Race With the Devil: Gene Vincent's Life in the Fast Lane

Gene Vincent--most famous for his classic 1950s rendition of "Be-Bop-A-Lula"--is one of the most influential rock and roll artists of all times. Elvis Presley adopted his loose-hipped style, and bands from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles toured Britain with him throughout the fifties and early sixties. Led Zepplin's Robert Plant lauds Vincent as his favorite vocalist of all time, Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck claims Vincent is the reason he played music, and Paul Westerberg of the Replacements calls him "the soul of Rock and Roll." But beyond his undeniable musical importance lay a man with an almost pathological personality whose creative talents and volatile temper never failed--for better or for worse--to touch those around him. Elvis Presley, with his suggestive gyrations, was disturbing to mainstream America in the 50s. Gene Vincent, with his earthy lyrics, moans and pants, and full-on bodily contortions was downright shocking. This is the first biography of this incredible figure in the history of American music.