Gene Vincent, born Vincent Eugene Craddock on February 11, 1935, in Norfolk, Virginia, was a pioneering American rockabilly singer whose rebellious image and dynamic performances left an indelible mark on rock and roll. After a motorcycle accident ended his Navy career, Vincent turned to music, forming the Blue Caps and recording the iconic "Be-Bop-A-Lula" in 1956. This track became a rockabilly classic, showcasing his assured vocals and the band's exuberant sound. Despite subsequent minor hits, Vincent's influence endured, leading to his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gene-Vincent?utm_source=openai))