a sorry state and there was some malaise amongst the UK contingent. I can't imagine why!
Saturday was fairly quiet. We spent most of the day testing the local pubs for real ale. We went down to the Olympiad about noon to suss out the concessions and Wolfgang bought a couple of GV items. I briefly met up with Rod Pyke at the Bim Bam stall. He was shepherding the DiMaggios around. Wolfgang and I also went back in the late afternoon to search the records again. He wanted to get an album for the Caps to autograph. The list meet and greet in The Angel bar at 6pm turned out to be a bit of a non-event. We were chatting to Johnny Meeks for a while, who was in great good humour, and, as usual, having no idea when they were playing, etc. After a while Kevin did come up and introduced himself and his wife Val, and we had a bit of a chat. No sign of Robert Humphries or Bob Hope-Hume. We all piled down to the venue at about 7.30pm, collected our attractive fluorescent pink wrist-bands, got a drink and went in to see the DiMaggios in action. They were as already described in Robert's earlier communique. Drifting out to a quieter room and eventually getting a drink at the crowded bar, Robert came up and introduced himself and Bill Beard, and then he took me out to meet Bob Hope-Hume, who had had an unfortunate journey down, but was by now steaming. He came back to our table and other people drifted in and out of the, you guessed it, Gene Vincent chit chat. Due to play at about 11pm, we moved into the main hall to see the mainmen around then, and took up reidence beside the sound desk, with a good view of the stage. The setting up fumbled its way to a conclusion while the DJ played on, and by now there was some fairly serious dancing going down. There was a very good crowd, many more would have been too crowded. Considering it is just a gymnasium (I bet the Caps played a few of those in the old days, too), the sound wasn't too bad. Robert has already described the gig. I would just like to say that they were awesome. I have had the pleasure to see them live five times, and this was the best. Johnny was in scintillating form on guitar and piano. I thought the honourary Blue Caps did a really fine job. Albert Lee is a great player, but he did not intrude himself, playing rhythm until invited by Johnny to solo, when there was some fine two guitar work at times. The performance was more wide-ranging than usual in terms of material, but it all worked splendidly. Sure there were some bits that were kind of loose, but the enthusiasm and good humour more than made up for it. I laughed out loud on a number of accasions. Johnny has his usual problem reading the songlist, Dickie could have been better illuminated, and Tommy was reduced to clowning on accasion, but all in all it was a masterful performance. I could live without the extended audience-participation Be-Bop-A-Lula, but it's become a bit of a tradition, and hey, it's only rock 'n' roll (but we like ie like it like it... Bob Hope-Hume did indeed die and go to heaven, and I'm not sure he should tell his wife that it was better than sex, but I'm relieved to note to has been reborn.
On Sunday we met up with Johnny and Dickie at breakfast (Tommy was there but exited early complaining of bodily damage induced bu his stage antics the previous night), and I was able to thank Albert Lee for his contributions to the gig. We didn't stay for the later ceremonies, having to get back home. So apologies to Robert, Rob and Kevin for not saying goodbye. It all got a bit confused by 10.30am ... It was FUN. Derek Henderson - dhenderson_1999@yahoo.com

Posted October 3, 1999
From: robert humphreys - robhumphreys@compuserve.com
Just home from Chippenham and would like to say how much I enjoyed it. I was particularly looking forward to seeing Marco Di Maggio and was not disappointed. With just his two brothers on stand-up bass and drums he whipped up a storm with his Gretsch. They did feature many Cochran numbers but this was just not mere copying as they embellished each number and filled out every gap with Marco's excellent guitar playing - remember no rythmn guitar! Particularly outstanding was a refreshing revisit to It Doesent Matter Anymore and I've not heard a finer version. Anyone who has a Gretsch tatooed on his forearm has to be serious and you just cannot fault his playing. Personally I would have been happy just to come for that and I sincerely hope he is invited again next year.
Then the Bluecaps! What can I say. I saw Gene in '59 and they had already left him so I've had to wait another 40 years for the opportunity. With Paul Peek sick I was apprehensive that stand-in Albert Lee would dominate the group with his flashy picking style but Johnny Meeks seemed in control with Albert and Brian Hodgson constantly looking at him for prompts. The set seemed to start a bit loose and gradually tightened up until the audience were completely hooked. Most of their repetoire was the usual rock'n'roll standards and just not all Gene's stuff and most featured extended guitar solos. I particularly liked the way they started off singing Frankie and Johnny and it evolved half way through into Searching! Albert took the mike for about 3 full-tilt rockers and some blistering guitar work. For me Johnny was the main man - even playing the keyboards without unstrapping his Fender. Dickie Harrel did stirling work on the drums - amazing when you think he was on that original 56 Nashville recording session which started it all off. Tommy Facenda was in fine form on vocals and also brought a lot of humour to the show - he actually picked up a large cooling fan and proceeded to blast it over the audience and then all over Johnny Meeks to cool him down! This was supposed to be an Eddie Cochran weekend but the spirit of Gene was sure looking down last night. The final number had to be of course Be-Bop-A-Lula and it brought everyone on stage - Marco and Bobby Cochran included and went on for about 20 minutes. Tommy Facenda passed the mike around the front rank of the audience for them to sing karaoke style to the backing. Everyone seemed to be word perfect and it must have been a dream come true for the chosen to finish their verse with the immortal 'ROCK BLUECAPS!' and see them storm into another solo.
I met a lot of nice people there, Bill Beard of the Cochran Connection seemed to know everyone and introduced me and in particular it was nice to meet Phil and Shaun Welsh Correspondents of the RBHOF. See you all there next year?

Posted October 3, 1999
Hi - I am preparing a study of limousines and chauffeurs. I occasionally browse the web for references and anecdotes, and I found your site today (searching for "chauffeur" and "Little Richard"!) In your site you posted the following reference: "RED GWYNN, Gene's chauffeur recalls "Gene was his own worst emeny. He popped a lot of pills (in the early days, because of the tremondous pain in his left leg). He'd break his cast in every town. (because of wild stage antics) Then in the next town we'd have to hunt up a doctor and get a new cast." Posted 2/97".
I would love to learn more! Do you have any further notes/ interviews with Red Gwynn, or can you tell me where to find them? Is it possible to contact him directly? My book is an historical and pictorial review of limousines and chauffeurs, and one section is dedicated to their use by the pop stars of the 50's/60's/70's. Thanks! Michael L. Bromley, 703-319-4176

Posted October 3, 1999
FINLAND IS CALLING! WE HAVE SEVERAL VINCENT FANS IN SALO! SALO IS A SMALL TOWN NEAR HELSINKI AND TURKU. GENE VINCENT RULES! HERE'S A BIG TRIBUTE to Gene, I own all his records & some very rares, I mean here in Finland, pictures of the MASTER! Sami Rouvari - marjo-riitta.niemi-rouvari@pp.inet.fi

Posted September 22, 1999
Heard my first Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran song on my older brother's 45 rpm player and instantly was hooked on what we now call rock-a-billy which is nothing but good old rock 'n roll. Have most of Gene's and Eddie's songs on CD and would you believe my kids like their music too and admit it. It just shows that good rock 'n roll music transcends generations. Larry Hodges - fnbthodges@mindspring.com

Posted September 8, 1999
From: scorpion@excite.fr
Hello, I found this letter from a french record of Gene Vincent, "Gene Vincent Story vol. 7 & 8: The Capitol Golden Years". This letter is so soulful, let me share my emotion with you...
"Hi, We are Gene's Mom & Dad, and want to thank all the fan-club's members for keeping Gene's memory alive. You know the talent, the singer, the show personality. We knew the baby, the boy, the man. Gene loved to sing, he loved people, he could never understand the world in wich he lived, the coldness, the hardness and the cruelty. The song "Weeping Willow" he made for us. When he was small he asked why the willow cried. I told him it hurt because its creator, "our Lord", was rejected by men and had to die on the cross. Gene cried too, sometimes. It hurt too much live, because he knew why the willow cried. And he died. But he left part of himself here, his memory will live. Especially to those of us who loved and respected him. We want to thank George Collange and everyone who has come to visit us. Thank you all again for keeping Gene's memory alive."
Mr and Mrs Craddock.

Posted September 7, 1999
I have just heard of the death of original blue cap rhythym guitarist Willie Williams and I just hope that somewhere in that big honky tonk in the sky that all the greats are welcoming another special musical talent. Tim Booher Bristol TN - CBo2001618@aol.com

Posted August 24, 1999
Hi: I saw the stories about the reunion performances by the Blue Caps over the past few years in the UK on your web site. Did any TV network bother to make a show of the performances like the Texas Center for Fine Arts did for Buddy Holly back in 1987? If so, I'd like to know where the videos or CDs of the performances can be ordered. Thank you. Reply to John Donlon at jmdonlon@aol.com

Posted August 7, 1999
I have a signed picture of gene for sale, approx. 8"x 5" actually a page fom a programme of his tour in the UK with EDDIE COCHRAN (HIS LAST TOUR.....), READS: "LOVE AND BEST WISH (BLESS HIM!!!) GENE VINCENT" on reverse is a signed picture of "THE VISCOUNTS" - WILL CONSIDER EXCHANGE FOR JOHN DENVER AUTOGRAPH - E-MAIL ME AT: AITCH@USLOT.FREESERVE.CO.UK

Posted August 7, 1999
I like very much your Gene Vincent web site, one of the best i´ve ever seen. I'm Gene Vincent fan too, i've been since i first heard Gene Vincent songs when i was 10 years old (now i'm 32). I'm singer too and i've had many bands in Helsinki/Finland area. The style my bands normally played was Gene Vincent & the bluecaps stuff and some own material too. My latest band made an live CD album "Pete Boy's party at Cafe 52", it was year 1993. In Finland we were gigin' much from 1988 to 1993 and now it's couple of years we've made last gig, but our plan is to start playing together again. We've been always good friends (band members), but we had to split up the band, because we didn't have enough time anymore to play together. You know...families, jobs etc...My son was born in 5.5.95 and got name Gene Sebastian Salmi. Now days i'm divorsed and working in Germany in Europe's biggest musicshop company name" Thomann", selling the instruments and equipment mainly to scandinavia. I've been working many years in studios recording, mixing, producing different kind of music and i had my own studio in Finland, still i have here in Germany Highquality Basic studio setup. My next plan is to mix and probably release my band old studio session from year- 91, we recorded on this session 17 original - 56 Blue caps songs. The Style and atmosphere is like the original ones, i think it's better than Jeff Beck made in 1993. I've always been interested in Owen Bradley's Studio sound and if you have any information about equipment and history about his studio and sessions, i wil be very pleased to have them. Weeeelll, the road is rocky, but it won't be rocky long..... Petteri Salmi - pete@thomann.de http://www.thomann.de - Tel.+49-9546-9223-56 \ Fax+49-9546-9223-24

Posted August 2, 1999
I am emailing from Texas. I have a friend in the UK whose name is John Craddock and I believe that he is a relative of Gene's. He certainly knew Gene and painted at least one portrait of him. I am looking for vinyl albums of Gene's to send to my friend. - hwmorgan@wcnet.net

Posted August 2, 1999
Hi, great site! Someone made a comment on the Fan Tribute page about Genes' influence on the Punk Scene.As a punk I'd like to confirm that whole heartedly.I think Gene was the first in a long line of Rebels who lived wild and were overlooked in their day, perhaps because they were too REAL for the masses to digest.Johnny Thunders and Sid Vicious continued this bloodline in the '70s, and Paul Westerberg (of the Replacements) in the 80s.These people are genuine rock and roll from the heart... not a corporate money scheme. Unfortunately most of them are dead. Anyway I just wanted to add my thoughts and would love to hear from anyone who'd like to talk about Gene or real rock 'n' roll in general. The spirit of RnR never dies!!! Chaz Halo-Dimestore Haloes - QuiffPunk@aol.com

Posted July 15, 1999
Gene was the greatest. I saw him on many shows around the UK and had the pleasure of meeting him on four occasions. I have now made the decision to part with my collection of memorabilia and from 1 Aug 99 many of the items will start appearing for auction on eBay. There are records, CDs, tour programmes, 3 scrap albums of press cuttings, autographs, unpublished photographs that I took and other items. I want to visit Gene's gravesite in LA next year and this is the only way I can fund the trip. I'm sure he would have approved. Incidentally, the very best take off of Gene that I have seen in recent years was by Wee Willie Harris - really good and raised the hairs on my neck. - david.bryceson@virgin.net

Posted July 13, 1999
I LOVE GENE VINCENT AND CAN'T STOP PLAYING HIS CD'S! I AM 19, LIVE IN ENGLAND AND GIVE MY LOVE TO ALL WHO LOVE GENE LIKE I DO. I JUST WISH I COULD I HAVE SEEN HIM WHEN HE WAS ALIVE, I REALLY MISSED OUT! GROOVI'N!!!! LOVE FROM VICKIE WHITEHOUSE - WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND.

Posted July 12, 1999
OK, hold onto your hats...I can now report that there exists an audio recording of Gene and the original Blue Caps performing live on their very first TV show - the Julius LaRosa Show, broadcast on 26 July, 1956 as a summer substitute for the regularlay-scheduled Perry Como Show. So now we have 50% more live recordings of Cliff. Do not, however, hold your breath awaiting its commercial release. Maybe sometime... Derek H.

Posted July 12, 1999
Hi I'm Fred, I'm 60 and from Australia...grew up with Gene Vincent. I have been looking for a video of Hot Rod Gang 1958 for what seems like a 100 years! We received a lot of Gene's music here , but never much film. can anybody help.??? will pay, even if its a dub. Also Derek (Henderson) ... you make my feet sweat with the possibility of a video of Gene & Eddie together..man.....I'm starving here! cheers....fad@aljan.com.au

Posted July 10, 1999
RE: A 23, November, 1997 post.
Hi, I was at The Toronto Rock and Roll Revival, September 13, 1969. I was front and center, ten feet away from Gene Vincent. Alice Coopers Band did not back up Gene. I think the guys who backed him up were from a local Toronto band called A Foot In Coldwater. They backed Chuck Berry. You can see them with Mr. Berry on a movie called Live Peace In Toronto, released by Yoko Ono. Somewhere I have some snapshots of the general scene, including a few of Jim Morrison. Richard Maxwell - Diamondnight@cwix.com

Posted July 8, 1999
OK friends - Here's the good news...I heard from Derek Glenister (of Rockstar Records) today, a nice reliable guy. He says the Town Hall Party CD "should be available by the end of next week". Here are the details: The Town Hall Party Shows - Eddie Cochran/Gene Vincent Rockstar Records RSRCD 016
Tracks:
4 C'mon Everybody
5 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
6 Don't Blame It On Me
7 Summertime Blues
8 Interview
11 Schoolday
12 Be Honest With Me
13 Money Honey
14 C'Mon Everybody
16 Be-Bop-A-Lula
17 High Blood Pressure
18 Rip It Up
20 Dance To The Bop
21 You Win Again
22 For Your Precious Love
24 Roll Over Beethoven
25 Over The Rainbow
26 She She Little Sheila
Tracks not listed above are either introductions or instrumentals not involving Eddie or Gene
Tracks 1-14 come from 7 Feb 59, Eddie with Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers
Tracks 16-22 come from 25 Oct 58, Gene with The Blue Caps
Tracks 24-26 come from 7 Nov 59, Gene with the TV Houseband plus Jerry Merritt on lead guitar
The intervening third show featuring Gene and the Houseband were deemed too poor audio quality to put on CD.
IF IF IF the CD sells very well, Rockstar will issue the complete set of shows on video.
Yuletide came early, folks.
-Derek Henderson

Posted July 5, 1999
The DJ on KGEZ Radio 600AM dial in Kalispell MT said that on July 5, 1955 Gene Vincent was injured in a motorcycle accident in Franklin, Virgina. I saw Gene in May of 1954 in the movie New Faces with Little Richard, Eartha Kitt, and I think Jane Mansfield. I think I saw a leg iron on Gene in this movie. As a memorial to this accident he played Be-Bop- A-Lula. -Bob Wood rrw@digisys.net

Posted June 16, 1999
It's not enough to say that Gene should have been in the rock'n'roll hall of fame ten years earlier than when his induction took place. Gene Vincent was the greatest vocalist and stage performer rock'n'roll has ever known. Would all of the so called punk rockers exist today if it were not for Gene Vincent? Gene was the first truly abandoned performer rock music has ever known. He was also a shining original in a sea of Elvis lookalikes. Some people like to say that Gene modeled himself after Elvis, I say take a look at him and listen to his voice and if you still make that comparison then your deaf and blind. Sadly Gene's own home country has not enter been so kind (except for a large majority of people like those who have contributed to this tribute site and true rock fans who know the real thing) overlooking him in favor of all the British prettyboys he inspired. Not meanig to sound like I'm downing british rock, because they did more than their share to keep rock'n'roll music alive, but we invented it and we did it right here in the American south where the people seem more interested in so called Southern Rock. Now that's fine music but is it really more important toa the south and the rest of the world than our very rich rockabilly heritage.But I came to pay tribute, not to give my opinion. But if anyone wants my opinion Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps are are the backbone of everything that's real and gutsy in music.Keep the Beatles I'll take the real thing! (p.s. no offense to Beatle fans not that they're not great, but I feel they've been given too much credit and overshadowed the rock'n'roll greats that inspired them way too long). -Tim Booher, June 15 1999.

Posted June 14, 1999
I have a dream ... I am listening to a 1956 out take of "Race with the devil" where Cliff would miss a riff on his lead ( 'told you it was a dream !) .Then , 3 false starts on " You told a fib " ... It seems th is will never happen but I keep hoping some Capitol vaults clerk will someday find an obscured labeled tape saying "G.V. /Masters/Do not save "... Back in the real world , any of you guys know mid 50's bands who would have been influenced by the Blue Caps first 2 Albums ? There are a whole bunch of cats who got their style from the Sun mentors but I haven't found anybody "copying"(back then ) the early Vincent (i.e. with Gallup) recordings ... If anyone has a scoop please Email me at guitarville@usa.net - Thanks for your time. Christophe Loiron (from the short lived "Phantom 309" from Los Angeles, CA - listen to the "American Rumble" and "when the world turned blue" compilation CD's from 1996)

Posted June 9, 1999
From Bob Hume. I've just been looking at http://www.findagrave.com
and found out that Gene Vincent shares his resting place with:
Eternal Valley Memorial Park, Newhall, California

Brown, Roy
Musician.

Johnson, Noble (Mark Noble)
Actor. He played a zombie in many 'B horror films'.
Specific Interment Location: Garden of Peace, A-270.

Johnson, Tor d. May 12, 1971.
Actor. He was the star of many of Ed Wood's films.
Specific Interment Location: Whispering Pines, 177 E.

Spahn, George b. 1889. d. 1974.
Refuge of the Manson Family.

Vincent, Gene d. October 12, 1971.
Musician ('Be Bop a Lula').

Williams, Tex
Country Singer / Songwriter.



Posted May 11, 1999
German fan Wolfgang Hetzel has recently writte to me with information about a record dealer with some interesting stock, details follow:
Wilbert's Records
Auguststr. 47
26121 OLDENBURG, Germany
Tel 441 73737
Fax number is 441 72136
Wolfgang says "they have a considerable stock of Gene Vincent material - both CD and vinyl - at prices similar to Rockhouse. I have seen a large number of rare items such as LPs "Important Words", "Rariries Vol 2"...and about 30 more LPs, EPs (only a few) but including "Gene Vincent in Paris" & "I;m Going Home (Twist)", and numerous CDs...This is all non-used material." They can do mail order abroad. Regards, Derek H.

Posted April 26, 1999
I am looking for any memorabilia of Gene, especially from his films. Any info you have would be great! mgorman@dispatch.com - Thanx, Maureen

Posted April 26, 1999
The latest Rebel Heart (Vol 6) CD, out tomorrow in the UK, contains previously unreleased recordings from the latter part of Gene's career, radio sessions and excerpts from the TV documentary "The Rock 'N' Roll - http://www.psc.ac.uk/~dhenderson/index.htm - It also contains the last radio interview with Gene in 1971. This should come with a health warning. It is a long and painful interview, which many fans will find very depressing. Be aware of this when you sit down to listen to it, folks. -Derek

Posted April 18, 1999
I'm in UK. 56 years old and grew up with RocknRoll. Only loved the wild types though - Gene, Eddie, Jerry Lee - most of the Sun guys. Hooked on Gene from the start - and the Bluecaps, They sure gave value for money with the guitar breaks.... ought ALL his stuff. Was proud to see Gene on his very first British date at Granada, Tooting, London. Saw Gene and Eddie a week before the accident at Finsbury Park, London. Now I'm working on website design and have my own little business - specialising in music and media. I do free sites for rocknroll fanzines though. Just doing one for Eddie now. All my fanzines sites are linked through: http://rockandroll.future.easyspace.com Up until recently I worked on compuserve Oldies forum. I have a friend who is working on a biog of Gene - mainly the last years - it should be out later this year. robert humphreys - robhumphreys@compuserve.com

Posted April 12, 1999
My name is Alan Johnston, age 56 and I live in Goodyear, Arizona USA. I have numerous 45s and early LPs buy Gene Vincent. I also have newer cd releases by him. I do enjoy listening to these recordings quite a bit. I have his first LP Blue Jean Bop which was autographed by him when he played at the Dakota Theatre in Bismarck, North Dakota sometime in the fall of 1957. Nice to see the Gene Vincent site. Keep up the good job. - AJohn34747@aol.com

Posted March 26, 1999
I have been looking for replacement LP's or new CD's of Gene Vincent Rocks T970 EMI records 1958 and T1059 also from EMI records. Any help to locate this recordings would be greatly appreciated. Gary, e-mail: gearle@swbi.net

Posted March 19, 1999
I can now confirm two new live recordings from a UK TV Show "Thank Your Lucky Stars" in 1962. Songs are "Tutti Frutti" and "Lucky Star" backed by Sounds Incorporated. I'll post the details on my Homepage ADDITIONS next week. I have no news about the content of "Rebel Heart Vol 6" to impart. You all may know as soon as I do if you've ordered your pre-release copy. - Derek Henderson

Posted March 19, 1999
I Can Remember during the Rock-A-Billy Resurgence...
in 1983...A Man whom wrote...
Hey!!...Cat!!...Where ya' goin' Man!!
Man!!!...I'm A Goin' To A Place where Hepcats! Meet!
Tell Me Cat!!!...Where's That Direction??
Hey,,Man?... Aint you Heard of Bop Street???
Yeh!!...Man They Got one of them in...Every-Town!!
RRReeeaaal..CooooLL!
Boooppp...SsssTreeeeeeeeet!!
Tell you Baby One time again,,,Gonna tell you one Time,
So you'd Better Listen...
I'm Gonna Back up Baby & Start all over Again!!
But "A" even if I tell ya' ,,,,,Are Ya' Gonna Make Me,
Tell Ya' Again????? Hang-on "Rock,,Blue Caps Roll"!!!
God Bless Gene & His Beloved Blue Caps/Cliff Gallup. GEE GENE VINCENT, I SURE MISS YOU! - Scott G Sisunik - SZGESAMPT@prodigy.net

Posted March 18, 1999
It's cool to see people still care about Gene Vincent. I'm a HUGE fan!!!!!!!! My name in Italian is Vincenzo on stage I americanize it to Vincent. It almost fels like we're related. Do you have any pics of Gene in the black leather you can forward me? Keep in Touch!! Jonnie - Buckaroo98@webtv.net

Posted March 16, 1999
My name is Blackey, and I'm 17 and currently playing bass and vocals in a rockabilly band called The Revenge of the Brighton City Rockers. I live in Florida, and the scene here is pretty good. I'm just writing to say what a huge influence Gene has had on me. I can distinctly remember the first time I hear him. I was riding in a car with my father when Be-Bop-a-Lu-La came on. It blew my mind how well one person could sing and play guitar at the same time. I was 15, and since then I've tried so hard to get a band together and try and get that sound. So far, it's been working out OK, and I have to owe all to it Gene Vincent. Thank you, Blackey - MrTwist28@aol.com

Posted March 10, 1999
To all who may be interested - I met Gene Vincent backstage after a gig at the Torquay Town Hall, Devon, England. I was only 20 at the time but I had a press card issued by the newspaper of The University of Wales, Cardiff. I had approached the promoter of the gig, the well-known entrepreneur Lionel Digby and asked him if I could interview Gene. This was slightly under false pretences as the press card was not mine, I was not a journalist, and I had not the slightest intention of interviewing Gene - I just wanted to see him and talk to him. The gig was over by the time I was allowed back stage and there, in a very small and untidy dressing room was Gene, sweating profusely from his recent exertions. The gig had been fabulous ( I have been lucky enough to see Gene live twice) and I was thrilled to be able to meet my all-time hero. Gene welcomed me very gracefully and, although he was under the impression that I was a journalist, he nevertheless treated me kindly and politely. I must have been clear after about twenty seconds that I was another star-struck fan. I was with him for about a quarter of an hour and, after telling him how great I though he , and the show, were, I asked him questions about Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. He said that he had met both of them at gigs and that he got on well with them. Of course I didn't know (who did?) about Gene's drinking, but it was clear to me that he wasn't drunk (at least he didn't appear to be); in fact, I was so thirsty myself that I asked him if he could spare me some of the orange juice that he was drinking. Very courteously, he allowed me to. I would certainly have known if it had been alcohol. It wasn't. My memory of this meeting, one of the great moments in rock 'n' roll for me, was of a gentle, polite and courteous man who seemed rather lonely. This paradox struck me strongly at the time, for there were, a few feet away, hundreds of happy and ecstatic fans who had (as always)raised the roof with their enthusiasm and cheering; yet here he was, alone and in a very tawdry dressing room. Nevertheless it was, and remains, a magical moment for me. Kindest regards to all fans of Gene, and to all rock 'n' rollers, of which I am proud to call myself one. Mike Williams, 14, Parrick's Place, WIVELISCOMBE, Somerset TA4 2LZ, England - Mike@mawilliams.demon.co.uk

Posted March 3, 1999
From: Derek Henderson (dhenderson@psc.ac.uk)
Rebel Heart Vol 6 - "nineteen highly collectable tracks many of which are from the archives of radio and television" is out on 24 April. Special pre-release price of 12.50 GBP (UK) or 15.50 GBP (RoW) including P & P. That's about 25 USD my American chums. And you can buy any or all of the previous 5 volumes for the same price... They accept credit card payment (or SWITCH in UK).
Magnum Direct, Magnum Houes, High Street, Lane End, Bucks HP14 3JG, UK - e-mail music@tkomagnum.co.uk
website http://tkomagnum.co.uk
I'll post track details when I get them. Derek

Posted February 25, 1999
What a delight this site is. Moved to Wi, years ago and have thought this a wasteland of nashville cyborgs. I've been a fan of Gene Vincent for 40yrs. I have news for fans. Gene's 6cd box set has been re-issued along with 4cd box set Eddie Cochran. I just recently received both from Collectors Choice Music---1-800-923-1122 / www.ccmusic.com G.Vincent ensmg45932 6cd bx 109.95. E.Cochran enlib11872 4cd bx 89.95 Does it get any better than this! Edd/stggrlee

Posted February 19, 1999
My name is Manoel Dantas, I'm Brazilian and I live in Rio. I'm basic a great beatles collector. A local mag, called caras issued a special edition with comes with a cd, and present as a special bonus two beatles recordings. One of them is besame mucho and the other one is Be bop a lula with Gene vincent. The compiler said that this recording is truly rare, but do you know something about it ? Cheers, Manoel - mdantas@pobox.com

Posted February 19, 1999
Have a picture sleeve for BeBopALula which I can't find listed in any picture sleeve books. Like to know if I've bought something authentic or if it's a reproduction. Sleeve is a black and white photo of Gene with the song title etc. in red letters. Flip side is Woman Love. Thanks in advance for your help. Bennettkea@aol.com.

Posted February 19, 1999
Hi, The first i try when i reach the web is to look for a Gene Vincent fan Club, but i did't think that i could find one. And i find the best site it is. Thank's for your informations and links. When i was sixteen, i listened to "salut les copains" a french radio broadcast that made me know and appreciate Eddy Mitchell because he sang french adaptations of US rock 'n' roll and, of course, Gene's tops. He was, he said, a friend of Gene that he affectionately called "Gegene" and he made me become a fan of Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. I am happy to have met Gene when he came in Belgium, at the "Ciné théâtre de Chatelêt", near Charleroi, the19 november 1963. That whas a friday, three days before J.F. Kennedy murder. But my best memory is this friday i saw Gene, and i don't regret the zero i get the day after for a mathematic control. He began his show with "rocky road blues" before the theatre curtain was raised. It was magic. In spite of a few people, Gene sang in a hot generosity with his guitar boys twisting and crawling on the floor, it was wonderful. The band was a belgian group called "the shunshines". He receives a well merited success. After the show, at the actors exit door, i had the great honour to receive an autograph from Gegene. He appeared to me like a timid boy, very nice and patient. For me, that was the greatest evening of my youth. This past time was a good time. Thank's to the Craddock family for revealing us some aspects of Gene's character. Thank's to Derek Henderson for his help. Congratulation for Bob Timmers and all his team that make this site the best Vincent memories location. Hi to all cats. Daniel Bilau. daniel.bilau@skynet.be

Posted February 10, 1999
Trying to locate former members of The Jumping Jacks, a R & R group that toured Germany with Gene Vincent. All were stationed at the Bitburg AFB and my husband was a member of the group. E mail at louhaynes@Juno.com

Posted February 10, 1999
hi..great gene site..he was a great. still play his tunes on radio every sunday night in washington, iowa...wish the blue caps would play the buddy holly fest in clear lake, iowa..just got back from that..great show...but usually same performers...bobby vee has been booked for 12 0r 13 of the shows..still great to meet boppers from all over the world...thanks..ken m. - CLindmeier@aol.com

Posted February 2, 1999
Hi, Great reading about one of my Rock Idols. Still have all his early recordings. Check out our WEB Pages. www.american-auto-club.co.uk - long live R & R. Rockinpam@aol.com

Posted January 29, 1999
hi bob, great website on gene vincent,my favorite r&r singer.i have many albums ,45,s and a few 78,s.the crazy times album in stereo is super compared to the mono release especially the songs darlene and pretty pearly.british and french releases are usually available here in canada.the lost dallas sessions look interesting.once again love the gene vincent website. thks wayne hunt -dorothy.hunt@sympatico.ca

Posted January 25, 1999
I have always enjoyed Gene's music. I first bought his record Bebopalulu when it came out but have since lost track of it. I have his 78 of race with the devil. Iwas disappointed that his first album "BlueJean Bop" did not contain Bebopalulu. I would like to get a copy of it "the original version" since it was the best. I found a tape of his later music and it had Bebopalulu on it but it was such a different version and of course didn't have Cliff on guitar so it was no where near the great sound he had with original Blue Caps. I'm a devout rockabilly fan and former musician with a descendency of musicians. I pray for the day Rockabilly will return. Rock on Gang... ric weide - email: rweide@worldnet.att.net - rweide@usa.net - rweide@us.ibm.com

Posted January 19, 1999
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and sympathy following the death of my mom last week. These times are never easy, but through faith, my family will smile again. I have many wonderful memories of growing up in a happy home, filled with music and a mom and dad who were devoted to loving their children and grandchildren. Thank you for your prayers.
-Bonnie Gallup Creef

Posted January 19, 1999
I saw Gene in the 50's in Rockford, Ill. He would lay on the floor and sing Bebopalula. Have a very Happy New Year. Lways, Ronald and Jacque Hultquist - RJHULT@worldnet.att.net

Posted January 14, 1999
I saw Gene in the 50's in Rockford, Ill. He would lay on the floor and sing Bebopalula. Have a very Happy New Year. RJHULT@worldnet.att.net

Posted December 28, 1998
I've seen Gene Vincent play on two different occasions. The first time was in Anoka, Mn. in November of 1957. He was playing with the Blue Caps at the Anoka Theatre. The second time I saw him was at the Frontier Club in Minneapolis in April of 1968. From: OHHWELL@aol.com

Posted December 25, 1998
gene vincent will forever be the king of rockabilly. alex idzardi, shifters hot rod club, southern california. VIDZARDI@webtv.net

Posted December 23, 1998
Hello! I'm a great fan of Gene Vincent and I'm looking for information to get books, rare items, any fan club. Would you be so kind to send me some information? Sincerely. Daniel Allevato - PALMA@disprofarma.com.ar

Posted December 23, 1998
Hi, my name is Richard Otis (rmo@nas.com) I was wondering if anyone knows of the existence of any outtakes of Gene Vincent's 1950's material - either lp or single cuts. I am wondering if all the major labels in the late 50's, like RCA, wiped all their outtakes to save tape. Thanks.

Posted December 20, 1998
I recently became familiar with the sounds of Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. Before this new discovery, my rockabilly knowledge was confined to the ever-popular Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Stray Cats. Now that my ears have listened to such music they will never be the same. Rockabilly has also inspired me to learn how to play guitar. I have to say that I enjoy this web site very much, because all the information in it made me feel like I knew Gene in a personal way, and the backgrounds look pretty cool, too. Thanx for the info, David Rodriguez, 7113 Cole St., Downey, CA 90242.

Posted December 20, 1998
I have a copy of "GENE VINCENT ROCKS" (CAPITOL T-970) on yellow label, with "SAMPLE ALBUM for RADIO-TV PROGRAM USE" on label and original letter from Capitol Records. Do you know anyone who'd be interested in this LP? I'm selling some of my rarities for Christmas cash, thought a fan would want this somewhere? Damian - CallDamian@aol.com - 818-243-4531

Posted December 20, 1998
from: Mark "Daddy-o Dilly" Dillman, Topeka, KS: Yes, I bought the Gene Vincent 6 CD box set when it first came out. I swear I'll never part with this thing. This baby rocks from beginning to end. It comes in a jewel case sized box. A jewel case sized booklet comes with it, 48 pages in length with an excellent essay by Steve Aynsley and Roger Nunn of the 1980s UK fan club. Next comes a one page description of sound quality/master tape matters by "Boppin'" Bob Jones, followed by a detailed sessionography. There are 29 well researched photos in the booklet. Each jewel case has a gatefold sleeve filled w/ pics from that period and composer/publishing information for the songs on that disc. Each disc has pics of Gene and the Caps printed on the top side. I have seen the Charly LP box set but I have never heard it. I remember reading in more than one place back when it first came out that there were some serious pressing problems, so bad that there was a recall on distributed copies. A revision in the mastering and even the packaging was made and a new, better pressing was made. My recommendation is that you get the 6 CD box set. You'll love it. I have also read that it is supposed to be in its final pressing and that when remaining copies are sold, it will be out of print. Still, it seems that several mail order catalogs and advertisers in Goldmine and Discoveries still have available.
We had Tommy Facenda as a guest on our radio show on November 27. We talked about Gene, the Blue Caps, Ken Nelson, the Capitol Tower studio, "Hot Rod Gang" on AMC, and the CD release of "High School USA". We had Dickie Harrell on the show about six months ago. Our show is called "The Red, Hot, and Blue Rock 'n' Rhythm Revue" on KQTP "Oldies 102.9fm" in Topeka Kansas, USA, Fridays from 7 -10pm. Marshall Barber is the host. I'm his once a month co-host. MD - DADDYODILL@aol.com

Posted December 16, 1998
First time I have found this site! And I want to say "thank you" to Gene Vincent for putting me on a wonderful path my life took. I got my first set of drums when I was 9 years old. The very FIRST song I sat and tried to play along with was "Be Bop A Lula. I played that over and over until I had every lick down pat! Even had my own blue "cat hat". From that point I went on to play professionally for 17 years! I have been a "Blue Caps" fan for many, many years! Golf5079@aol.com - now in KY.

Posted December 14, 1998
Hi Folks. I have noticed that two UK dealers are currently advertising the 6CD Box Set for sale: Swift Mail Order for 50.99 pounds (about 85 US dollars) Swiftmo@btinternet.com - Tonal Records for 55.99 pounds (about 94 US dollars) Fax +44 1904 610637, Tel +44 1904 629022. I wish you all a Cool Yule and a Happy 1999. -Derek Henderson

Posted November 29, 1998
Thanks much for the great gene vincent web pages. i honestly think that the blue caps were just about the greatest rock & roll band i've ever heard and besides being one of the greatest rockers, i also think gene was a great ballad singer as well. i think his version of 'unchained melody is the best version ever recorded. once again, thanks much for all the great stuff. sincerely, wes smith - wes50smusic@webtv.net

Posted November 26, 1998
Hi My name is Den Lilley age 56 ,was around when Gene was , he and Elvis are still my favourite artists. I want to start a Gene collection, my record collection (long gone I'm sorry to say)contained an EP with Gene doing "The wayward wind" .Can anyone tell me where I can get a CD with that track on it ? I live in Cambridge Ontario Canada. Thanks, Den - chrisanden@easynet.ca

Posted November 11, 1998
I can now confirm the existence of another live recording by Gene in California in 1971. I've posted details on my homepage. Derek

Posted November 4, 1998
Hi, I have recently bought a Gene Vincent CD and it is now my favorite music. I was wondering what other rockabilly artists you reccomend for a person getting into the music. Also who are some of the other early artists who shared the same image as Gene Vincent? CHRISTOPHER J. TOFT" - m016450@nadn.navy.mil

Posted November 3, 1998
From John Matter, operator of Matter's Ballroom, Decorah, Iowa, USA says he has posted two photos of Gene Vincent on my web page that fans would enjoy seeing. These are two of a series of ten photos taken the night he performed here. You can view the photos at www.nbea.com/matter's.htm then go to Hall of Fame Induction for photos on bottom.

Posted October 22, 1998
To all those enquiring about videos of Gene. PLEASE see my message posted below on 3 September. Regards, Derek Henderson

Posted October 18, 1998
From: CHANTAL BLANCHON - chantal.blanchon@wanadoo.fr - chantal de T: je suis très glad de ce site of gegene'fans je ne pensais pas que cela puisse exister encore de nos pauvres jours(voir techno) JE RECHERCHE LA VIDEO SI ELLE EXISTE DE HOT ROD GANG FILM QUE J4AI EU LE PLAISIR DE VOIR EN SEPTEMBRE 1971 0 london.

Posted September 30, 1998
From: Annmarie Fox - annfox_98@yahoo.com - Derek Please can you or anyone else help me in my search for these records. 63 capitol cl15307 rip it up/high blood pressure (demo). 60's emi disc ? gene vincent fan club ep. japanese red vinyl or ten inch ie, 1959 this is gene vincent 10" on toshiba olp-36. 1963 the best of gene vincent on toshiba 221/7229. the best of gene vincent and the blue caps taiwan cathay ca-1036.

Posted September 29, 1998
Calling Gosta Jannson. Many thanks for the postcard and kind words about "The Lost Dallas Sessions" CD. It was good to hear from you. I understand you now have Internet access. Visit my homepage and if you have e-mail access, e-mail me soon. Best wishes to you, Lisbeth and the girls. -Derek

Posted September 27, 1998
This is regarding the song "Temptation Baby". There were three versions of this in the UK. One was produced by Robert Stigwood, which is the Bill Shepherd Orchestra one. The other two were both recorded by Joe Meek at his independent studio at 304 Holloway Road. One as you rightly state was used in the film "Live It Up" (US title "Sing And Swing") and was never released other than in the film. I believe the backing group was The Outlaws, or possibly the Saints - most likely a combination of the two. Joe Meek wrote and produced the majority of the songs for the film. The original plan was that a 45 of each featured song would be released, with a B-side not featured in the film. For some reason, this only happened with a few of the artists from the film, maybe for contractual reasons where Gene is concerned. Gene recorded a second version of "Temptation Baby" at 304, which is similar to the film version, but a slightly better production, which I assume was to be the released 45. (As an aside, the film version is still my personal favourite!) He also recorded a track called "Where Have You Been All My Life" at the same time, presumably for the B-side. This has just showed up after languishing in a private collection for ages (and I believe is on its way to me - I hope!) The non-film version of "Temptation baby" turned up a few years ago on one of the Rebel Heart CD's in England. Great site - keep up the good work! Kim - kbl304@email.msn.com

Posted September 27, 1998
Could you tell me where to buy the video? This was one of the first musicals I saw in my young days, and I'll always remember Gene and Be Bop a Lula and Little Richard et. al. Thanks, Ron - Ron Zimmerman (rzimmer@mindspring.com)

Posted September 26, 1998
From: Derek Henderson (dhenderson@psc.ac.uk) - I've posted details of the new Rollercoaster vinyl releases - 10" LP and 7" EP - on my Homepage. There is no material on them not on "The Lost Dallas Sessions 1957-'58" CDs, but they are beautiful releases with superb artwork etc. Derek

Posted September 15, 1998
Hi, Gene Vincent fans from all over the world! I'm 42 and Gene was the one - along with Eddie Cochran - who really turned me on to Rock'n'Roll and that was in '63/'64! Since the, I've become a big record (& CD) collector and have written for years in various Rockin' mags - not to mention the fact that I was in Limoges (France) for the first and only tour of The Blue Caps in 1993! Thanks to Internet, I've now designed a Website which you should definitely visit! Gene is featured nicely and there's even a picture of the oh-so-rare PRO 437/438 EP! Here's the URL address: URL : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/rockin.paul/
Send me e-mails from my site when you visit it; I'll be most happy and will answer them all! Clifton Simmons' daughter, all the surviving Blue Caps & their families, the marvelous Jerry & Joyce Merritt, the knowledgeable Derek Henderson are especially invited to contact me if they wish to. THANK YOU and KEEP ON BOPPIN'! PAUL VIDAL, 9, Les Hauts Du Fangeas, 07000 PRIVAS FRANCE, Phone # 04-75-65-81-19 - E-mail: rockin-paul.vidal@wanadoo.fr

Posted September 12, 1998
In case you are interested, I telephoned Rock Classics in Port Orchard, Oregon, USA, today about the Tommy Facenda CD listed in their recent advertisements in Discoveries magazine. The guy there (who is very knowledgeable on the subject at hand) said a European label had a CD planned to include every version of Tommy Facenda's 1959 hit "High School USA" but chose not to release it. I'm disappointed. Daddy-o Dilly - DADDYODILL@aol.com

Posted September 7, 1998
For a year I was trying to find Gene Vincent fans in Moscow. But my search was in vain. All I heard from Moscow rockabillies was: Everybody knows Gene, everybody like his music, but there ain't serious fans. No one! I still can't beleive it! I need to know if me and my friend Anna Kroll are the only fans of Gene in this city (or in this country?) What's going on in Peter? If anybody have any information about G V fans in Russia please let me know. Marina Putrenko - littlesheila@hotmail.com

Posted September 7, 1998
I have now posted a number of Corrections and Additions to the Gene Vincent Discography acquired since July (thanks to Wolfgang Hetzel) on my Homepage my homepage. Derek Henderson

Posted September 3, 1998
I receive a steady stream of questions about the availability of Gene on video, so here are the details again (thanks to DADDYODILL): Video Beat, 351 Kiely Boulevard, Suite 301, San Jose, California 95129, USA (telephone 408 260 0266) can supply NTSC (USA format only) videos of "The Girl Can't Help It", "Hot Rod Gang", "It's Trad Dad", "Sing and Swing" (original UK title "Live It Up"), "Don't Knock The Rock" (mid 60's UK TV Special featuring Gene, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc), and "The Rock 'N' Roll Singer" (UK documentary about Gene's '69 UK tour). Better quality "Hot Rod Gang" video, available in ALL formats, is available from The Fang, PO Box 3333, Main Post Office, Floral Park, New York 10116, USA. Anyone wanting to buy European format videos from a UK supplier get in touch with me dhenderson@psc.ac.uk

The details for European supplier of Gene Vincent videos are:
Marleigh Enterprises
PO Box 1553
London W7 1ZE UK
Tel 0181 423 3158 (UK) 44 181 423 3158 (outside UK)
They can supply "The Girl Can't Help It", "Hot Rod Gang", "It's Trad Dad", "Live It Up" and "The Rock 'N' Roll Singer". They can supply in ANY format including Betamax!

Posted September 2, 1998
I am receiving a number of requests for "A Gene Vincent Record Date" album. This has been re-issued on a 2-fer CD by Collectibles (see my Homepage for full details. This is available from any CD retailer or mail order supplier eg CD NOW. Derek Henderson - dhenderson@psc.ac.uk

Posted August 31, 1998
Been a fan of Genes since I was a teenager in the late 1970s a rockabilly RnR fan in general but especially Gene and Buddy Holly. I recently bought a Gene Vincent autograph. I feel pretty confident that it is legit. I've compared it to a couple of copies I have on hand and it really looks good. It came out of the Dallas management office supposedly. Its a 1958 publicity photo signed by Gene and dated 1958 by Gene. Although I feel very confident its legit, I was wondering if you are able, or know of a way to confirm its authenticity. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot. Bob Jarm - LJARM6872@aol.com

Posted August 29, 1998
Dear Bob, Was "BlueJean Bop" the first album for Mr. Vincent? I happened to have that particular album. My father bought it back in '56 when he was 21 years of age. I've been listening to that album since about the time of Mr. Vincent's death. To this day, I'll play it and it still gives me goose-bumps. I'm 33 years of age, and for 28 years it's influenced my taste of music, to the point where "Rock-a-Billy" music is really sacred to me. I discovered your "Gene Vincent" website today, and didn't think anyone cared about Mr. Vincent and his music, I guess I was terribly wrong. People that I know that are my age have never heard of Mr. Vincent or his music. Anyway, I'm glad their is a vast interest in Mr. Vincents work, and I'll be visiting your website on a regular basis. Again thanks for being there! Stuart Rudolph, Oviedo, Fla. - Oviedo1@webtv.net

Posted August 28, 1998
Hi, I'm Ed from Big Mo Records. We are releasing a Danny Gatton CD with a version of Lotta Lovin. It's the same tune that Gene & the Blue Caps did. Does anyone know who wrote it? Thanks, Ed - Big.Mo.Records@valley.net>br>
Posted August 25, 1998
I check the Gene Vincent website often to see if I find out new information on Gene and The Blue Caps. Still looking for rare Gene Vincent videos. I have some rare stuff, but maybe the people in Europe can help me and I help them in return? I am looking for Be-Bop-A-Lula 62' a French Documentary and Rock 'N' Roll Heroes with Eddie Cochran, which includes most every live appearance from TV and film. Maybe Rod Pyke or any one in Europe can help me and I can help you in any way!! I have tons of Gene Vincent material, from original LP's to current CD's. Thanks for your help. Sterling Ragland, (N.C.Rep. for Jerry Lee Lewis Fan Club). 229 Turnipseed Rd., Wendell, NC 27591, E-mail skragland@hotmail.com

Posted August 21, 1998
From: sofia - sofli75@litefeanjo.es - Hi! I'm a fanatic fan of Gene AND I Think that HE'S THE KING OF ROCKABILLY

Posted July 27, 1998
I had the privilege to press the 12" vinyl version of the Peel session recordings and discover that I have a very few copies in red vinyl which were made for test purposes only. They are unplayed and in new condition. If anyone is interested let me have an offer - please note that all offers must be PLUS post and packing to your location. Kind regards to eveyone out there in Vincentland! - Adrian Owlett - AdrianOwlett@compuserve.com

Posted July 27, 1998
I really enjoyed the Gene Vincent site. The new "Lost Dallas Sessions" are very cool. I'm from Canada and I do a Buddy Holly Tribute. Could you imagine seeing a show with Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent and Buddy Holly, not to mention Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen. Anyone who has please email me: ww686@victoria.tc.ca or feel free to check out my web site: www.octonet.com/~london- Gene Keeps Rockin' In Our Hearts! Johnny Vallis

Posted July 24, 1998
I've really needed to be able to put all of Gene's recordings into a proper time frame, especially with the release of the "Rebel Heart" series. Can you help me with the following ...
1) I need to find that Rock Star Records LP of Vincent outakes, can you direct me to a source?
2) Are the Peel "last session" tracks currently available?
3) What was the song Gene sang in "Sing And Swing" in 1963. I haven't seen that film in more than 20 years. Is it available?
4) Will "Hot Rod Gang" and "Untamed Youth" EVER be reissued??? Has anybody contacted the producers?
Thanks for your help. Ted Knapp - planetx@aa.net

Posted July 23, 1998
My name is Billy Hokstad, and I am trying to find a recording of "A Gene Vincent Record Date". (1956-57). Regards, Billy Hokstad - 935403@ican.net

Posted July 23, 1998
From: jllemaire@oda.fr (Jean-Luc Lemaire) - merci de m'envoyer toute documentation sur gene vincent mon idole olivier lemaire, 81 r de l'OURCQ, 75019 Paris

Posted July 21, 1998
Hey cats, I really enjoy the Gene Vincent website. Just thought I'd let you know about a couple of things. I host a radio show here in Nashville called the "Hipbilly Jamboree". I'm on every Saturday night from 10 to midnight CDT on WRVU 91.1 FM. I play honky tonk, Western swing, and rockabilly. Of course I play Gene regularly on the show. You can check out the show for yourself on the Internet, through RealAudio, at www.vanderbilt.edu/WRVU/. I'm also a writer, and a short story of mine, "Race With the Devil," appeared in the book _It Came From the Drive-In_ edited by Norman Partridge and Martin Greenberg, and published by DAW Books in 1996. A story of hot rods, bad kids, and afterlife redemption, it's main character is a fellow by the name of Gene that I think you'll recognize. I'm pretty sure the book is still in print. Randy Fox - Randy_Fox@jackdaniels.com

Posted July 14, 1998
Hello! One day I was just "surfin'" in the Internet and I saw this Gene Vincent homepage. I've been listening for over 4 years, I'm 18 now. He is really one of the best ones...it would be an HONOUR to me if I could join the fan club! Max Forsstrom, Muurainpolku 1, 45720 Kuusankoski, Finland.

Posted July 13, 1998
Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps played at the graduation party of Billings (MT) Senior High in 1954. Gene had two professional bop dancers who preformed on little stands. It was a high energy show and the dancers were real atheletes. Gene had a leg iron on but was quite active on stage. I do not know how we were able to get Gene to our graduation party. At the time Billings Senior was the states largest highschool and had a reputation brawling and drinking. Lots of leather jackets and shiny cordovan shoes around the halls. The concert was a great success and Gene fit right in- nice evening was had by all. Last ran into Gene when he was playing at the Canterberry Inn in Spokane, WA in around 1969. I was sorry to here of his passing in 1971, but glad to here he is still remembered. Best Regards, Bob Wood - rrw@digisys.net

Posted July 12, 1998
From: Bill McEneany (billmc@wolfenet.com) - Couldn't help but notice... Cliff's picture shows him playing a Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, not his Gretsch Duo Jet. Any idea where the picture was taken or any information about why he wasn't playing his Duo Jet?

Posted July 12, 1998
My name is Billy Hokstad, and I have been a BIG Gene Vincent fan all my life. My parents said as soon as I could stand I was boppin' to his tunes. I'm 40 know and still do. My youngest daughter (Mary who is 6) also Bop's to his beat, and hopefully will carry it on to the next generation. My favorite album is "A Date With Gene Vincent". (Capital Records) I made myself a tape of this album my parents bought when they where "Teen-Bopper's" in '56 or '57, but the album was lost a few years ago after the many moves and the split of my parents. The tape I made was destroyed in a fire, and I have desperately trying to find the songs from that album. If any fan could help me find a recording (CD, Tape or Album) of this record, I would much appreciate it. My E-Mail address is 935403@ican.net or mail me at Billy Hokstad 753 Pinecreek Rd., Callander Ontario Canada. P0H-1H0. Phone 1-705-752-5035. Thanks, Gene Bopper's. Regards, Billy

Posted July 5, 1998
Dear Gene Vincent Fans: I am looking VHS copies of "Hot Rod Gang" and "It's Trad, Dad" movies of Gene's. I am looking for a friend of ours that performs under the stage-name "Mike Vincent" and would like to complete his collection. Please help me. brewecho@aol.com

Posted July 1, 1998
An open letter to publisher Derke Henderson.
I received the Phelps Brothers CD in the mail yesterday. I received the "Rebel Heart Vol. 5" CD in the mail today! I'm pretty excited! Thank you very much for letting me know about the Phelps Brothers CD. Not only are Cliff Gallup and Dickie Harrell listed in the credits, but Doug Wray is listed as playing drums on track 13. This is Link Wray's drummin' brother from the Wraymen, who also hailed from the same region. The complete catalog of the Binge/Cattle/Lady Luck/Bronco Buster label is available from: Roots and Rhythm, P.O. Box 837, El Cerrito, California 94530 USA, telephone (888) ROOTS66 (toll free in US), fax (510) 526-9001, e-mail: roots@hooked.net, web site. Roots and Rhythm is my favorite music mail order catalog. Please refer any other North American Gene Vincent fans to this company with my recommendation. Tell 'em Daddy-o sent ya!////The Rebel Heart Vol. 5 is loaded w/ versions of songs I have never heard before. Magnum Force has released so much by Gene and the Blue Caps.//// In the next few days I hope to sit down with your new discography, a pencil, and my Vincent collection and find out what recordings by Gene have been released that I don't already have, just as I did when your previous edition was published. When I've done that, I'll probably have some questions for you. I'll write back then. Thank you very much for all the work you have done. As a Gene Vincent fan I really appreciate what you have done. Mark "Daddy-o Dilly" Dillman

Posted July 1, 1998
Carlos Díaz (carlos@activa.es) says that he's have been working on a his Gene Vincent Tribute CD project featuring bands from the whole planet playing Gene's songs. An advanced release of 500 copies on 10" vinil will be out in a couple of months. More news soon fro Carlos, El Toro Records.

Posted June 26, 1998
I remember in 1958 playing "Be Bop A Lula" on the jukebox in this little hamburger joint. It was the first time I ever put money in the jukebox -I was a CHEAP so & so back in the 50's, mainly because I was dirt poor, but I did it for Gene, man. Everybody in the joint began to scream when the scream came on the record. At the time it was the wildest, most bizarre record we had ever heard, full of teenage rebellion and angst. It was the anthem of every leather jacketed rebel without a cause. It was everything our parents hated and we LOVED. That's why I'm not a big fan of Swing music today -- that's what our parents listened to and that was Sooooooo Square. 55 and still rockin'- Chuck Owston - Raveon42@aol.com
Posted June 26, 1998
RE: Gene Vincent picture disks. We stock the one with the "Girl Can't Help It" soundtrack - on the one side you get a full-coloured pic of the complete band. Also we can get: Be-Bop-A-Lula, ABC of Rock, Vincent's Blues. Also we have (b/w) pic discs with Elvis, Cash, Perkins, etc...Andy Widder, Rockin' Rollin' Products, Dynamite! Magazine, Part Records - http://rockin-rollin.com


Posted June 22, 1998
Can you tell me where I can find any old Gene Vincent 78's? Do you have any? Thanks for your time, Jana Houg Its for a very special birthday gift for a huge gene vincent fan!!! e-mail: jshoug969@aol.com

Posted June 18, 1998
Recently I have heard from a collector's tape songs credited to JACKIE FRISCO, who I understand was one of Gene Vincent's wives Jackie is heard singing a version of the Crickets' WHEN YOU ASK ABOUT LOVE, and a song called WAIT A MINUTE. The backing is pretty interesting and at times punchy on both - (JF's vocals sound teenage) does anyone have any info about this recording? What year, label/country, band, was Gene involved, etc. Thanks & regards, Alan V. Karr (alan.karr@east.sun.com)

Posted June 15, 1998
Ian from scotland, do you have any video footage of gene vincent, I recall I had a video of eddie cochrane and gene was on it? my e mail is wilkie@itek-uk.com

Posted June 6, 1998
Hi all, no, I didnt find a secret record of Gene singing Irish music, but I manage a site where I (try to) sell music from celtic countries, and, in thi site I have a Page called Plijadur (means pleasure) where I store a Gene Vincent song in real audio. It is changed weekly. Now it is: I Got a Baby. - Herve Le Bevillon - lebevillon@eurobretagne.fr

Posted June 5, 1998
LONDON FANS. We found this web-site through surfin' and just had to send a message to all you other Gene Vincent fans out there!! We saw the Blue Caps at the Hemsby Rockabilly weekender in England about 8 years ago and they were brilliant as expected! Gene Vincent is definitely the coolest Rocker goin' in our opinion. My boyfriend's band recorded Beautiful Brown Eyes, a great track with a country feel to it. We are big fans of his early recordings, all wild and rockin'. We'd love to hear from any fans out there, especially from USA as we are hoping to move to the States soon: Lina@the-big-apple.demon.co.uk

Posted June 5, 1998
Stuart Hopkins, Brooklyn, New York, USA. The time is ripe -- now that Gene Vincent is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and with this century winding down -- for some kind of documentary on the man akin to that of the VH1 Legends series. There are probably a few documentaries about him made in Europe, but America still ignores the cat for the most part. His fascinating story needs the kind of exposure that a well-done bio would provide -- with interviews and jamming with the living Blue Caps, and those surrounding his legend, from here to Europe and back. I don't know who feeds ideas to the makers of corporate biography-documentaries and such, but the time is ripe for Dancing in the street. Stuart Hopkins - miles3@rocketmail.com

Posted June 1, 1998
Jackie Frisco is and was, at the time, my girl friends (Suzanne Mitchell) aunt. Nice to know Jackie is still bouncing around. Tell her Steve sends his best, and that Jerry, David, and I still play guitar, once every year or so..... Best regards, Steve Clayton, hereiam@mind.net, www.mind.net/pick

Posted June 1, 1998
dear cats, hey i'm a 14 year old rockabilly cat and cats this age is ussaly unherd of but i know what i'm talking about an dyou do too.This gene Vincent site has been the best i have ever seen.no one will ever make one better then this bt your self caus eyou can just keep on adding more an di want you to know that.i've been listening or should i say idoling gene since i was 11 and man i will always want to be him for as long as i live.well this has been fun looking at your site and keep on rocking online!! see ya, -sarkes, BluSuede56@aol.com

Posted May 19, 1998
Derek Henderson (dhenderson@psc.ac.uk). Collectors may wish to know that the three 2-fer "re-issues of Gene Vincent's first six albums" are flawed. The "I Flipped" track on "Bluejean Bop" has a glitch at 1m52s, the "I Might Have Known" and "You Are The One For Me" tracks on "Sounds Like Gene Vincent" have missing backing vocals, and "Crazy Times" is, very disppointingly the mono version, except that the "Darlene" included is the alternate stereo version! So, strictly speaking, three of the six do not reproduce the original albums. A missed opportunity. The sound quality of the CDs is good. Derek. (ED NOTE: Available in US from "Collectibles" 1-800-446-8426, fax 610-649-0315)

Posted May 18, 1998
I have been receiving a stream of queries from would-be Gene Vincent completists recently. OBVIOUSY they should buy my book (plug plug) for information, but to help out like-minded fans, I have added a completists' page to My Homepage Read it and despair...Regards to all, Derek - dhenderson@psc.ac.uk

Posted May 18, 1998
Derek Henderson - dhenderson@psc.ac.uk - Can anyone provide me with details on a new Gene Vincent budget double CD issue "The Masters" EAGLE EDMCD028? Derek

Posted May 7, 1998
From: Derek Henderson (dhenderson@psc.ac.uk) - For information, tracks 5 to 7 on the new Rebel Heart Vol 5 CD listed on the Homepage are not backed by The Fleerekkers as stated in the Magnum Force liner notes. This has been a matter of some controversy in the UK for years. In fact, as listed in the new edition of my Gene Vincent Discography, the session band were The Echoes, the band that was currently backing Gene on stage. Line-up - Dave Burns LG, Perry Ford P, Dougie Reece B, and Laurie Jay D. It's just great to see new material by Gene like this issue and the "Lost Dallas Sessions" being released in the 1990's. Git It! Derek.

Posted April 25, 1998
He was a rebel. Few of them were as true as he was, Gene Vincent will always be for me, the perfect image of the rocker and rebel singer of the early rock and roll era....Unfortunely, he was not recognize and glorified as he should be...bop cat's bop! From: "Marc B'lisle" (mbll.maison@sympatico.ca)

Posted April 22, 1998
Hi, my name is Franz. I´m a great Gene Vincent fan for more than 40 years. I´ve a great collection of all his records. What need is his movies and television-shows on Video. I´m very greatful if somebody could help me. I also thank you for this webside to keep the memory of Gene alive. Keep on rocking, Franz - florante@eunet.at

Posted April 21, 1998
Hello Cyber-Rockers, You may be interested in visiting my Homepage where I am posting corrections and additions to my Gene Vincent Discography book as they crawl up out of the abbys is post-publication-time. Also posting up reviews of the book and other stuff. (click here) that keep my Bank Manager away, buy the book today (whoops, sorry Bob, a commercial crept in there). Best wishes to all you fans out there, everywhere... Derek Henderson - dhenderson@psc.ac.uk

Posted April 20, 1998
Hello. Kate Piatt, from Sheffield, UK. I have only just found this site and I will be leaving uni and therfore any contact with the internet in about 2 months. So before I go - I think it is absolutely excellent - it is great to know that there are more like me who think Gene was and is the most amazing thing in Rock n Roll ever. Most of my friends just say who???!!! Anyway, keep up the site - I'll be back when I can. Kate - klbeynon@pine.shu.ac.uk -

Posted April 18, 1998
I just found the web site and think it's terrific. I had a quesiton for you. I want to buy my first Gene Vincent CD. I can't now afford a set above 2 discs, so I'm looking for a 1 or 2 disc set.I want the best-sounding set; I know the Capitol collectors series is well regarded, but I've also noticed that it's from 1990 and that many CD's mastered in that time have now been remastered (Clapton, Cream, Hendrix, Who). So has there been a hits CD since the Capitol Collectors which sounds better, or is the Capitol Collectors still the way to go? How do the imports stack up? Also, I'm curious about an opinion on the multi-disc sets. Thanks. - EBravo8572@aol.com

Posted April 1, 1998
Subject: My personal Tribute To Gene Vincent - Why is it that tonight, some 40 years later, that as I think about Gene Vincent--there is a certain sweetness in my reflections--even more than those about Elvis, whom I also knew at very close range and have been associated with more closely? As I reflect on the Gene Vincent that I knew--the thing that touches me the most was that his incredible talent was among the VERY TOP. In rockabilly music, I think Gene Vincent is second to no one! Yet, the many times I was around him, both in Texas and in Hollywood, he always seemed so humble...so unaware of his immense talent--not truly realizing that he was really "up there with the stars!" Whatever he suffered in his personal life (and we all do at one time or another)--Gene always had his music that he loved (somehow the music is always faithful to us all). I have to say that there was really nothing to compare to a live Gene Vincent concert in the 50s. He took you away on the wings of a rock & roll cyclone! On a personal note, when Gene was a rocker in the mid-50's, he would roll his Cadillac into my driveway in Dallas, along with his rocking Blue Caps--and we would have the best time...dancing to the bop...heading the lake and building a huge campfire! Yes, those were incredible times, never to be forgotten. What fun! Gene seemed to have the most fun of all! When he posed for this picture with me, and I was holding a photo of Elvis--it makes you wonder what other competitive rocker would pose with an Elvis photo? This tells you a lot about Gene; he liked Elvis as much as I did--Gene just loved rock and roll, thats all! One of the most astounding songs Gene ever cut in my opinion was his unbelievably senstitive version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"--I believe he is singing it now in rock & roll heaven. --Kay Wheeler, March 31, 1998 (Rocknbop2@aol.com)


Posted April 1, 1998 Hello, I have recently been "turned onto" Gene Vincent. I heard a song a few months ago that i really liked, but i didn't know who did it. I asked a guy at work about it and he said he thought it was Gene Vincent (the song was "crazy legs"). So i went in search of his cd's , which were not easy to find. I went to quite a few stores before i found a salesperson who heard of him. Well anyway the salesperson suggested a greatest hits cd called "the screaming end" . I bought it a few weeks ago and i have not stopped listening to it. It is fantastic , a great cd. I am interested in purchasing other cd's by Gene Vincent. I would like to know if Collectable has released the twofer cd's yet? I have not seen them in any stores yet. I read they were supposed to be released in feb of this year. I would greatly appreciate any info you can send me on these cd's. thank you , I am spreading the word on his music. - HwyStarDP@aol.com

Posted March 28, 1998


These photos of Gene were taken at the Yakima, Washington Armory, 1958. Copyright: 1998 by Liggett Taylor - Ligslog@aol.com




Posted March 26, 1998
Subject: Cliff Gallop Disk "Straight Down The Middle"- Since there seems to be some interest about the ultra-rare Cliff Gallop disc "Straight Down The Middle", on Pussycat Records, I will share what little I know as a former owner of this record (which I foolishly sold to a record dealer for $20 about 5 years ago). I used to gig with a guitarist who had met and partied/jammed some with Cliff Gallop, probably in the late 60's early 70's (my buddy was in the Air Force and stationed in same town w/Gallop for couple years). By then Cliff was playing a double cutaway Gretsch, and influenced by former gigging partner in vast amounts. My buddy knows virtually every Merle Travis/Chet Atkins song, and plays them all w/flatpick and fingers and plays them just like the originals. He claimed he learned alot from Cliff, and that Cliff could kick tail on guitar. He indicated Cliff was EXTREMELY good, and that came from a player who himself can still fry the neck of a guitar. Apparently Cliff had self produced these records, and took them around to gigs, selling them out his car. He gave one to my buddy, who gave his copy to me when I grew interested in Rockabilly. The album cover was really dated, but really cool also. If memory serves me, they (the Four C's) wore skinny lapel suits w/skinny ties and it appeared to be an early 60's photo. There was a Fender bass, and a Chet Atkins Gretsch guitar on the cover, and the drummer held sticks. The album had acoustic rhthym guitar, and while Cliff's tone was good, I was depressed by the lack of energy on the album. As stated earlier, I sold it for $20 not realizing it was anything historically significant. It was kind of like an easy listening Chet Atkins style record (which I despise- sorry). According to my buddy, whether it was on a gig or sitting around partying and jamming, Cliff played Jazz and Chet Atkins' stuff. No rock, or at least at that time. The impression was that Cliff kinda figured there was more complex, interesting music than rock. Balch-SAMD (Balch-SAMD@redstone.army.mil)

Posted March 24, 1998
I'VE BEEN A FAN OF GENE VINCENT SINCE I WAS 6 COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO START COLLECTING HIS WORKS ON CD. NEXT WEEK IM ORDERING HIS EMI BOX SET BUT I AM LOST FROM THERE CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD GET AFTER THAT? I DONT KNOW WHAT IS OUT ON CD OF HIS RECORDINGS AFTER HIS CAPITOL RECORDING CAREER. LARRY PRATT, 119 S PULASKI ST., BALTIMORE MARYLAND 21223. E-MAIL: PRATTFAMILY@WEBTV.NET OR NAVYMATE@WEBTV.NET

Posted March 17, 1998

I have read the letter from Clifton Simmons' daughter to you (W W W). I am a Gene Vincent fan from a long time. Gene was a big star in France in the early sixties. Gene went twice for shows in my home town Limoges in 1963 and 1967. And in 1993 I was very happy and proud to bring for the very first time in France and my town the fabulous Blue Caps and Jerry Lee Merritt. It was a big successful show. With a friend of mine we plan to make a book about Gene and the Caps (mostly with pictures). We are collecting items and pictures since a long time. You know Clifton Simmons' piano work on Rocky Road Blues is fantastic. Daniel Valery, 131 Avenue Baudin, 87000 Limoges, FRANCE. (ED. NOTE: Photo above shows Daniel with the 1993 Caps in Limoges, France on June 26th. Photo below is the Caps performing on the same date...Johnny, Tommy, Paul and Dickie.)


Posted March 14, 1998
As a bigtime GV fan, I was thrilled to be able to see him do many shows in the space of a week in Toronto in the late 50s. He was playing a small theatre, The Casino, doing several shows a day. I spent most of my days that week watching his show. Fantastic!! Many years later, I was at a big rock show in Toronto (1969 I believe), that featured The Doors and John lennon and the Plastic Ono band. Chuck Berrry was also on the show as was a then little known band known as Alice Cooper. After Cooper had done about a 45 minute show he announced that he had a special guest and introduced Gene Vincent!! Gene did three or four songs with the Alice Cooper Band, but unfortunately did not have the voice he once had. He was also considerably overweight. As a huge GV fan I was wishing that I had not seen him that day and I prefer my memories of those incredible shows back in the 50s. What a talent! -John Pashley - jpashley@mail.on.rogers.wave.ca

Posted March 9, 1998
Tony Flores is a great Gene Vincent fan. He can be reached via his wife's e-mail at: OHHWELL@aol.com

Posted March 9, 1998
Well, this is just too cool. I just ran across this site and it really brings back memories. I dated Bubba in Dallas and later for a while in L.A. My sisters and girlfriends met up with Gene and the Blue Caps when they came to Dallas for a Photo Shoot around '57. My older sister, Kay Wheeler was the president of the Elvis Presley Fan Club, and she was friends with Bon Bon Barr (Gene's fan club pres.) Gene met his wife Darlene through me - she was a friend of my girl-friends sister, and I think a cousin of another friend, Patty Hicks. We had a lot of fun that summer - going to the lake and just hanging out. They played here but I can't remember the name of the place. It has been so long, I would have to really jog my memory to bring it all back. I do remember that Bubba was a doll! Gene was one of the sweetest people I ever met. Oh yea, I just remembered! Max Lipscomb was also one of our friends from Thomas Jefferson High who hung out with us that summer. Wow - it was a life-time ago. I gotta go charge my grey cells. Later, Donna Wheeler McHargue

Posted February 27, 1998
I saw Gene Vincint at Anoka Theater in Anoka, MN in 1957 or 58. Have the poster yet. Also saw him in 1968 at the Frountier Club in Fridley, MN. Is there any videos of him in the UK, or Ed sullivan Show or Perry Como Show. Or any other concerts or shows etc. OHHWELL@aol.com


Posted February 18, 1998
Sweden's Gosta Jansson visited Gene Hollywood Star in August of 1996.

Posted February 6, 1998
I like the web page very much, but I wonder if anyone can help me: I'm searching about the words of "I've got my eyes on you" from Gene Vincent and I didn't find it. Can you help me ?? Thank you very much, Kareen Healey - kareenh@dsuper.net

Posted February 5, 1998
Any idea where a Gene Vincent fan could find any CD'S of his early ballad albums. I once had all of them on vinyl but somehow lost trace of them and now they're gone. Thanks! Marty Thompson - hungrt@erols.com

Posted January 24, 1998
For many years I thought I was crazy. No one I talked to seemed to know who Gene Vincent was and now I find your site with all this info - WOW! My dad was Clifton Simmons. He grew up with Johnny Meeks and was piano player for Gene. I still have the card that came to the hospital with flowers from Gene and the Caps when I was born. I'd absolutely LOVE to get any detailed info, photos, newspaper articles on the group (especially those with reference to my dad). He died 23 years ago and my younger brother and sisters don't remember him at all, and I don't remember very well any more. Things like this would really be great after all these years. I'm especially interested in obtaining a copy of the Hot Rod Gang. Dad was in that movie with Gene and the only time I've seen it was when I was eight years old. Don't remember that much about it, just know I want a copy, and any other video clips you might have access to. If there's any info on my dad that you would like to have, please ask. I'll do all I can to help. Thanks so much! -Dora Jean (Simmons) Haggard. E-mail comments RE Clifton

Posted January 24, 1998
I am very happy to see Bob Erskine & company and Andrian Owlett posting messages on your websites! I was a member of the Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps International Fan Club throughout the 1980s. I looked forward to their big, fat fanzines arriving slightly beat up by airmail from the UK. Since they stopped their publications, I have been a bit out of touch with Gene Vincent fans until finding this website in Dec. '97. Welcome, gentlemen, I look forward to reading your reports again!! Say HI to Steve Aynsley. Fans in NE Kansas: hear me with Marshall Barber on KQTP, "Oldies 102.9" fm Fridays 7-10pm on the "Red, Hot, and Blue Rock and Rhythm Revue". I am pretty sure we will do a program on Gene Vincent in early March '98. Hear our Buddy Holly tribute on February 6. --"Daddy-o Dilly" - DADDYODILL@aol.com

Posted January 24, 1998
I'm a new Gene Vincent fan in search of some information. I first heard the song "Jezebel" as covered by the Reverend Horton Heat. A little bit of research uncovered the fact that the song had been played by Gene Vincent as well, whose version probably inspired the Reverend Horton Heat's. (I doubt it was inspired by Frankie Laine's version). Anyway, I've been combing the web trying to figure out what CD (I know it's on Bluejean Bop) I can find the song on, of the many, many compilations I've seen advertised which don't list the tracks contained therein. Any information or leads would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I'm also looking for info on the man who wrote the song, Wayne Shanklin. I haven't found much, just a list of his songs from ASCAP and the performers who covered them. Thanks - I hope to hear back from someone. -Abe - DGandAssoc@aol.com

Posted January 22, 1998
From: Mark Gilbert - gilbert.mark@plain.sa.gov.au - Gene Vincent was the greatest singer in the history of rock and roll, just listen to 'Cat Man' or 'Bop Street'. Recently I made a tape of Gene's stuff for a friend who thought that Elvis was the last word in rock and roll. Her comments after hearing Gene - "Elvis was a fake!".

Posted January 14, 1998
From: DADDYODILL - DADDYODILL@aol.com - Here's the first of two stories I'd like to tell you about Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps in Topeka, KS, my hometown. Actually, both stories involve an older lady I work with. Her name is Madonna. She's near retirement age now, but she attended most of the rock'n'roll concerts held here in the 1950s and has vivid recollections. These days she goes to Fan Fair in Nashville and Graceland in Memphis annually. In 1981, I attended my first record collectors' convention. It was held in the basement convention hall at the municipal auditorium. Madonna was there and told several of us that she saw Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps play a dance in that same hall in 1957 or '58. She said that the show was over, Gene had apparently left the building, and that the Blue Caps and about 100 of the teenagers in attendence were still there when the "weather bureau", as they used to call it, issued a tornado warning. Since this was in a basement, the auditorium staff closed the doors and kept anyone from leaving for their own safety. The Blue Caps then returned to the stage and played another set for over an hour for the 100 or so kids still there until the all-clear was issued!! I wasn't there as I was only four years old, but I do remember that storm. A tree was knocked down in our yard and some businesses on Gage Blvd. were heavily damaged when a tornado touched down briefly. I have another story to tell. Check back next week. I hope you will like that one, too. My congrats to Gene (the Blue Caps were not inducted) for finally getting into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. NOW is the time for the US division of Capitol Records to put out a domestic release of the 6 CD box set! --Mark "Daddy-o Dilly" Dillman

Posted January 14, 1998
From: "Stuart Sanders" - rockabillystu@hotmail.com - I was sitting home on the couch this past Sunday when the phone rang. It was my buddy Earl. As fast as he could spit it out, he wanted to know if I could grab my bass and jump down to the Ideal Oyster bar here in Atlanta. He said he wandered in for a drink and some guy was playing some cool rockabilly tunes. Well,turns out it's none other than Paul Peek from the Blue Caps. Now I've been living in Atlanta all my life and been playing rab/roots music here for over 18 years. I had no idea this guy was in town, much less that he was even still alive. He had all the GV knowledge, wore an eye patch,and played dang fine guitar.I felt kinda wierd so I didn't ask him straight out, so maybe you can tell me, IS THIS HIM? Ed. note: Yep!

Posted January 11, 1998
  • BOB "Git It" KELLY Writer of some of Gene's famous songs gives us an update within the pages of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

    Posted January 9, 1998
    From: Paolo Vacca (riderboy@venturanet.it) - Hi... I'm an Italian guy, member of a small band that plays also Gene Vincent's songs. We're interested very much in a song called "Story of the Rockers" by Gene Vincent, but unfortunately, we couldn't find its lyrics. I was just wondering if someone could help us finding them. Thanks in advance, Regards, Paolo Vacca

    Posted January 8, 1998
    I first discovered Gene when I was about 15. Some friends and I were out in the lunch break and we heard this amazing sound. It turned out to be Blue Jean Bop. I was hooked, I subsequently got Be Bop A Lula and then all of the Capitol LPs. I still have them all. My favourite Gene track is Gonna Back Up Baby. I was dissapointed when Cliff Gallup left since the guitar sound was never the same again. Baby Blue was an exception! My last album was the one with Sunshine and Slow Times a Comin' Sunshine is possibly the best thing Gene ever did and is a fitting memorial. Anybody ele's name on the label would have made it a million seller. I still play all of the old tracks in the car much to my daughter's annoyance! Regards. -Bill Letch, Bedford, England - bletch@putnoe.demon.co.uk

    Posted January 4, 1998
    I don't know if this info has been posted elsewhere, but I thought I'd share w/ you all the fact that all motion pictures w/ Gene appearing in them are available on video from the Video Beat, 351 Kiely Blvd., Suite 301, San Jose, CA 95129. Write for catalog. Not all are transfered from negatives but you will at least get to see "The Girl Can't Help It", "Hot Rod Gang", "It's Trad, Dad", and "Sing and Swing". Further, they also have "Don't Knock the Rock" (not the movie) the early '60s TV show w/ incredible performances by Gene, Little Richard, and J. L. Lewis and they also have "The Rock'n'Roll Singer", which was BBC's very up-close and sad documentary of Gene's 1969 tour of the UK. For a superb clean crisp video of "Hot Rod Gang", please contact The Fang, P. O. Box 3333 Main Post Office, New York, NY 10116. Write for excellent video catalog. For years, I never thought I would get to see all of these on screen performances by Gene because some are so rare. Last year, I learned about Video Beat's catalog. Now I got 'em all! If you are in NE KS, please hear me on "The Rock and Rhythm Review" , Fridays 7-10pm, on KQTP, 102.9fm. Marshall Barber is host; I am a monthly co-host. On my last show, we played Gene and Cliff Gallup and the 4Cs. Does anyone know if Magnum Force has a 5th vol. coming in their "Rebel Heart" CD series? -DADDYODILL (DADDYODILL@aol.com)

    Posted December 29, 1997
    Hello. My name is Joseph "Eddie" Martin, and I wanted to comment on your web page. It has a ton of info to absorb- great site! The reason I am e-mailing you, is I wonder if you know of sites on the net related to Max Lipscomb (aka Scotty McKay) of the Blue Caps. I was privileged to Know Scotty in the late 80's. I was playing base and rhythm guitar for him in his new group "Morning side of Midnight". He died on St.Patrick's day in 1991, I believe. He and I became fast friends the short time I knew him, and his heart was full of fond memories for Gene. Scotty spoke of Gene almost on a daily basis, and we played quite a few of his songs during our practices. I know Scotty/Max wasn't part of the Blue Caps as long as the others, but I was hoping to find a site on the net that might reflect on a great man. Scotty continued with music through the 60's and 70's and even appeared in two movies that I remembered. I never saw them but the titles were "The Black Cat" and "Creature of Destruction", both in the late 1960's. I would appreciate any info on Scotty/Max. Thank you, in advance. Eddie - jkmartin@flash.net

    Posted December 29, 1997
    hi, we are two old french rock and rollers and we want to thank you for your fantastic site of the best rock and roll singer in this old wild world. we have ourselves a rock and roll band called "brand new cadillac" and we use to play gene's songs on the authentic way and it's so great. 1000 of thanks - jacques and gilbert from Paris France - (SOULJ@aol.com)

    Posted December 28, 1997
    I discovered the rab hall of fame web site recently and am now a regular. Thanks for making it available. My brother and I were musicians years ago when rock was young and we idolized Gene and the Blue Caps, the Crickets, and of course, The King. We live in different states now and seldom communicate but each time I find a feature on Gene and the Blue caps I copy and send it to him. We both think it is great that the Blue Caps are still doing it after all this time. Again thanks for making me feel young again. terry wetzel - jtw1@bellsouth.net

    27, December, 1997
    From: Larkin Thompson (larkin@GOLDRUSH.COM) - I was born (became alive) the first time I heard 'Tootie Fruitie.' Not long after, Elvis, Perkins and Vincent hit the deck running and things have never the same again. Gene and the Blue Caps played a lot of dates in Salinas, California at the old Armory. Salinas ain't exactly the cultural center of the universe. It was mostly a haven for misplaced okies and arkies and I expect someone was trying to take advantage of the demograpics of the area... but these folks were hillbillies not rockabillies and in '55 & '56 the older folks who would attend such performances were not thrilled by this sound. My age group at the time (13-15) were the supporters of this new rock music but were not allowed in places like the Armory. The most remarkable thing about this time when Gene, Fats Domino, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson appeared in Salinas - they did for very little $$$. Ain't it strange that the less $$ involved, the more devoted the performers are and the more inventive and better the music is! Gene Vincent made it to the rock and roll hall of fame? Nice of em to let him in... afterall he built the joint! Give me a break - there should have never been Hall without him there to begin with.

    17, December, 1997 - photos courtesy Sterling Ragland,229 Turnipseed Rd., Wendall, NC 27591 USA>

    See more of Sterling's photos on the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Message Page.

    7, December, 1997
    From: "Lin Walters" (linhel@gte.net) - Hi: I've been a fan of Gene Vincent since I first heard him on the radio doing "Lula" in 1956 while I was in Chelsea Naval Hospital. That's why I say I'm an OLD fan. I have several of his LP's and many 45"s. I also have a copy of "THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT". However, somewhere along this long old road I lost the "Blue Jean Bop" L.P. Can you tell me where it would be possible to find a copy of it? Or possibly a copy on cassette? I also had a fairly close friend in 1960 who I met in the Air Force 1960 who knew Gene well and was raised in Norfolk. He had played guitar with Gene and Cliff. His name was Ray Casper. I lost contact with Ray about the same time I lost the "Bop" LP. If you know where I can find either one I'd sure appreciate it. As far as the fan club; Sure, I'd love to join. I just got into this www thing and have spent many nights catching up on old news about Gene and his peers. A sincere old fan, Lin "Butch" Walters

    1, December, 1997
  • SPENT BROTHERS PRODUCTIONS proudly present the Revised and Enlarged Second Edition of GENE VINCENT, A DISCOGRAPHY by Derek Henderson. This definitive guide to Gene Vincent's recorded legacy firstly lists all known extant recordings.

    28, November, 1997
    About Gene Vincent going into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is just something I still wake up at three o'clock in the morning and say "WOW" it's really true. The Bluecaps have worked so hard fo so long for it to come about. Bob, we also thank you for all you have done to help with the Web Site. We know now for a fact that our UK friends have helped so much by not only voting for him but also by speaking up and saying WHY? Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Paul McCartney have said they were all inspired by Gene. They wondered why he was not inducted long ago because of his influence on international music. They made the statement... "If it was not for Gene Vincent and the Bluecaps, we may never have been in the business." It's a wonderful feeling to know the web site carried the ball as far as it could and others picked it up and carried it on. Well, Gene now has a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, a picture on Capital Records Wall of Fame and now, God Bless him,. he's reached the top in his field by being inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I know if he could walk out on that stage and accept the award, he would say... "without my Bluecaps, this would not have been possible." Thank you, Tommy "Bubba" Facenda

    23, November, 1997
    From: MR DENNIS TABELLA - I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading the site on Gene Vincent. Thanks for the memories. -Dennis (HQNG24A@prodigy.com)

    23, November, 1997
    Dear Bob, Here is a little piece of Gene trivia you may not be aware of: Gene Vincent did a show called the Toronto Rock n Roll Revival in Canada in 1969. The headliners were John Lennon and The Doors. Gene was backed up by a then-unknown band called Alice Cooper! If you look at the back of an album by Alice Cooper called Easy Action, you will see that one of the songs is dedicated to Gene. Also, there is an unauthorized album of Alice's own set from the show that night. There are 2 rockabilly sounding tracks on the album that are not Alice Cooper, but there has been speculation that it is the Alice Cooper band backing Gene. Personally, I have my doubts. The 2 songs are called, "Aint' That Just Like A Woman" and "Goin' To The River". Have you ever known Gene to have performed these songs in live performance? I would appreciate your take on it. Thanks, Brian Nelson, (renfieldac@earthlink.net)

    22, November, 1997
    From: KWBait@aol.com - Just found your page and wanted to say hello. Thought you might be interested in a little current trivia. I had a charter fishing boat in Key West, FL. where I live and lo and behold can you guess what I named her? Yep, "Be Bop a Lula"! It looked especially nice in the phone book! So where do I send the royalties? Thanks, Capt. Rick


    9, November, 1997
    Subject: Paul Peek: Well I never met Gene Vincent but i know and played with Paul in a band for about a year. A great musician and a great guy. I dont think I've ever had more fun on a stage. We probably played all the Gene Vincent songs Paul could remember and Paul played them note for note. Ask Paul about the false teeth we found under the stage one night. Paul sang a song and held those teeth up and clacked them together so it looked like the teeth were singing. It was a hoot. Anyway thanks for a great website and keep Paul Peek on his toes. -Bill Hanke, Marietta GA. - ManONote@aol.com

    8, November, 1997
    Ralph Alfonso (ralph@nettwerk.com) - Subject: Gene Vincent on my cd. Hi there. Fantastic site. Just a note that I cover "Private Detective" on my new CD, "SOPHISTICATED BOOM BOOM" plus do an original song called "Gene Vincent Died In My Arms Last Night" about the events of Oct 12, 1971. More details at my web site:http://www.bongobeat.com - I perform as RALPH, and have three cds out of rock, poetry, jazz, blues, all kinds of music I enjoy (from being a record collector and fan).

    6, November, 1997
    E-mail: Jerry Lee Merritt

    6, November, 1997
    From: "Suzanne Gossett" (suegossett@worldnet.att.net) - Subject: Johnny Meeks - Hello: I was just in Asheville last week and saw my buddy Johnny Meeks. I met Johnny last year in Asheville and since have become good friends. Johnny is a wonderful man and am proud to have him as my friend. Last July, my book entitled, "The Films and Career of Audie Murphy" was published. I asked Johnny if he knew "Shutters and Boards", a song Audie had written. He only knew a little of the tune but not the words. I called my husband in Ohio and he read the words over the phone and I gave them to Johnny. He sings it everytime we meet just for me. This past week in Asheville, he sang it every night. What a sweet man he is. Your website for Gene is awesome and am so glad to see it there. I grew up in the 50's and love the music of that era. Rockabilly wasn't that popular on the east coast where I am from but it eventually took hold and it became well known. Thanks for this great site and hope that you have the opportunity to check out the Audie Murphy Memorial Web Site. It's truly a wonderful site to honor America's most highly decorated combat hero of WWII who went to Hollywood and made 44 films, mostly Westerns. Now we are trying very hard to have a commemorative postage stamp made in Audie's memory. I hope that all who read my letter will go into the site and sign the stamp petition that is available. We need all the signatures we can get to make this happen for this extraordinary American hero. -Sincerely, Sue Gossett, Author, "The Films and Career of Audie Murphy"

    3, November, 1997

  • WARNING! Dickie Harrell sez, "Strange things happen when you watch this web site."

    30, October, 1997 - I just want to tell you how great it is knowing that GENE has been inducted in to the ROCK and ROLL hall of fame. Bob: People like you and Rod (and the fans that signed your petition) have been the ones that have put forth the hard work work in getting this done. -JERRY LEE MERRITT - JLMERR7733@aol.com - (Fans are encouraged to e-mail Jerry with their thoughts).

    28, October, 1997 - From: "Marina Putrenko" (littlesheila@hotmail.com). Hi! I'm 18 and I live in Moscow, Russia. I've been a Gene Vincent fan since I was 12. I have all of his studio recording except the last session. Now I'm looking for live tapes and videos. Can you help me to find the track list and recording dates on the "Rebel Heart" album vol. 3 and 4? Also I want to know more about Gene's life after he left Columbia. Especially I would like to find real Vincent fans in Moscow.

    29, October, 1997 - From: Herve Le Bevillon (saga2531@eurobretagne.fr). Subject: Marina - I am very glad to see a youg eighteen girl fan of Gene. And specialy one from Moskow. she is looking for videos. she is not alone, and it would be a great idea to collect all we can collect and put together one the same tape. (Ed sullivan Show, A show in UK in 64, an other from the tavern in liverpool where he did Whole Lotta Shaking Going on, and What'd I Say). I'm also glad to know Gene is in Rock 'n roll hall of fame. It is his place, and of course in our hearts. -Herve


    20, October, 1997 - We've been waiting since January to get this! Top left is fan Trevor Gardiner, right is Derek Henderson (pleased as punch to finally get a pic with the legendary Johnny Meeks and Dickie Harrell) after the UK Rockers Reunion gig.


    10, October, 1997 - From: Rock It! (rnr@io.com) - As much as I love Jerry Lee, I think that Gene Vincent was as much wild as him! But maybe the videos are not here to prove it. Anyway in the memories of these who have seen Gene and the Blue Caps, these were among the wildest Rock'n'Rollers ever. Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee, and their many peers: that's the bleeding heart of Rock And Roll!


    30, September, 1997 - From: mike@tia.de (Mike Werner) - Hi, all the way from Germany... It's great to see that the father of Rock'nRoll is not forgotten, you have done an outstanding job with this site. Congratuations! It might, however, be of interest to you that I have personal rememberances of Gene. Heres why: In 1965 I had the pleasure to tour with my band and Gene through Northern Germany. We stayed at the same hotels and I remember he was travelling with an either Mexican or South-African lasy. There also was something with jewlery but I'm not sure. I do recall however that we all did drink a LOT and that Gene used to put me and other members of my band to sleep by pressing with his fingers somewhere on our necks. At the time Gene was sick very often and I recall we had to take him to the hospital on our way back from gigs to the hotel (actually the place was called Hotel Osterdeich in Bremen, Germany and the tour was either for StarClub Hamburg (Mr. Weissleder) or Star-Palace Kiel (Mr. Woitalla) I'm not so sure now). I do recall he had big problems with his ears and on one occasion the doctor told me he (Gene) would'nt have long to live giving is state of health. He often told me that he truly suffered from the loss of Eddie Cochran and to this day I believe he did. I personally, being a recording artist myself see: http://www.musik-treff.tia.de/html/default_mike-warner_band.html just came out of a band featuring guitar great Albert Lee, so I was Telecaster crazy and wherelse could one here great rock'n roll Telecaster licks than on Gene's early stuff. To this day I still go out (haveing re-moved back to Germany after 20 years in California) and sing "Lotta love" "Say Mama" and "Baby Blue" now and then. Each time I do I think to myself "If you guys (audience) had any idea how well I knew this Rock'nRoll hero!!" You keep up the great work, Y'here?? -Mike


    25, September, 1997 - Recently discovered impossibly rare, slightly overexposed Polaroid taken by road Mgr. Lawrence Thacker of the (Dallas) Blue Caps rehearsing with Elvis' drummer D.J. Fontanna, who played with them briefly during a Canadian tour. The other folks are: Bill Mack - bass and Cliff Simmons - piano. Not shown are Gene Vincent, and Scotty McKay (Max Lipscomb) - guitar. The photo is dated May 1st, 1958. Thanks to Gene Vincent collector Steve Bonner for the use of this rare photo.

    24, September, 1997 - From: Project Harmony (phstp@mail.nevalink.ru) - Hi, mine name is Nataly and I'm living in St.Petersburg, Russia. I'm looking for the minformation about the song Blue Jeans. Can you help me? That's really urgent. Thank you a lot.


    Pix

    16, September, 1997 - From: "Geoff Williamson" (retrojet@sympac.com.au) - Subject: Great website! Hi there guys, I was very pleased to discover your website on Gene Vincent! I've been listening to Gene Vincent records for a few years now and have covered a lot of his early songs in a three-piece rockabilly outfit here in Australia. I was particularly interested to read all those tidbits on Gene's exploits...as the the words to Ian Drury's song say - sweet Gene Vincent! Sad, too, to read of the "late, great Cliff Gallup.." - I didn't realise Cliff was no longer alive! What happened to Cliff? I heard he gave up the gig with Gene Vincent because "life on the road" didn't agree with him!! Apparently he became a school janitor for a while, what a crazy thing, to put down the wildest guitar on record only to pick up a broom! I've got some 6 tracks of him playing with the Four C's on a vinyl compilation called The Legendary Guitarists of Gene Vincent - it's obvious that Cliff was also strongly influenced by Les Paul's crazy tactics - including the bugle call rag thing (first thrown into a solo by Les Paul years earlier!) as well as those off-key 6/9 ending chords! It was also fantastic to finally get the words for Race with the Devil - our singer never could quite figure them out - oh well, at least he guessed most of them right! Regards, Geoff



    13, September, 1997 - From: Eric Goforth (75052.37@compuserve.com) Subject: Gene's motorcycle wreck. I understand that Gene had a motorcycle wreck somewhere in North Carolina, and that this wreck was the cause of the problems with his leg and also partly the impetus for his musical career. Do you have any idea where and when this took place? If you can tell me more I'd like to see if I can find the spot where this happened since I'm a big Gene Vincent fan, ride a motorcycle, and live in North Carolina.



    7, September, 1997 - From: JMerr49886@aol.com - I would like to know more about the ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME, I have worked with many great ROCK-A-BILLY stars over the years and I did two tours with the Blue Caps. I am a rockabilly artist from Arkansas and played guitar with the great GENE VINCENT, I also wrote a four of his songs, I would love very much to be in the ROCK-A-BILLY HALL OF FAME with the rest of my friends, thank you very much, your friend, -JERRY LEE MERRITT.



    5, September, 1997 - From: Steven Mandich (STEVENMANDICH@compuserve.com) Subject: Gene Vincent Research help request! I'm currently researching the last two years of Gene's life for a book. I've spent the last year concentrating on the UK gigs, and interviewing those that worked with Gene. I'm now concentrating on all French and American gigs. Do you have any idea how I could get in touch with the following people involved with Gene: Richard Cole, Marcia Avron,Mike Marx, Jackie Frisco, Ted Weintraub, Robert S.Kraus,Carol Kay McCarty and Pat Mason? I did a lengthy interview with Adrian Owlett (Gene's best friend in the UK) and several musicians and managers. Exact details on Gene's 1969 US dates are very sketchy (Honolulu, Hawaii, Oregon etc). I also want to compile a complete list of all TV/Radio appearannces (national and regional) during this period. How is Paul Peek doing? I met Paul in London (Jan.1997) and took a couple of photos, which i've recently sent prints of to him as promised.I heard sometime back that he wasn't that well. I hope he is healthy and well now. I would be extremely grateful if you could help in any way. Best Wishes- Steven Mandich



    26, August, 1997 - From: Chris Owen (cowen@flash.net) - Howdy, I stumbled upon your Gene Vincent site while looking for some info on a family member. Perusing the site, I was saw that my uncle, Grady Owen, played in the band during 1958. This was a pleasant find, for my uncle's varied yet sadly obscure music career is quite fascinating to me. For the longest time he was just a voice on some old 45's my parent's had laying around. I did finally meet him a few years ago, and while he's hit on some hard times, he's still quite a guitar player...he even inspired me to finally pick up the instrument and learn a few licks. Anyway, I noticed that the "Blue Caps" are back together and touring again, but the schedule on the site only went through the middle of August. Will you be playing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area again sometime? I'd certainly love to catch the show and perhaps meet some of the folks my uncle once played with. -Chris Owen



    21, August, 1997 -

    1 RACE WITH THE DEVIL (Davis-Vincent) 1956
    2 CRAZY LEGS (Reed) 1957
    3 HOLD ME-HUG ME-ROCK ME (Vincent-Davis) 1957
    4 THE WAYWARD WIND (Lebowsky-Newman) 1958
    5 SOMEBODY HELP ME (Kelly) 1958
    6 FIVE FEET OF LOVIN (Peddy-TiIlis) 1958
    7 PEACE OF MIND (Bracken) 1958
    8 LOOK WHAT YOU GONE AND DONE TO ME (Jones) 1958
    9 SUMMERTIME (Gershwin-Heyward) 1958
    10 KEEP IT A SECRET (Robinson) 1958
    11 ROCKY ROAD BLUES (Monroe) 1958
    12 DANCE TO THE BOP (FIoyd-Edge) 1958
    13 BABY BLUE (VIncent-Jones) 1958
    14 DANCE IN THE STREET (Davis-Welch) 1958
    15 LOVELY LORETTA (Grade-Watt) 1958
    15 IMPORTANT WORDS (Vincent-Davis)1963
    11 GONE GONE GONE (South) 1963
    18 SHE SHE LITTLE SHEILA (Merritt-Pullen) 1960
    19 WEEPING WILLOW (Lynn) 1960
    20 CRAZY BEAT (Fallin-Rhodes) 1963
    22 IF YOU WANT MY LOVIN' (Turner-Marascalo) 1961


    20, August, 1997 - Subject: Pistol Packing Mama: With reference to Tim Burgis' question about the advert (27 July 1997) "Pistol Packing Mama" was used to advertise Rowntree Fruit Pastilles, and was revised to "Pastille Picking Mama", where this little kid keeps having his pastilles nicked by his mum. Hope that helps. - Dave Tinkham - D.N.Tinkham@durham.ac.uk


    20, August, 1997 - From: David Blowman (dblowman@state.de.us). I was checking out you're website (nice job by the way) and thought you guys may be able to help me out. I've been trying in vain to find out the track list on Gene's EP Collection released by See For Miles Records. Any chance you might know how I could track it down? Many thanks from a big Gene fan.


    18, August, 1997 - Hi people. I just find the web site. it is great for people who are still thinking that Gene Vincent was the greatest Rock 'n roll (white) singer. I am a Breton, from Brittany, witch nis now (500 years ago) a part of france. I don't like it and I dont feel I am french. Now the TV is celebrating 20 th years of elvis persley's death. Many document are showing him singing old Rock 'n roll. These documents are' from the 50's. he was singing song of others singers (carl perkin's and little Richard). he had nothing from himself. He did not write any song (may be heatbreak hotel). The band playing with him was really bad. Compared with the blue caps, they are not music players. Gene and the blue caps where really better. I use to play guitar and sing (very bad and alone at home) tunes of Gene. I got the words, with the famous book writenn by Thierry Liesenfeld, and with three chords I can do classics Rocks. But I'd like to do ballads like "you belong to me" "love of a man" etc. If any body can find songs books (in french: partitions) with that kind of tunes, I will be glad. Thank you. Herve Le Bevillon (saga2531@eurobretagne.fr)


    4, August, 1997 - I read on the Tidbit Page about the "murder investigation" and saw the bit about John Sterling of Lufkin, TX being with the group at the time. What was the connection between John Sterling and Gene Vincent? Was he a Blue Cap? Does anyone have an idea where John is and what he is doing today? -Eddie Bryant, Lufkin, TX - ebryant@lcc.net


    4, August, 1997 - Here's a review of Gene I wrote: GENE VINCENT - ROCK 'N' ROLL'S NO.1 REPRESENTATIVE:

    Mention the name 'Gene Vincent' to a non-believer & you'll be told he was 'an Elvis imitator who had a big hit in 1956 with 'Be Bop a Lula''. This certainly is not true. 'Be bop a Lula' was his big hit, but,that was only one side to him. Gene Vincent wasn't a copy of Elvis Presley (as many seem to think) either. Vincent had a few things in common with Presley (both were Southern rockers with a deep blues influence & both hit it big in 1956. But,that's where the similarities end. After that, both were 2 totally different artists.

    1956 had seen many other rockers emerge & all these for the most part seemed limited in what they could do: Eddie Cochran was a great rocker & guitarist but his ballads were rather pathetic, Buddy Holly simply wasn't wild enough & Carl Perkins never got his fair chance. It now looked like only 2 people could really rock 'n' roll in 1957: boogie blues singer/pianist Jerry Lee Lewis & Gene Vincent. Elvis had virtually become a pop singer by this time, so he was also out of the way. Jerry Lee & Gene were wild, bluesy & versatile & fitted the credentials of rock just right. And both were better singers than Elvis.

    However,things were not to turn out as had planned: by 1958,real rock 'n' roll was on the wane. Gene Vincent had truelly lost his chance (he cut such great records as 'Rocky Road Blues', 'Baby Blue', 'Blues Stay Away from Me', etc.) since his 1956 hit - but none had shown any commercial appeal.Presley had scored about 20 top 10 rock hits & was well on the way to change his image. Rock 'n' roll was being slowed to a waltz & the bluesier strains of it were nowhere to be found on the charts. Presley, by 1960,was pop pure & simple & people like Jerry Lee & Gene had lost their chance.

    Unlike Gene,Jerry Lee had hit big in 1957-58 ('Great Balls of Fire','Whole Lotta Shakin', 'Breathless', etc.) & had even overtaken Elvis' popularity before he married his 13 year old cousin (which was natural to his culture & a perfect excuse for the conservative-minded to ruin one rock 'n' roll career). Essentially,Jerry Lee is more boogie blues & country than he is rock 'n' roll (he even said himself 'I'm not rock 'n' roll,I'm boogie woogie' & indeed he's more similar to people like Moon Mullican, Merrill Moore & Chuck Miller than to many rockers) & this leaves room for Gene Vincent as the greatest pure rocker. Gene could match Elvis at ballads in the early '60s & was indeed better than him. Again,virtually none of them gained much success (only 'Wild Cat','I'm Going Home' & a few others became minor hits). Gene concentrated on country-rock material from the mid '60s up until his 1971 death.

    After his death,Gene has finally got the recognition that he always deserved. It's such a shame he's not in the rock 'n' roll hall of fame - despite being the greatest pure rock 'n' roll artist of all time (he's only ever been equalled by boogie singer/pianist Jerry Lee Lewis when it comes down to best performer of the latter half of the 20th Century). -Patrick (cxd0873@iol.ie)




    1, August, 1997 - Photo (courtesy David Dennard) of the house that Gene lived in (with The Blue Caps) 1957-59. Located at 6551 Dyke's Way, Dallas, Texas.


    25, July, 1997 - Great web site. I would like to get in touch with Alan Vince. Do you have his phone number or address over seas? As a new fan, I really enjoy "the behind the scenes" about Gene Vincent. Thanks again for your help. Patrick Pidgeon - 104115.3064@compuserve.com


    Submitted 18, July, 1997 - GENE VINCENT REMEMBERED by RAY CAMPI - In was with great pleasure that my band and myself got a booking on a show in Austin with three of the hottest rockabilly acts in Texas. These guys had already made a name for themselves in the music world and appeared regularly on the Big D Jamboree in Dallas. (I briefly appeared on this show in 1952...not a performance worth remembering. I might add).

    Sonny James had already made it big with "Young Love," Bob Luman was coming up fast also. I had met Sonny in 1952 at Ressau Hall when he was touring with Slim Whitman. Bob Luman and I ran into each other a year or so earlier at Austin station KVET in Bradford's Alley. Bob was promoting his first record on Imperial, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to meet the famous Gene Vincent.

    At this time my band consisted of Henry Hill, John Maddox and my brother Harvey. We were part of the "local yokels," a name I used to describe the Austin bands (without record deals) who sometimes got booked to open for the bigger, well-known acts that traveled through town while on tour. Other "locals" on this show were Joyce Webb, The Debs and The Slades, the originators of the great song "You Cheated." We were all recording for Domino Records at the time.

    After we finished our bit of the show which took place on an open stage on the south side of the Colorado River (the Zachery Scott Theater stands there today) on Lamar Blvd. Bob Luman and his band played. I believe Sonny followed with a group and both went over well with the crowd. Next, it was Gene's turn to "rock out," which he did quite effectively. His act included lots of body motions with the mike swaying from side to side, and ferocious scream being emitted from the Blue Caps at just the right places. In sure Johnny Meeks was in this group.

    Years later I would meet him again when he played "Lotta Lovin'" which I recorded for Rollin' Rock for Ronny Weiser...a tribute album to Gene. I'm happy to say that this track appears in on the 1996 Skizmatic Tribute CD, (history repeats itself).

    After Gene's spectacular appearance my buddies and myself went on stage to meet the man in person, and to a talk while most of the musicians were packing up. He was very friendly with us and even showed us the leather brace on his leg, the result of a motorcycle accident injury. "Sometimes it hurts when I jump around," he commented, "but I wasn't about to let them cut this thing off." From watching Gene's performance I would never guessed he was in pain.

    I'm happy to have been able to meet Gene in 1958, and to perform on a show with him, as we had a lot in common. It is rewarding that Brad has included a couple of my recording on this CD. It's great to be in good company with goals in mind - to preserve the memory and music of one of the world's greatest rock 'n' rollers, Gene Vincent.

    The above was written for the CD, "Turning The World Blue - A Tribute to Gene Vincent," Skizmatic Records 1996.



    10, July, 1997 -

    I stumbled upon a record collection in the USA which I bought for a shamelessly low price. I found classic 78s by Bill Haley and Gene Vincent among others in MINT condition. Gene Vincent 78 was Race With the Devil. In its origional Capitol Record paper sleeve. What would that be worth? _John Cloud - cloud@cloud.pp.se


    9, July, 1997 - From: Simon Blint (simonb@uclink4.berkeley.edu) - Subject: U.S. RR HOF. Gene Vincent was one of the strongest influences on British R n' R, and not just on the Beatles' early wardrobe. As young aspiring rock musicians, we (and very many of our contemporaries) would search through every phrase, riff and nuance of each new Vincent record for material. We plagiarized him mercilessly. He was a far greater influence on early British rock than Elvis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. and is equalled only by Buddy Holly. As working-class kids, we could tell the real thing; who really understood what R n' R was all about and was performing from the gut. We craved authenticity; music that represented the kids, that rebelled against the phoniness of the adult world and that spoke to our plans, hopes and fears. I now live in California and am shocked at the lack of knowledge about Gene Vincent's contribution to popular culture. But those who were there, those who 'lived' Rock n' Roll, will never forget the debt we owe him and his unique Blue Caps. Induct him and right a terrible wrong. -Howard Blint, 121 Candelero Place, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, blint@ix.netcom.com


    1, July, 1997 - From: Neuder (Jean-Philippe.Neuder@edfgdf.fr) - Hello, I'm a French rockabilly guitarist and I'm very impressed by the Cliff Gallup style. I tryed to find books on the subject but as the rockabilly itself is not very well represented (perhaps in France only?) by the guitar books, I didn't find anything about this great guitarist. Do you know some web site or book I could order on this subject? Thanks a lot and hope to hear from you soon. -Jean-Philippe from the "Lousy Cats".


    27, June, 1997 - From: fmiranda@agentel.com.br - Hi! I'm a Brazilian boy, actually I'm 22... I liked Gene's site very much. I enjoy the pure rock'n roll since I was 10, I'm not lying. I used to play in a rockabilly band called Riverside Band. We performed several times the Blue Caps' hits but nowadays I have to play pagode, a kind of samba to make money. Here in Brazil there are only two Gene's cd titles avaible, but the recordings aren't good. Now with this web site it's easy to get any information about my idol. During the 50's and early 60's Gene Vincent influenced Brazilian musicians very much. The best example of this affirmative is the most famous Brazilian rock band of the 60's. It was called Renato e Seus Blue Caps, in tribute to their idols. They're still on the road and with the same name. After the 'British invasion' they started performing in a Beatles' way. But they helped a lot to make Gene & his Blue Caps known in Brazil. So, best wishes for everybody and please tell me how can I buy some 50's Gene's cd's.


    26, June, 1997 - EDITOR'S NOTE: Let's get the Blue Caps to Hemsby in the UK next year. We encourage fans to write or fax Willie Jeffery requesting them to be booked ASAP. The Caps are also looking for a few European gigs to go along with that Hemsby appearance (if it happens). Contact:
    Willie Jeffery / RE: Hemsby
    4 Greenacres
    Oxted
    Surrey
    RH8 0PB
    ENGLAND
    Phone No. 01883 714289
    Fax No. 01883 716277


    26, June, 1997 - From: My49merc@aol.com - I am what they call a rockabilly cat where I'm from. I also consider myself to be the self-proclaimed worlds biggest Gene Vincent fan. Seriously though, I'm always on the lookout for anything that has to do with the rockabilly community; especialy on that of Gene Vincent. I would very much appreciate any information on fan clubs, tributes, and memoribalia etc. Thank You, GTO


    25, June, 1997 - From: "Sid" (sidcb@flash.net) - One of few www sites I have visited and didn't fall asleep...really good. Web sites should have something to offer besides just being cluttered with links & ads or trying to be "cool". Please visit our "Central West Texas Music Hall Of Fame" site: www.flash.net/~sidcb - I was the original lead guitar for the group,The Cavaliers, in the 50's (San Angelo, TX) was influenced by Scotty Moore. Our band thought Gene's lead man was great.. we didn't know he had two. Gene & the Blue Caps played an outside gig in San Angelo maybe 56? -Sid Holmes.


    22, June, 1997 - When I was 16 I first heard his music (1979) and from that point I was hooked. Greetings from Australia and it is a fantastic site. Will you let me put a link to it from mine her in Australia? I would be only too happy to do this. There are many many Gene Vincent fans here. SCS@onaustralia.com.au


    22, June, 1997 - From: GeeWizz@webtv.net (jonathan giles) - I OWN A RESTAURANT BY THE NAME OF "ROCKABILLY'S SMOKEHOUSE" IN HUNTSVILLE, AL. THE NAME SHOULD SAY ENOUGH. I ALSO DO A RADIO SHOW ON SUNDAYS WHERE YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON HEARING SOME GENE VINCENT. I'M NEW TO THE WEB BUT MY FIRST STOP WAS HERE! I LIKE TO BOOK ROCKABILY BANDS AT MY RESTAURANT AND I LIKE TO HERE FROM ANYBODY WHO LOVES ROCKABILLY. THANKS FOR THE WEBSITE!


    21, June, 1997 - Have linked to your page. I can't count the times I've sang Be Bop A Lula. I wish I could have been paid for each time. I am a Gene Vincent fan since the 50's. I proudly link to his page. Would appreciate exchange links. Dale Pollard, http://castaway.cc.uwf.edu/~rpollard - The Back Porch Country Show.


    20, June, 1997 - Gene Vincent was on the USA TV show Seinfeld last night - sort of. Part of the plot involved 2 characters (Kramer and Elaine) renting movies from a video rental place. The characters rented movies from shelves that contained the 'favorite picks' that members of the unseen video store staff put out. Each staff member had his own section. Kramer favored picks made by "Gene", and Elaine favored picks made by "Vincent." Gene's section was right above Vincent's section, and there were a few camera shots that showed the two name tags on the sections at the same time, so it looked like:
    Gene
    Vincent
    It certainly looks like a GV in-joke on one of tv's most popular shows. Anyone else see this? From: Josh Lewis (joshlew@bway.net)


    19, June, 1997 - From: Joe Patry (jpatry@concentric.net) - I may be young (15), but I know my f**kin' rock n' roll, and Gene Vincent influenced every artist I like now, especially Brian Setzer. Give the man some respect and put him in the hall of fame.


    Pix

    7, June, 1997 - Although it's been out a while, the web site has just obtained it's copy of Graham Fenton's (& Matchbox) "Shades of Gene." Pollytone PEP CD 109. Also pictured above is a B&W photo of Gene and Graham taken in 1971. For those of who are unfamiliar with Graham, we are posting some of the the CD's liner notes by Steve Aynsley...

    The association between Graham Fenton and Gene Vincent goes back more than two decades. In 1970 Graham and his band The Houseshakers undertook a tour of England and France with Gene. Gene had a new album out on the Kama Sutra label entitled "The Day The World Turned Blue' and together they promoted this and the single of the same name both on the road and on the radio.

    Graham Fenton, after leaving the Houseshakers, became lead singer with the hit-making group Matchbox. Before their hits Graham always featured a Gene Vincent tribute during their stage act. Clad in a beautiful green blouson shirt, identically styled from the one Gene is seen wearing on the front of the Capitol album "Gene Vincent Rocks & The Blue Caps Roll'. Graham would deliver a handful of songs made famous by his hero and mentor.

    Even after Matchbox struck oil with 'Rockabilly Rebel' he continued to feature the tribute in the act. Indeed he took it a step further and gained a hit for the band by releasing a version of Gene's interpretation of the ballads 'Over The Rainbow' and 'You belong To Me'. Defying BBC officials, Graham performed the songs on Top Of The Pops completely decked out in black leather! Since then, alongside touring with a reformed Matchbox, the personnel of which are featured on this CD, Graham has guested many times with the legendary Blue Caps during their frequent UK and European tours and at their 1994 USA Surf Ballroom gig.


    28, May, 1997 - From: John Becker (becker@areaplg2.corp.mot.com) I'm looking for some information, and hope you can help me. Someone has posted to the Doors mailing list saying that Jim Morrison was one of the backup singers on the "I'm Back..." album, and further stating that Jim and the Doors are listed in the credits. He then goes on to say that the mix has made Morrison's vocal inaudible. Now, I know that Morrison knew Gene Vincent and that they both played at the Toronto Peace festival in '69. But I had never heard this claim before. Is there any truth to it? Can you check the album and see if there is any mention of Morrison and/or the Doors? Thanks very much!


    25, May, 1997 From: "Geoff Lambert" (Geoff.Lambert@btinternet.com) - Hi there, I am from England and I visited the rock "n" roll hall of fame. Apart from the fact Gene Vincent was not in it, 80% per cent that were should not have been. I suppose it is because it is a commercial venture that the world and his mate can be inducted bit I thought everybody new rock "n" roll real rock "n" roll only lasted from around 1955 till 1960. A lot of people say the music died in February 1959 well I've got news for you it did. Please add my name, Rockin' Lord Geoff Lambert, from Epsom in Surrey in England to the other people who like the people who produce the U.K. magazine, the mag of mags called Now Dig This has a real hall of fame for real rock "n" roll artists of which as you would expect already has Gene as a member. If you have any questions for a Englishman who was there when it started. Feel free to E mail me and remember there is only two kinds of music ROCK and ROLL. All the best -Geoff.


    19, May, 1997 Question RE: The Rose Of Love...Could Ronny Wesier reflect on his recording session with Gene?
    Answer: Well there is not too much to tell, except that I was hoping to capture one last time that magical voice, without the accompaniment of organs or late 1960s sounding arrangements. Gene Vincent used to live on Fuller Street only a few blocks away from Hayworth Avenue in Hollywood where I lived with my parents and brother. I asked him if he was willing to record a few songs for all of his hard-core fans and he agreed. He came over to 1264 N. Hayworth Ave with his wife Jackie Frisco. The tape-recorder was in my small bedroom: a $148 Akai reel-to-reel 3 3/4 ips speed machine (Tony Conn owns the machine now). I used a cheap $10 microphone, cannot remember what brand. In those days $10 was not insignificant. At first I tried to get Gene to record Gene Summers' "School Of Rock'n'Roll", but without much success. So then I told him to do whatever he wanted. The gem out of this 4 recording session was "The Rose Of Love" which brings tears to my eyes, just like to some of you other cats. We must give credit to Ray Campi for the very subtle arrangement which complements Gene's voice magnificently. What an incredible experience was knowing Gene Vincent!! Still seems a dream to me!! For many years I had tried to find him unsuccesfully. -Rockin' Ronny, Las Vegas. (ROCKIINRON@aol.com)


    13, May, 1997 Note from Bob Timmers, site editor: The Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's NYC office called today. Mr. Marc Bronitt acknowledged they have been receiving our petitions to put Gene into their HOF. He would not give me the names and addresses of the nominating committee, but assured me that all members would be made aware of the names of those who have already e-mailed and wrote in concerning Gene Vincent. I will continue to submit a petition each month...and if you are NOT already on it, PLEASE e-mail your name, location and e-mail address. I know (especially with the group they inducted this year) maybe I shouldn't even mess with this place anymore, but for the principle of it and the fact I want them to bend to the fans' desires (instead of record company money) just once. Besides...a little voice from heaven keeps telling me "go for it...somewhere over the rainbow..."


    12, May, 1997 From: cmadams (cmadams@internetmci.com) - Hello Vincent Net, were going back in Time. As young teenage boys we were involved with the rest of the nations "Rock & Roll" era, only we were doing it in Eagle River, ALASKA. Danny Underwood, now of Amory Mississippi and Claude M. Adams of Tucson Arizona. Gene Vincent was Dannys Man of the decade and was imulating Gene at every turn. For some reason Danny could identify with Gene, especially after he met Gene and his wife at the Carnival event. We believe it was in the summer of 1959 in Alaska. Specificly in a bedroom community named CHUGIAK, pronounced ( CHEW- GI -AK) some 20 miles north of Anchorage. The community had formed the "CHUGIAK BENEFIT ASSOCIATION". I believe 'they' hired Gene Vincent and Ray Price that year for an engagement, The two celebrities were to provide the entertaininment celebrating the CHUGIAK CARNIVAL, an annual event. One must realize this community was small at that time as very few people were moving to Chugiak Alaska. I'm (guessing) but I think the population of the community was only a couple of hundred or so. In any case it was small and the stage they were to preform on was very primitive to say the least. My friend Dan & I were barely teenagers and were hired to work the carnival, i.e. 'the Rides' and other Carni stuff. My friend Dan remembers, (I don't) that Gene Vincent had broken leg and was supporting a leg cast. My friend Dan was introduced to Gene and his wife who was pregant with their first child. He remembers someone trying to sell Gene a matched set of 22 Caliber Pistols, Gene told him he wanted to much for the set. It is believed the man wanted to sell the set for $125.00. In any case, we do remember with fond memories. Thanks for memories Gene. I hope this fills in some gaps, if anyone remembers things differently about what I've said, please, let me know, it's been almost 40 years and things sometimes gets a little fuzzy. Claude M. Adams 7255 E. Snyder Rd #2102, Tucson AZ 85750-E-Mail: cmadams@internetmci.com - Danny Underwood 1704 Hatley Rd. Amory, Mississippi 38821.


    3, May, 1997 From: WWith71158@aol.com - Al Caldwell is a DJ in Beaumont, TX and claims to have been a Blue Cap and featured in the movie THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT. Perhaps Al Caldwell is a pseudonym? My question is simply one of curiosity since I've not seen the name Caldwell associated with the Blue Caps. Interestingly, Caldwell is somewhat of a legendary personality in Beaumont having been on the air since the early '60's. I asked him once about the BLUE CAPS and he did seem to speak of them with knowledge and authority. Are there any stills/ or lobby cards of the BLUE CAPS from THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT?

    29, April, 1997 - From: Rockabilly performer Bobby "Sally Ann (1955)" Wayne, (not on-line: 2012 W. Montgomery, Spokane, WA 99205 USA, 509-328-0998) - Bob, I'm happy that you are helping to get Gene the recognition that he deserves. Gene's Be Bop A-Lula" came right after Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel. " I was great! It's true that Gene didn't have any big hits after "Be Bop A-Lula," but he did have some good songs. I loved "Lotta Lovin'" and I recorded it myself on Jerden Records in 1963 under the name of "The Hummingbirds." Dennis Roberts and myself did a duo. I know Gene had a handicap. He was at the Town Hall Party (a country music show) in Compton, California and said that he had to go in for surgery the next day. He came to Spokane in the late 50's at Natatorium Park and they did a show and dance. About only 100 people showed up. They still did a great show. We have to give Gene Vincent a lot of credit working as hard as he did under the circumstances of his handicap and all. He had a lot of talent.


    LPs

    29, April, 1997 - Another non-web fan: Sterling K. Ragland, 229 Turnipseed Rd., Wendell, NC 27591 USA, says he has "tons of Gene Vincent on albums and CDs." Thanks Sterling for asking about our souvenir package and sending us the nice photo of your early original GV LP collection.


    29, April, 1997 - From: Ray Funk (rfunk@polarnet.com) - I am starting to do some research in the Alaskan newspapers on rockabilly/country. I talked to a friend locally that remembers seeing Gene at the State Fair in Palmer in '57 or '58 or '59, he's not sure. Also, I understand that Dwight Pullen was running a nightclub up here before he hooked up with Gene. Anyway, do you have any specifics on the dates Gene was here in Alaska? Any detailed info on Pullen? I will then be able to go through the microfilm and print out ads articles etc. Thanks. Ray Funk/Kate Pendleton, P. O. Box 72387, Fairbanks, Ak. 99707, 907-479-8995.


    Gene's House

    25, April, 1997 - From web site editor Bob Timmers - On Saturday, April 19th, 1997 my wife Sonja and I had the honor to spend the better part of the day with Dickie Harrell and Tommy Facenda, two wonderful people. They met us at the Portsmouth Holiday Inn around noon. We chatted and the guys gave me a bunch of material to scan and post to this site. We got to see some really rare photos and memorabilia. Wish you all could have been here! You'll find some the artifacts posted on the TIDBITS Page 2 and on Dickie and Tommy's pages.

    Tommy drove us by the old school that he and Dickie attended, the Naval hospital that Gene stayed and some the old hangouts they frequented as teenagers. Then we motored to Gene's Portsmouth homesite (pictured here). This corner house is where the 2nd Blue Cap band started. Dickie, Paul, Tommy, Johnny and Gene worked for weeks on tunes before going out on tour. They practiced in Gene's living room (right side of house, lower level) often drawing a crowd in the street outside wondering what was going on. Tommy and some of the other guys would live right there at Gene's house so they could get in more work. Behind the house is a carport where Gene parked his old Chevy and black Cadillac convertible. Gene was known to keep the top down, even in the coldest of weather.

    This group of Blue Caps (with Dickie being the only remaining member) were like a family, always watching out for each other while playing practical jokes on each other...like the time they we're touring during the winter months and Dickie and Tommy shoved the bed a sound-asleep Paul Peek in front of open snowy window. Paul woke up looking like the Abominable Snowman.

    When in Texas Paul surprised the boys by showing up at the motel room door dressed in $300 complete cowboy outfit. He had the 10-gallon hat, fringed shirt, chaps, spurs, the whole bit. The rest of the guys laughed at him, but Paul was serious saying, "If you're gonna be in Texas, you gotta dress this way. This is the way everyone dresses around here." So out on the street they went, Paul standing out like a sore thumb, just a-jingling as he walked, while the rest of the boys snickered. When he walked into a movie theater, they made him take off that 10-gallon hat.

    In those White Castle (cheapo hamburger joint) days they lived on cheeseburgers, especially Gene. They would buy about $4 or $5 worth of little cheeseburgers and eat 'em all day. It was not uncommon to see Paul or Gene reheating the little burgers on a lamp shade or warm car radiator. Gene was always hungry and once asked Dickie (about 4:00 in the morning) to go get him some sandwiches. Dickie groaned but obliged. When Dickie returned, Gene was sound asleep, so Dickie polished off the food. Gene later woke and Dickie asked, "How'd ya like your sandwiches?" (As the wrappers where left next to Gene) "Gene looked down the crumbs and said, "Oh fine, I guess." These stories are just a sampling of the good times the Blue Caps had as a "family" in 1957-58.

    Gang

    So, about 2 o'clock we went to lunch and watched Dickie devour a large salad. He claims he and Donna eat a hundred pounds of vegetables a year. At lunch Tommy talked about his upcoming play and Dickie discussed how the Blue Caps could find more gigs. Tommy left for rehearsal and Dickie went to pick up Mrs. Harrell (Donna) We regrouped at the hotel about 6:00, this time the group consisted of Dickie's close friend and his wife, Ray and Karen Sulich (Ray has been a tremendous help in communicating with Dickie, as he sees him daily and is able to pass e-mails on to Dickie for us), Dickie and Donna Harrell and Sonja and myself. Pictured left to right: Donna, Dickie, Karen, Ray, Sonja and Bob. After more chatting and picture taking we all left for a seafood supper. About 10pm that evening we said our goodbyes, hoping to return again someday for a longer visit.


    28/April/97. From: Michel Coste (mic@MiCMAC.COM) - QUESTION: Does anyone know anything about the British Group THE FLEERECKERS and/or the Belgian (?) band THE SUNLIGHTS, both of whom backed Gene Vincent in the early 60s? AN ANSWER: All I know is that the Sunlights backed Gene Vincent during his second tour in France in october 1963 (culminating in Paris à la Mutualité, october 19). This tour was called "Tournée Age Tendre" (it was the beginning of the silly names: the beginning of the end for the french rock movement. In 1963 the radio was already back to the normal: programming mostly 'business made idols'... But Gene Vincent was still going strong, though on decline in 64 for english groups reasons. It was promoted by Jean-Claude Camus and Jean Vanloo (manager of the Sunlights). Reports say that the Sunlights were appreciated for their backing. Wild enough... and he bassist was always lyin' on the floor. There is an article who relates that tour in Now Dig This 119 (from Christian Neuwelaers).


    23/April/97. Hi there, I just realized my e-mail address was wrong when I wrote to you in March. The note was about Rarities LP and Hot Rod Gang movie. Would you please change my e-mail address in my previous note in case someone would like to contact me. The right address is vim10@takk.edu.fi. I really like your site about Gene and I visit this site everytime I use the Internet. Regards, Jukka Takala, Finland.


    21/April/97. My name is Ed Pauli. I'm 34 and from Brunswick, OH (Cleveland area). I first heard Gene Vincent's music back in 1974 when A DJ on the local C/W station played Be Bop A Lula. I went out the next day and bought the 45. It was a reissue with Lotta Lovin' on the flip side. A few years later I got a copy of "the Bop That Just Won't Stop-1956" as a birthday present. Of course at this time not too many junior high school kids were into anything this cool. All that wimpy disco music just didn't get to me as much as "The Screaming End" did (I was introduced to Buddy Holly at about the same time and his music flipped me as well). So I must say that Gene's music has influenced a lot of my tastes (let's give due respect to Elvis, Buddy, Eddie and Ricky). I sang Be Bop A lula on karaoke at a company party a few months back and most of the stupid people said "Hey, nice Elvis impersonation. The fact that Gene is not in the rock hall of fame doesn't make me too happy either. Well, that's about all I have to say. I hope I can converse with more G.V. fans out there. Rockin' Ed Pauli, (Rocked363@aol.com) 1458 Fox Dr., Brunswick, Oh 44212 U.S.A.


    17/April/97. I was lucky enough to see Gene Vincent once (which beats never) in my lifetime. Unfortunately it was after he no longer had the Blue Caps as a band. It was in either October or November of 1959 that a sort of mini Phillip Morris tour came to the Civic Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They had a little five piece band that backed up all three acts. The first act was a country and western singer named Carl Smith. He was then followed by a rockabilly singer named Ronnie Self, who had a fairly large regional hit in Oklahoma not too long before, and then the closing act was Gene. Self sang the record that had been a hit for him in this part of the country. It was called "Ain't I'm A Dog." The best as I can remember it was the only song that he sang. Gene then came out and sang "Rocky Road Blues" (which I thought was kind of unusual because the flip side of "Ain't I'm A Dog" was also a version, though completely different, of "Rocky Road Blues," which may explain why Self only sang one song.) Anyhow, after "Rocky Road Blues" Gene sang "Say Mama" and that was the final song of the night. I remember being awfully disappointed because he did not sing "Be-Bop-A-Lula." On the other hand, what with it being such a small show and small town, he was VERY easy to get to meet in the dressing rooms backstage after the show. This was the first rock star I had ever been close to in person and, from his second album cover, I guess I was expecting some sort of wild, out-of-control animal, but I was amazed to find him very polite, patient and courteous with everyone and I was even more amazed at how soft his voice was when he talked, you almost had to strain to hear him. He willingly signed my autograph book that I had brought along just for the occasion, which I am sad to say must have not meant that much to a sixteen year old, because I have long since lost it, to my eternal regret. I was a Gene Vincent fan before the show and I became a lifelong fan after meeting him, and him being so polite and nice to me. I have, of course, since then heard many stories about him that are not so nice. I'm not saying they are not true, but it was definitely not true that night I met him. It was only a month or two after that, I have since found out, that he left for England and a career over there, so I guess I really was lucky to have seen him at all. --Jim Van Horn (jvanhorn@hotmail.com) Route 2, Box 210-1, Clinton, AR 72031 USA.


    21/April/97. Dear Jonathan Lim: There are a number of live recordings of Gene available, if you want a list let me know, but the only tracks recorded with The Blue Caps are those you list. There are also live recordings of The Blue Caps made during their European tours of more recent years. Regards, Derek Henderson (Gene Vincent's Discographer) dhenderson@psc.ac.uk

    --


    16/April/97. Hey, there! I thought it important to express sincere appreciation for the dedicated work which has obviously gone into this site. I am not familiar with the Internet, but what a revelation after years of fruitless searching for any information on Gene Vincent. All I knew was that I loved this beautifully melodic yet powerful voice and I had guessed from brief sleeve notes on rockabilly compilation albums that there must have been some elements of tragedy in Gene's life. This site has provided me with more knowledge than I was beginning to think I would ever find out about Gene and the Blue Caps and it's given me great joy to discover that these talented men have the admiration of so many other people who've been positively affected by this awesome music. I truly hope, even now, that there is some possible way Gene may be aware of this. Well, wish me luck in my continuing search for more CDs, hopefully a book and some posters. I can't enlist your assistance as I only have access to my e-mail address until the end of April '97 when my "temp" employment contract with this office terminates. I shouldn't really even be sending this, but what can they do - fire me?! Your site has kept me sane throughout weeks of tedious data entry. Best bopping wishes to all! --Hayley Neal, Canberra, Australia. - ED. NOTE: Let us all know when you're back on line Hayley.


    15/April/97. - From: Tor Bjørn Hagen (torbhage@sn.no) - Hello, real music lovers. Your Gene Vincent pages, it's FANTASTIC! Nice layout and a lot of interesting things. My name is Tor Bjorn Hagen from Norway and I'm a big fan of all great Rock'n'Rollers. I'm 52 years old and collecting MUSIC,a lot of music. Take care and ROCK ON. Best regards, Tor Bjorn Hagen


    15/April/97. - From: The Marcels, Sunny James Cvetnic (marcels@earthlink.net). Hello everyone. We checked out the Gene Vincent page. Great! Hope we could do a show together some day --The Marcels Sunny James


    14/April/97. - First, I really enjoyed your site and will be listing it in my column in Discoveries magazine. As for the Hall of Fame, I served on their nominating committee for two years, where one of the things I tried to do was to get Gene nominated. While there were a few supporters among the 28 people on the committee at the time, there was this ignorant general opinion that he was a "one hit wonder," totally ignoring his contributions. In my years as editor of Goldmine, I received dozens of letters from fans who wanted Gene in, and every time I wrote about the hall's shortcomings (which was often) their neglect of Gene topped my list. Even sending letters to the committee may not work. I know lots of organized campaigns by fans that tried that approach and they're still waiting. The problem is that the committee is comprised of record label executives and journalists with their own agendas, which is usually to sell records on their own labels or to push trendy acts that no one but they care about. Unless there is a real push put on by at least one or more of the people on that committee, Gene might never get in. I'm not sure why it's taken this long - you'd think even these idiots would realize his importance - and I do believe he'll get in eventually, but I just wanted you to know that the letters have to be sent to the individuals, not to the Hall itself. Good luck. --Jeff Tamarkin EDITOR'S NOTE: We will move in that direction!


    14/April/97. - My name is PAUL BURFORD. And I was a friend of Gene's. I lived in England until 1967. Born in '42 I was about 19 years old when I knew Gene. I helped promote show's in NOTTINGHAM AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.... That's where we first got together. There were other's on the same bill. One of the guys was named Duffy Power (he reminds me of a soap powder), the other was a black guy with an afro and shocked me by using the wash basin in the room backstage as a toilet. If you can come up with a name let me know. Back to Gene his leg brace bothered him and the parties we had after the show were great places in the local bars to pick up girls. My next encounter with Gene was about a year later in a place called Ilkeston just outside Nottingham where I lived he gave me signed albums and photos of him and I together which my brother still has in England. He also gave me his arrow shirts which I still have. I now live and own the House of Lords in Toronto, Canada and can be reached at (416) 962-1111 (houseoflords@hotmail.com)


    13/April/97. - From: Christopher Davidson (cdavidson@worldnet.att.net) What a fantastic page -- full of great Gene Vincent info! I've dug Gene since age 15 (now i'm 31) and always try to talk him up to other music fans, many of whom don't know much except the big hits. -Chris D.


    4/April/97. When I was 18 or 19, I saw Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps at the Masonic Temple on Wisconsin Ave in Milwaukee, WI and everything that I'd heard about him was true. He was one of the best rockers ever. His leg was in a cast that he kept moving and dragging all over the stage. I was in a band at that time and the Blue Caps simply knocked us all out. We always covered about five of their songs and our fans loved it. What a show!! My name is Dennis Berg, 11647 Lois Cross Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32258, (904)292-0366 and I was born May 28, 1941. DennBerg@aol.com or StevBerg@aol.com.


    29/March/97. From: Jeremy Milburn (bigboy@www.iglou.com/) Subject: Gene and Elvis? I've mailed you before about your great site, and it just keeps on getting better and better. I'd like to start off by saying thanks for all the work you've put into this thing. The reason I'm mailing you is that I'd like to get some input on a thing that really bothers me; why is Gene always being compared to Elvis? Yes, it's obviously true that Gene was influenced by Presley, but I'm constantly hearing that the two sounded "exactly alike" and I just don't hear it. I don't think Gene sounded any more like Elvis than any other rockabilly musician did or does. I've never been a real big Elvis fan, at least not of Elvis post 55, because I think he gave up alot of his character and took on some disappointing material. He calmed down to appease the public, which Gene was probably flat out incapable of doing even if he had wanted to. But the fact that I find Gene more aesthetically appealing is secondary, I don't understand the constantly implied similarities.I can now and could always instantly make a distinction between a Gene Vincent song and anything else. No other recording artist before, during, or since the career of Gene Vincent have had that wildness in their voice, and it's just not fair that Gene should consistently be made out to be a poor man's Elvis when those of us who love the guy's work so much know he was much more than that.


    28/March/97. From: Jonathan Lim - A couple years ago I sent a letter to Goldmine that they printed that read: "Please raise a stink about Gene Vincent being excluded from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They should know better than that." The editor wrote underneath: "We have, they should, they don't." And the main criteria, for those that don't know all about Gene, is not only "Be Bop A Lula" (for which alone he should be in for), but also Eddie Cochran. Gene and Eddie were best friends and broken-mirror images of each other. Now, if Gene had died in that car with Eddie, he'd be in the hall of fame now, right? So is Gene excluded because he didn't die young? He accomplished as much or more than Eddie and Richie Valens, not to mention a lot of '60s acts that are in there too. Not only being one of the pioneer '50s r and r greats, Gene's impact on the UK and European rock scene in the early '60s has not been fully appreciated. Bottom line: If Eddie's in there, Gene should be too.

    I also wanted to ask if you know of any live recordings by Gene and the Blue Caps during their '56-57 days. Please reply to this page. The only ones I know of are the Ed Sullivan '57 tunes, and the Alan Freed show (Hound Dog, Be Bop A Lula); Did the Blue Caps or Capitol record any of their live shows? Maybe a radio station or something? I would love to hear a full concert recording of Gene and the Blue Caps at their height -- the concert pictures are wild to begin with. Please add my name to the petition. -Jonathan Lim


    25/March/97. From (dmansd@aol.com) - I've been a fan of Gene's since 1956 (I was 12!). I was lucky enough to see and meet him on several occasions and took lots of photos. If you have the "Forever Gene Vincent" LP, most of those are my photos! So far, I can't get on the Web, but I'm looking forward to seeing the pages on Gene! --DiAnne


    22/March/97. From: "Jan Gunnar Marklund" (the.originators@umea.mail.telia.com) - Me`n´my mates (A.K.A. the Originators) was rehearsing tonight and decided to do The Day The World Turned Blue. As I´m mostly familiar with The Blue Caps stuff I had some trouble knowing the words.? Bob answered: See lyrics page.


    22/March/97. From: Patrick Wall (cxd0873@iol.ie) - At the moment I'm listening to Gene's 'My Babe Don't Allow'. I'd appreciate help about Gene Vincent's influences. Everything I've read says ELVIS PRESLEY. But that's not Gene's influence at all,as Elvis only preceded Gene by a few months. Also some JERRY LEE LEWIS sights list Elvis as an influence to JERRY LEE, but,as I've read about Jerry Lee in detail about his influences, Presley just kinda gave Jerry Lee the IDEA to record at SUN,but otherwise had no impact whatsoever on the Killer,apart from being friends & respect for each other.Jerry Lee's influences are Moon Mullican (another great artist), Hank Williams, Piano Red (blues pianist), Big Joe Turner (bluesman), Jimmie Rodgers & Al Jolson & the like. Listening to Gene, like Jerry Lee, he has a great feel for the blues, and I know, from the tracks, he was influenced by the DELMORE BROTHERS, who are something like Moon Mulligan. I think Elvis might have spurred on Gene to record, but obviously he was influenced by a lot more, beforehand. I'm sure he influenced (like all post-1950 blues & country artists) by HANK WILLIAMS.I'd appreciate any info. --Patrick.


    22/March/97. From: (ROCKAT@aol.com) - I must tell you that I think you are doing an unreal job on this site. I am truly appreciative of your hard work, thank you. If you ever need anything from Philadelphia please let me know. Rumor has it that Gene met and really befriended Eddie here. Cheers and respect, Tommy Maguire


    19/March/97. Is with great surprise and I may say emotion that I visited your home page. For many many years Gene is my favorite performer. Infortunately I didn't have the chance to see too much of him, but I saw him in person in 1963 in Marseille France...well I don't know if you ever saw him..but they was quite site to see, and even in 1997 I remember this show like if they was yesterday! Off course I got the Capitol albums etc...But I should like to have those in CD and I wonder if one of this day they Capitol will release those treasures. I like also to ask a question, do you know the all about some douzaine of songs or more who were recorded during Gene (Kama Sutra period) some Country song..who were never been published? --R.D'AMICO (rened@evansville.net)


    16/March/97. Javaras George (elvis@hol.gr) - My name is Giorgos.. or George in English...I'm Greek..and live in Athens...I'm 21 years old...and I can certainly say that I'm one of the biggest fans of Gene. Even have one genuine autograph of him. It's the first time I visit the page. And I just wanted to say hi to everyone..and let them know that Greece has still fans of Gene. Thanks.


    16/March/97. From: edalton@crown.icongrp.com - Gene Vincent..was a great Influence over one of my all time favorites.. the Beatles, when Gene was in England and Germany...the Beatles, had the honor of sharing the stage with this pioneer of rock! I am adding this link to my home page! http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/3262/page5.html


    16/March/97. From: michael (deadend@ix.netcom.com) - Hey, I just came across it from your post on the rockabilly newsgroup. I still need to go through all the stuff you got here but, I just wanted to let you know that I do a radio program, Dead End Radio on WUSB 90.1FM in New York which airs on Tuesday nights 10pm to mid night. I do play the music of Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps and other rockabilly stuff. Although the main focus of the show is not rockabilly per se, it's basically a punk (or rock n' roll...I'm never sure what to call it) show...the way I see it, cats like Gene Vincent are the original "punks". So I start from that point and move through the years covering the garage punk of the 60's all the way to the punks of today... BTW. WUSB is a non-commercial radio station located on the campus of SUNY Stony Brook. --Rave on, Michael


    14 & 16/March/97. I've been great Blue Caps fan since I first heard them in '78. The reason I mail you is to ask if you know is there any other recordings that feature Cliff Gallup's amazing guitar playing other than those 36? tracks recorded with Blue Caps. I've heard only live versions of Be-Bop-A-Lula and Hound dog recorded in '56. I've read that Cliff continued to play on local bands, but did he ever record again? I am myself very keen guitar player and own a Gretsch 6120 (hopefully I soon can afford to buy Black Gretsch Duo Jet with DeArmond pickups) and think that I will have inspiration for the rest of my life on those pyrotechnics invented by Cliff.

    Johnny Meeks is also my idol but really not so much as Cliff. I particularly like the second solo of "Flea Brain". There in Finland was very good Blue Caps influenced band called Big Boy Pete & the Virginia Gang. They have recorded some amazingly exact second line-up Blue Caps (Johnny Meeks) sounding tracks and the singer sounds like Gene Vincent occasionally.There are at least 3 studio tracks; Darlene, My Babe and Keep The Beat (their own song which could easily have been a song made by second line-up Blue Caps).Those songs were in some Compilation album called Finn-a-billy in late eighties.Then they recorded one Live album, but I don't remember its name. That band is the best (and in fact the only one) that I've heard,that have dedicated their style to second line-up Blue Caps. Their lineup is guitar, piano, drums, bass, sax. Is there any Blue caps influenced bands in US? I'm very interested to know. Is Jerry Merritt playing on those 60's Gene Vincent songs "Born to be a Rolling Stone" and "Hurtin' for you baby" that he has written. They sound very much like The Byrds and the guitar work is much like Roger Mcquinn's. --Regards, Jari Hartikainen (jhart@dlc.fi)


    March/97. From: "Campanile, Ken" (kcampani@usatpod.gannett.com) - Hello. I am a collector of early country and rock and roll performances from both television and movies. I recently found the web site and read that Gene Vincent appeared on Perry Como's show on 7/28/56 and on Ed Sullivan's show on 11/17/57. Do either of these appearances (kinescopes) exist today? The article says that there are "recently discovered clips." What song(s) does Gene sing in these clips? I have a copy of "The Girl Can't Help It" that I taped off of cable. The web site made me aware of the fact that Gene appeared in another film, Hot Rod Gang. I plan to actively persue finding a copy of this film. Please, if anyone has information about where I can find VHS copies of any of Gene's television appearances, it would be greatly appreciated. --Ken Campanile


    March/97. I've thoroughly enjoyed checking out your Blue Caps page. I'm a writer for Vintage Guitar Magazine and VG Classics magazine. (If you'd like to see samples of these publications check out the VG web site at http://www.vguitar.com.) I write the monthly "SPOTLIGHT" column for Vintage Guitar Magazine - a column that features historically interesting/significant as well as up-and-coming guitar players, primarily in the instrumental jazz and country genres. Occasionally I'll profile folks in the vintage rock and roll and rockabilly styles. In July of '94 I profiled Jeff Beck's great Gene Vincent tribute CD Crazy Legs but the bulk of the column focused on two of Gene's outstanding guitarists: Cliff Gallup and Johnny Meeks. I thought this might make interesting reading for some of the folks that are fans of your page. (By the way, I'll be giving your page a "plug" in my June column - which comes out in early May.) --Jim Hilmar, Vintage Guitar Magazine "SPOTLIGHT" Columnist, e-mail: jim.hilmar@metrokc.gov


    March/97. From: Declan Cartwright (declan@indo.net.id) - Gene vincent was one of the Founding Fathers of R&R. Without being pretentious, he made into art. The Brits and the French knew this. I'll never forget seeing Gene the first time on TV on "Boy Meets Girls" (a British TV show) in about 1960. He was singing "Summertime" giving it his own wailing Hamlet treatment, and the total absorption and ecstasy on his face made our local Elvis imitators look just showbiz. Like in "The Girl Can't Help It.", and he's up there the equal of Fats, Little Richard and Eddie Cochran. Maybe commercial success not artistry motivates Cleveland, but it shouldn't. This is from Indonesia, where I'm now based. --Declan Cartwright.


    March/97. From: DJohns2264@aol.com - Would like to sell Blue Cap and pictures, from back in about l958 concert. The cap was Johnny Meeks.


    March/97. From: "Irish Whiskey" (irshwsky@worldpath.net) - I found your web site by accident....thank God for accidents. I have loved Gene Vincent's music since I first heard his recording of BeBopaLulu played for the first time on "Bandstand." The fact that someone who has influenced so many others with his music, and is still denied the Hall of Fame is a tragedy.....Please honor this giant by electing him to the Rock Hall of Fame. --J.H. McDermott


    March/97. From: Ricardo Puga (al284468@academ01.sl.itesm.mx) - Hi, my name is Francisco Hernandez, I'm a Gene's fan since one year ago when I heard Lotta Lovin' and Be Bop a Lula for first time, and I love his music and songs. It's great to find a site inside Internet about Gene Vincent, cause it's hard to look information of Rock and Roll and it's performers here, in my country, Mexico (I'm mailing from San Luis Potosi, Mexico). I want to send a lot of congratulations to Bob by this site for us, and I'd like to know how can I get the book of Gene Vincent that is described in this site, I'd like to buy it. Sorry for my english and see you here soon. I wait answer. Thanks.


    March/97. Howdy. My name is Dan Chute (using my wife's computer; my Email address is "chuted@dyncorp.com"). Gene Vincent is played on the radio in our area on Sundays, from 10am-1pm, on an AM radio show, WTRI, 1520am, from Brunswick, MD. The DJ (Colin Davies) knows his stuff, even calls himself "the Professor of Rock & Roll." Show features lots of good rockabilly stuff, including Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee, Elvis, Buddy Holly as well as the more obscure. Well worth the listen, even if a little scratchy!


    March/97. From: KXGW88C@prodigy.com (MR KEVIN M FENNELL) - I just discovered the Gene Vincent site and really enjoyed reading messages from all over the world. The Blue Caps recordings from 1956 are the ones that do it for me. Gallopin' Cliff Gallup really burns! Seeing this site really brings back memories of touring the U.K. on the first 2 Rollin Rock tours as a guitarist in Ray Campi and the Rockabilly Rebels. I also backed Mac Curtis on the first tour, and returned to play some gigs in summer 1986 with Ray and a pickup band. Every place we went in England [and we went all over], the Teds ages 6 to 65 revered Gene. He and Eddie Cochran are gods over there. Way above Elvis. I even picked up on some resentment that Elvis never toured U.K. As far as the Teds are concerned, Gene is a super-mega star. Thats what I experienced. I saw many, many tatoos of Gene, even on plenty of women. Many fans at our shows would bring Gene memorabilia to show off and sell. I saw a lot of photos that people had taken during Gene's shows in the 50's and 60's. The beauty of it all to me was that everyone treated us as stars as well. It was very flattering to have my picture or autograph in a scrapbook with the likes of Gene or Eddie. So Rock On! Gene is still with us through his music! We will always have that! --Kevin Fennell


    Feb./97. From: Christian Gonzales (gonzale@mial.idt.net) - I think this web site is really hep! I am a big fan of Gene's and of Rockabilly music! I live in Orange County CA., and the rockabilly scene here is rockin.


    Feb./97. From: Brendac004@aol.com - Subject: Gene in South Africa. My name is George Catsouras and I live in Laguna Beach Ca. My aunt Jackie was married to Gene probably in the mid sixties and they came to South Africa where my family lived at the time. The two things I remember vividly about Gene was that he tried (in vain) to teach my brothers and I to send smoke signals at which he appeared to be an expert, and that he purchased without my parents knowledge ? my very first pen-knife. At the time I had no clue who Gene was or what he had achieved, this I learned only later as I grew older and unfortunately I was never able to tell him how honored I was to have had the little contact with him that I did. I think your page is great and will "sign" your petition. I will check back for updates and if and when it happens I will make sure that my aunt assists you in any way she can. Keep up the great work! gcatsouras@earthlink.net


    Feb./97. From: dany@com2com.ru - Subject: From cold Russia with Love. Dear Bob, Excuse me for bad English, I have pour practice. My name is Danila or in English - simply Dan, I'm Russian, 26 years old, live in Moscow. I & my best friends (very interesting musicians play in band "Memphis", live in Tomsk - West Siberia) just crazy on Rockabilly music. Our love is GENE, EDDIE, ELVIS and other legend of early Rock & Roll. If it possible please supply our band some additional information from NET links or your own materials. We very need correct original song texts. Our dreams - make the visit to Memphis Tennessee and play Russian version of magic R&R soul pray... And may be it ís not only dreams.... Wait for responding, Best regards, Dany. (dany@com2com.ru)


    Feb./97. From: rodney_pyke@msn.com - My name is Rod and I live in England, 30 miles North of the centre of London. I have been a fan of Gene's since my sister first bought his 78, Bop A Lula, in 1956. I was almost 12 years old then and can remember the record being played over and over again. There were no fancy hi-fi systems in those days, everything had to be done manually. The first record I ever brought, at the age of 15, was Wild Cat. I remember seeing Gene sing it on TV and thought, I must buy that. He gave a really professional performance. It was then that I really got hooked. My first LP was Crazy Times which I won at a Dance in a club called "Downbeat" in London. From then on, I would buy all Gene's releases as they were issued. I had the pleasure of seeing Gene on numerous occasions when he visited England. I think everything has been said about his stage performance and the enthusiasm and excitement he generated in his audience. I can only reiterate all that has been said before. It will always live in my memory. The last time I saw him was at the famous "London Palladium". I took my future wife, Kathy, along with me. She had never seen Gene live before. She could not believe the aura he created.

    After Gene's death in 1971 his releases got less frequent and Rock and Roll never seemed to have the same impact anymore. Kathy and I were now married and other interests took over. I never stopped playing Gene's records, though. His were the only ones I ever kept. It was not until 1994 that I really got hooked again. I worked with a girl whose husband was a Rock and Roll fan and a great collector of records. He wanted to buy my collection, but no way was I going to part with it. This generated my curiosity to which of Gene's records were still around. I was surprised to find there were so many releases I had missed. I bought everything I could find and searched around for those I did not have. I was advised to try Record Fairs, for the deleted issues. I am now a frequent visitor to these and have made friends with many dealers. I have built up quite a large collection but there are still large gaps to be filled. I currently have Eighty 45's, Twenty 78's, 35 EP's and 138 LP's from all over the world. Some of course I have twice. My prize possession is a Japanese 10" LP, "This Is Gene Vincent" issued on red vinyl. I also collect Books, magazines, Photographs and anything I can find relating to Gene. In the few years since I have seriously started collecting, I have made many new friends around the world. In these troubled times its good to know Gene's music has helped to unite people of all ages and nationalities. THANK YOU GENE.

    I really enjoyed working with Bob Timmers and Derek Henderson, writing the review of the Blue Caps performance at the Rockers Reunion in London in January. To all Gene Vincent/Blue Cap fans who read this please help Bob out, also. Send him or E-Mail him with any recollections, information you have or come across. Bob's a great guy and has done a great job giving us this Site. Bob can only keep it successful if we all do our bit to help. I know personally that he puts many hours into this for us. THANK YOU BOB on behalf of all the Gene Vincent and Blue Caps fans. Through this Fan Exchange lets help each other to answer any queries regarding Gene. Lets help to find each other records, books, magazines etc. we cannot find. Mainly lets build new friendships. If anybody would like to correspond with me I would be only to happy to reply. --Rod


    Feb./97. From: etunimi sukunimi (etunimi.sukunimi@palvelin.fi) - Hi there! My name is Mr. Jukka Takala, address is Juvelankatu 17, 33730 TAMPERE, Finland. I´m really pleased I found this great site about my number one man, Gene. My record collection includes (nearly) everything Gene ever recorded and many live shows, TV shows etc. Just a couple of weeks ago I received one album I was missing, "Rarities", a French bootleg record from the mid-eighties. The record features Gene singing Sam Cooke´s "Chain Gang" and Ben E. King´s "Stand By Me". Ever heard them? Well, don´t bother, because the sound quality is very poor. The songs were recorded in Paris, France in a hotel room with Gene playing guitar and singing. This happened during his tour in France in 1967. Anyway, if somebody has anything about Gene on video, especially the movie "Hot Rod Gang", please contact me. Gene Vincent´s music is very much alive in the nineties and let´s keep it that way.


    Feb./97. From: Kevin Carey (101546.3014@CompuServe.COM) - I've been a fan of Gene and the Bluecaps since about 1975 - ever since my dad took me to the pub and told me to listen to some "real" music. He put Be Bop A Lula on the jukebox which I'd not heard before, but by the time we left to come home I must have played it a dozen times, along with the flip side, Say Mama. The following weekend, as soon as I'd got my weeks wages, I was off to the record shop to buy whatever I could find by Gene. I ended up buying The Best of.....Vol 1, followed a week later by Vol 2. Things sort of got out of hand after that :-) Thinking back, I can still remember the shock I got when I bought maybe the third or fourth album and reading the sleeve notes, found out Gene was dead. It hadn't occurred to me at the time, and none of the albums I'd bought had mentioned it. I felt cheated, realising that I'd never get to see Gene "Live"

    Back in the late 70's I tried to organize a fan club in the UK. At the time, Steve Aynsley and Harry Dodds had set out to get EMI/Capitol to release the unissued tracks along with some live material. I couldn't get the fan club going (lack of money - I was only earning about 25UKP/50 dollars a week). Happily though, quite a lot of interest had been generated following the release of Gene Vincent - Greatest, and Steve got the fan club organized (far better than I could ever have done!). I was really lucky at that time to meet guys like Steve, Harry, Adrian Owlett, Alan Vince. Guys who had both met and got quite close to Gene. I'll always remember going to visit Adrian Owlett for the first time at his house. We had been chatting for a while and listening to some "live" tapes, when Adrian suddenly said "I've got something you'll like to see." He went out for a few minutes and when he came back he laid out a set of black leathers and silver medallion. To say I was gobsmacked would be an understatement! Later on I got to speak to Gene's daughter, Melody Jean, who gave me permission to use some "copyrighted" stuff on the magazine (that never was). Steve Aynsley kept me on the mailing list for the fan club magazine right up until about 5 or 6 years ago. I think Steve then took a break and I, meanwhile, moved house a couple of times and we lost touch. I was pleased to read, in the review of The Blue Caps tour, that Steve is still going strong (and still singing "Gegene"?). Although I don't get around much on the British Rock 'n Roll scene any more, a couple of friends keep me up to date with what's going on. Sadly I didn't see them for a while and so missed out on the recent Blue Caps tour. Best wishes, Kevin


    Feb./97. From: Jim Lewandowski (jlewand@starnetinc.com) - To whoever wanted b/w photos of Gallup, one of this month's guitar mags has the photo from the cover of Bluejean Bop album. Article has 5 partial solos written in tab. I had the chance to talk to Gallup in '86. Very private and cautious. Mid 80's Guitar Player mag had pick centerfold page with Gallups large triangle thin Fender pick and his 2 flattened (to show for photo) metal fingerpicks. Surprisingly, started guitar in teens but never got serious till after service in his twenties. The first time I heard Be bop a Lula I thought it was the worst song ever. Fortunately, I came to my senses and realize and love it for its absolute anomalous uniqueness. Cruisin' is what made me take up guitar. Personally, what made the early Gallup recordings is the punch rhythm guitar of Williams. Listen to Race .. Devil, etc. I think Gene had the ideal voice, even above Elvis. Perfect pitch and smoooooooth..... But, with tons of power. Listening to early Les Paul you can hear the influence on Gallup. Thanks. --jlewand@starnetinc.com.


    Feb./97. From: mauikarl@busprod.com (Karl Soliday) - My buddy John Henry just did a birthday salute to Gene Vincent. He played a blues sounding tune I had never heard before, Five Days Five Days. He played a lot of Gene's old tunes and remarked that Important Words has been one of the most requested songs in the 17 years of his show. He mentioned that Gene had recorded with the likes of Buck Owens and Jerry Reed on his show Saturday mornings in Tulsa. --Karl Solida


    Feb./97. From.: jlewand@starnetinc.com - Of all the 50's rockers I have talked to, Paul Burlison (of the Johnny Burnette Trio) has, by far, the best memory of pretty much anything that he ever experienced. He remembers conversations word for word, etc. When I met him in the mid 80's, I asked him about Gene Vincent and, since Paul Burlison plays lead, did he ever see Gallup play up close. He said, sure, they toured, I believe, one time when the Rock and Roll Trio was semi-popular. I remember asking him about the picture in "The Day the World Turned Blue bio" with the '57' T-bird but don't remember the circumstances of it. I hope this bit of info is interesting...


    Feb./97.. From: MAHeinen@aol.com - I can't believe how much is on here. I come on to look up Brian Setzer, get some good pictures of him and man did I ever. And then good old Gene comes up, I haven't gotten into what is on here about Eddie, there is just too much damn stuff. It's great though,I love it. I never thought I would be able to find all this stuff on all the Rock A Billy I love.+


    Feb./97. From: deekay@SierraNet.Net (Dan Kramer) - I always keep Gene's records at the ready for my juke box! This weekend I will have the Seeburg 100 pumping out tons o' tunes at the Oakhurst Mountain Sweethearts Weekend street fair. Mellow stuff in the daytime, but Saturday night, LOOK OUT!! "Lotta Lovin'" is already in the box, but I think I'll pick out a slow love song too. Any suggestions or faves? BTW, I just saw a cool pic of GV in a tiny Xeroxed pinball mag that showed him playing a '50s wood rail pinball! It wasn't a very good quality shot, but it made me wonder if any of you out there know about this picture. If somebody's got it, especially if larger than about 2" X 3", I'd be interested in getting a decent print or copy. Thanks! --DeeKay


    Feb./97. From: ROCKIINRON@aol.com - Very often throughout the years I would see Gene's poster or look at the photos that I took of Gene or listen to his records, or, for no apparent reason at all, while driving the car, I would think of Gene and how kind and considerate he was towards me, and I would feel very sad, that I can no longer visit him and thank him for all the happiness he brought into my life and into the lives of millions of others. GENE VINCENT, what a magical person, a hero of Rock'n'Roll: "Ron, I was born a Rock'n'Roller, I'll always be a Rock'n'Roller, I will die a Rock'n'Roller!!!". --Rockin' Ronny Weiser. (Note: Ronny is the cat who recorded four songs with Gene on Ronny's $140 tape recorder about a month before Gene passed away. Ronny also mentions that when Gene lived in California, he lived on "Cochran Street".)


    Feb./97. From: Esther (cuss@majestic.net.au) - Hey there, Im a 16 year old female living in Melbourne,Australia. I am a big fan of rockabilly, especially Gene Vincent. I just came across the page tonight and thought id better add my bit! I've loved rockabilly since I was around 7 yrs old. I have a rockabilly hairstyle and try to dress as 50's looking as possible. As you could imagine, I do get teased quite often at school. But I am what I am and I ain't gonna change!!! For anybody looking for rare Vincent records....there is a fantastic record shop here in Melbourne called "Hound Dogs Bop Shop" that deals with rockabilly / country/ doo wop type music. You will be able to find almost anything in there. Any one who wants to write...please do so as I love to know as many rockabillies as possible! Blue Jean Baby/Esther


    Feb./97. From: Herriges3@aol.com - I'm a college professor, and a big Gene fan. In these days of marginal music, I've fallen back on the stuff my sisters used to listen to at the sock hops. Only they weren't a very discriminating bunch. They'd listen to Pat Boone, too--and let's not get into that. No--Gene and Holly and Cochran were true masters, and with the advent of CD reissuing, they've never sounded better. -Greg Herriges


    Feb./97. From: John Reynolds (johnjudy@netaccess.on.ca) - Congratulations on one of the most interesting sites I've found on the Net! A short recollection: A group of us in high school in 1956 were inspired to form a rock and roll band (a revolutionary act at the time!) by the sound of Gene Vincent's band. We even selected our attire - including Black-Watch plaid caps - based on the band's Blue Caps. In October 1956 the band appeared for an entire week at a Toronto theatre called the Casino - one of the last vaudville stops. Believe it or not, for one admission you got a feature film ("Man In War" this time), three preliminary acts (performing dogs, a magician and a girl singer named Monique Cadieux, whom Gene was making out with between shows) and the feature act - the Blue Caps - continuous from noon to midnight. The Blue Caps did four performances on the Saturday we were there (we sat through that $%#*& movie four times!) and I believe they had the entire band with them - even Cliff Gallup. Inspired by Jeff Beck's CRAZY LEGS album, I'm surious to know whatever happened to Gallup who was clearly the best recorded guitarist performing country rock in his time - out-classing Carl Perkins, Scotty Moore and almost everybody but Chet Atkins, I guess. I heard he retired from music and went back to selling furniture. is that true? Did he ever make any other recordings? When did he die? Incidentally, Vincent had his foot in a cast during his 1956 appearance in Toronto and would plant it and spin around on it - weird stuff. Couple of more things, if I may: 1. Any chance of the band's first album, BLUEJEAN ROCK being reissued on CD? (It had good pictures of the band and the only performance I know of BOP STREET - which I first heard played on a CC jazz show in Toronto because the DJ thought it was so good and fresh! 2. A few years ago I found a copy of a book called THE DAY THE WORLD TURNED BLUE, a Gene Vincent bio written by a Canadian writer. Loaned it to a friend and never saw it again. There may still be copies floating around out there. Anyway, you have revitalized some fond 40-year-old memories. Thanks for your efforts! -John Reynolds


    Feb./97. From: Marijn Raaijmakers (blackcat@IAEhv.nl) - Hi There! Cool site! I'm a big fan of Gene Vincent, as yourself most likely. I'm the guy who issued "Blue Jean Bop, The Capitol Songbook" (and a few more) in the 80's, which has later been used in Thierry Liesenfeld's "Gene Vincent, The story behind his songs". I bet you have some of mine or Thierry's books on your shelf. I'm currently working on a Winhelp format issue of "Blue Jean Bop". There are only two kinds of music ... Rock and Roll! See ya on bop street!


    Feb./97. From: Ajgalla@aol.com - You have a great website. I saw Gene and The Blue Caps at the "Garden of Allah" in Niles CA in Oct. or Nov. 1958. Gene wore red cord pants and had a bad leg. He made a big production about "Woman Love" being obscene which was totally great.He also did "High School Confidential" about three times that night. The other band was Chuck Wayne and The Heartbeats which included Billy Hodges who later was a guitarist for The Markets. Chuck is mentioned in Britt Hagarty's book. I think Gene played The Garden of Allah about 10 or 12 times, at least. Gene had good airplay here in the 50's on both Country and Top 40 stations. "Pink Thunderbird" was played here on Top 40. "Rocky Road Blues" and "Baby Blue" were played a lot on the Country station that was promoting his shows..I have Xerox color copies of two small photos taken in Sept 1960 of Gene and others. I can copy these for you if you are interested. I'm looking for the French reissues of his albums that came out a few years ago. Also looking for a promo 45 with "Woman Love" as the A side. Do you have Hot Rod Gang on video? I don't. Regards Andy Gallagher. PS. I'm also looking for info on Whitey Pullen.


    Jan./97. From: "Javaras George" (elvis@hol.gr) - Hello... my name is George..I'm 20 years old and from Greece..but,my great love is old good Rockabilly...I got a mail from you through the Rockabilly list and I just visited your homepage...I can't believe you actually had the chance to see Gene Vincent...It's great...I wish I was alive back then... I have all his songs...along with Eddie Cochran and many more..but,I would really like to know if I could possibly join a fan-club in the States... If you know anything...please..let me know..ok? Thank you in advance...Crazy D.J. Cavan...My nickname...I work part-time in a radio station..Rockabilly Rules..,ok? Goodbye...


    Jan./97. From: Holly Wilson (hollyw@midusa.net) - I enjoyed this site, it's good to see that the music will survive, even in this era a grunge. --Cory Wilson


    Jan./97. From: Donald A Briggs (dbriggs@iusb.edu) Yeah I was at the 1994 show and I thought the blue Caps were fantastic! They played all the songs I'd yell out (I was up in the front). I kept in contact with Dickie after getting his address through a friend, but was scared no one would ever hear them again because he said they'd tried a number of different booking agencies who said they were too old, or too rowdy! --Yeah I guess that rowdiness has no place in the world of rock 'n roll?!! Well I'm glad to hear that they all stuck it out and are willing to give it another shot. With the release of that tribute CD (which I cannot find) hopefully more people will realize that they're out there ready, willing, and able. Donnie "at least its not below zero anymore" Briggs


    Jan./97. From: perry russell (tyler@sysconn.com) Be Bop A Lula had to be one of my all time favorites.In my opinion Gene Vincent had to be the "King" of Rockabilly. Bob are there any commercial pictures of gene vincent that can be purchased? Keep of the good work---Perry Russell


    Jan./97. From: Juan Antonio (jahidalgo@redestb.es) - I'm a spanish rock and roll and rockabilly fan, and for years I've been looking for a good book with the story of Vincent in it. Can anyone help me?


    Jan./97. From: "Phil O'Connell" (poconnel@MTS.Net) - I'm looking for pics of Cliff playing guitar. Even Guitar Player Mag only ever had a poor B&W one? I found a cool one in a book called "The Country Reader"...Does anyone have one they could e-mail to me?....Especially of him playing Thanks. Phil O'Connell


    Jan./97. From: Bill (Bill@wesellarizonahomes.com) - I grew up in Milwaukee in the 50's and I still think that Gene Vincent was the greatest rocker that ever lived. I am a collector of his records. I have over 40 different albums from around the world and all his 45's many times over.I now live in Phoenix AZ and have a friend in Tucson who is a DJ on a Public radio station there. Every year or so I join him on the air for 2 hours on a Saturday and we do a Gene Vincent tribute.I could go on and on but ....


    Jan./97. From: "Steve's Computer Solutions" (SCS@onaustralia.com.au) - I would like to know if you can get your hands on any rare rockin' gene vincent numbers. I too am a great fan of his but cannot get to many music stores as i live in Country New South Wales (australia) you can reach me on SCS@OnAustralia.Com.Au


    Jan./97. Patrick Wall (cxd0873@iol.ie) Organization: Ireland On-Line. - I got the Gene Vincent box set (1956-1964) recently. Excellent. At last I have all of Gene's early recordings. My favourites include 'Vincent's Blues','5 days,5 days','You are my Sunshine','Cat Man Blues','Blues Stay Away from Me' & 'Ain't She Sweet'. Sincerely, Patrick Wall.


    Jan./97. From: Magnus Gustafsson (kyrka@algonet.se) - Hi! I love the Gene Vincent info. With regards from a fan in Lapland, Sweden. --Cecilia.


    Jan./97. From: Jean-FranÁois COLAIANNI (jessfco@hol.fr) - I'm a French fan of rock'N 'n' roll music and I love Gene Vincent, who is one of the biggest singer with Elvis and Eddy Cochran,I don't forget Buddy Holly and other. jean-francois, alias jeff.


    Jan./97. From: Travis Trussell (sivart@concentric.net) - I just started browsing through the net, and wow! what a great page. I have been recollecting rockabilly music on C D'S, since 1989. I still have a long way to go because I want it all. You know the good,bad and the ugly to me it's all good. We both know that GENE was the greatest. I think I have collected all of GENE'S studio recordings released on CD the only original record in my possession is the BLUEJEAN BOP album. When you live in Phoenix, AZ and collect rockabilly, well thank god for MIDNIGHT RECORDS. Best wishes, rockit eddie


    Jan./97. From: usme.@micron.net - I've been a Gene Vincent fan and early rock n roll fan for years. I have most of Gene's early albums. Saw him in person years ago in Fruitland, Idaho. Great experience! Oh, for the Good Ole Days! Thanks for all your efforts on the site. G. Bores, usme@micron.net Boise, Idaho


    Jan./97. From: "Fred R. Campbell" (fredc@trader.com) - I have been collecting Gene's records since I've been sixteen, and I'm now 56. Do you know if there is anyway of obtaining all of his albums that he recorded for Capitol on CD? He had the most beautiful voice there was. To bad there is no one with that kind of a voice today. I would like to hear from you. My email address is---fredc@trader.com Fred Campbell is my name. Thank you.


    Jan./97. From: Billy Zoom (billyzoom@earthlink.net) - You mentioned that some French label had planned to release some of the songs that Gene recorded in Nashville shortly before his death. This is the first time I've heard anyone mention those recordings since Gene died. I thought his version of Sunday Morning Comin' Down was really good. I can't remember what the other songs on the tape sounded like, but he always did Sunday Morning on the gigs I played with him. It was one of my favorites because I got to play piano and flute on it. Do you know if those tapes still exist? B.Z.


    Jan./97. From: oelund (oelund@post1.tele.dk) - Hi Greetings from Denmark. Cliff gallup died in 1989. Stray Cats dedicated the U.K. version of the album "Blast Off" to Cliff and Roy Orbison. I'm playing in the Danish band "Taggy Tones" and I'm lookin' for lyrics from Gene. If you have any links to such things, I'd be very happy. Thanks, Jakob


    Jan./97. From: Randy Lucht (ral@polaristel.net) - I just discovered the page and have finished reading the biography. It is absolutely great! I'm looking forward to reviewing the rest of the information that you have gathered. I understand that there is a "box set". Do you have any information? Thanks. Randy from Minnesota.


    Jan./97. From: "Centro Comercial El Saler" (saler@ctv.es) - Yeaaaah it's great this page on this space stuff, congratulations to all G:V. world's fans. I'm livin' in Spain and playin' around with computer. I just discovered this section and I hope Gene's music will survive forever. I only saw Gene's Blue caps on stage show last October 1991 (20 anniversary), and it was fabulous, I'll remember all my life.


    Jan./97. Sender: rockabilly@loomisgroup.com - I've got copies of the Gene Vincent box set here if any Europeans are interested. I think (from memory) it's £56.99 plus shipping. Howard Raucous, RAUCOUS RECORDS, Shakespear House, 37-39 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR8 5AB ENGLAND. Telephone/fax: 01704 539499 International: +44 1704 539499 email: rauc@globalnet.co.uk Raucous website: http://www.foobar.co.uk/dialin/hamm/raucous.html


    Jan./97. From: Miss Kim Keeley (KimandSteve@onyxnet.co.uk) - Weeell.....Say Bob at last I've found your site, Say Bob it's gonna be alright.... Having done a bit of searching already for a Gene related site I didn't have much look but thankfully having searched for info on Gene's boxed set I have stumbled across your site (still no sign of getting one of his boxed sets/but you can't have everything can you). I'm most pleased....I haven't got much time right now but I enjoyed your description of the gig you saw and the song descriptions look very interesting. I checked out Say Mama (as you can probably tell from the intro...it's my fave Gene track). The dynamism that is generated within the song is exceptional and for sheer enthusiasm takes some beating. If you know of where I can get hold of a new copy of that boxed set covering the Capitol and Columbia years could you mail me please? I wanted it when it came out but was at college and didn't have the money. -Steve


    Jan./97. From: andy wilson (72046.600@CompuServe.COM) - I saw Gene Vincent on stage here in UK during summer 1964,in London on tour with Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins. 3 Greats together! The Nashville Teens provided the backing. For your interest I do possess what I believe to be a rarity - 6 live Gene Vincent recordings made at the BBC about that time for a Saturday morning radio Pop show. This set is backed by Sounds Incorporated. -Andy Wilson


    1956-1958. I had the privilege of seeing Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps perform live four times during the late 1950s in the state of Wisconsin. They played dance halls and high school gyms. A local band would open for 1 or 2 sets (45 to 60 min. each). Then the Blue Caps only (without Gene) would start off the next 2 sets. For the first 15 minutes of each set lead guitarist Johnny Meeks would a do few vocals and instrumentals with piercing treble ringing from his amp. They'd do cover songs like "Tequila" and "Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Shoes." Then Gene would come out! Hand-clapper/backup vocalists Bubba Facenda and Paul Peek appeared on each side of Gene as raised his eyes upward, threw back his leg (already metal-braced from a 1955 motorcycle accident) and rocked with the place with the best rockabilly ever performed. Dickie Harrell would never sit behind his 3-piece drum kit, standing the whole evening. The show I remember most was at Appleton, Wisconsin's Cinderella Ballroom. The band had just obtained all new matching blond Fender Stratocaster guitars and new Fender Twin and Bassman amplifiers, and Gene announced and performed both sides of his soon-to-be released single of "I Got A Baby" b/w "Walking Home from School." Wow...you hadda be there!
    ---Bob Timmers

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