Consider unique rock’n’curler Gene Vincent and also you’re certain to think about “Be-Bop-A-Lula.” You would possibly think of his tragically early demise on the age of simply 36, or the affectionate 1977 tribute to him by avowed fan Ian Dury, “Sweet Gene Vincent.” However what about Gene’s different hit? On August 19, 1957, he entered the American singles chart with what grew to become his solely different US High 20 success.
The tune was ‘Lotta Lovin,’’’ which grew to become a Capitol single after Vincent and his Blue Caps had carried out “Be-Bop-A-Lula” on the massive display within the Jayne Mansfield film The Lady Can’t Assist It. That image was the rock’n’roll car that additionally had tune cameos for Eddie Cochran, Little Richard and Fat Domino, amongst others.
The songs of Bernice Bedwell
Vincent’s follow-up to “Be-Bop,” the observe “Race With The Devil,” spent one week on the charts at a measly No.96; the subsequent 4 didn’t make the bestsellers in any respect. Then got here “Lotta Lovin,’’’ which was unusual for the time in being written by a woman, Bernice Bedwell. She reportedly played it over the phone for Gene, who later also recorded her songs “Lonesome Boy” and “In My Dreams.” “Lotta Lovin’’’ went on to be lined by Don McLean, Jeff Beck, and lots of others.
Take heed to uDiscover Music’s official Gene Vincent Finest Of playlist.
The unique climbed Billboard’s varied charts in an period when the Scorching 100 was nonetheless greater than a yr away from inception. In September 1957, the tune reached No.13 on Finest Sellers In Shops, peaking one place decrease on High 100 Sides two weeks later. It was backed with “Wear My Ring,” co-written by Bobby Darin.
Sadly for such an essential determine within the early days of rock’n’roll, Gene Vincent would solely make yet one more US singles chart look. He died from a ruptured abdomen ulcer in 1971, however was remembered by the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame, which inducted him in 1998. To cite Ian Dury: white face, black shirt, white socks, black footwear…there was just one Gene Vincent.
Purchase or stream “Lotta Lovin’’’ on Gene Vincent’s Capitol Collectors Sequence compilation.
