Gene Vincent, real name Vincent Eugene Craddock, (February 11, 1935 - October 12, 1971) was an American rock'n'roll pioneer musician, best known for his hit "Be-Bop-A-Lula". Early life His parents, Ezekiah Jackson and Mary Louise Craddock, were shop owners in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up in Virginia under the influence of country, rhythm and blues and gospel music. He received his first guitar as a gift from a friend at the age of 12. In 1952, Gene left school and joined the Navy. In 1955 he was stationed in Korea. In July 1955, whilst in Norfolk, he was involved in a severe motorcycle accident that shattered his left leg. He refused to have it amputated, the leg was saved, but left him with a permanent limp and considerable chronic pain for the rest of his life. Early career He left the Navy and started playing in various country bands in his native Norfolk, Virginia. There, he won a talent co