Three Steps to Heaven: The Eddie Cochran Story

by Bobby Cochran

Outrageously talented, remarkably handsome, internationally renowned, and dead at the age of 21. More than 40 years after the tragic car crash that killed him, Eddie Cochran remains one of rock and roll's most lamented “What Ifs.” A trailblazing guitarist, gifted vocalist, hit-making composer and arranger, and budding whiz-kid producer, Cochran quickly ascended from Midwestern obscurity in the late '50s to become one of nascent rock and roll's leading lights. He penned or recorded many of the most recognized songs in rock history – “Summertime Blues ” “Nervous Breakdown ” “Somethin' Else ” “C'mon Everybody ” “Twenty Flight Rock ” “Sittin' in the Balcony” – songs whose distinctive sound and defiant, often wryly humorous lyrics have been eagerly digested, analyzed and lovingly reinterpreted by generations of rockers after him, from The Beatles to the Sex Pistols, The Who to U2.

Three Steps to The Eddie Cochran Story – co-authored by Cochran's nephew, also a gifted musician – is the first American biography of this uniquely American rock legend, who was among the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The book is a detailed portrait of Cochran's personal and professional triumphs and travails, with fascinating insight into the rock pioneer's life that only a family member can provide. 33 B/W photographs; Hardcover.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

278 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2003

Reviews

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more about the author (Eddie Cochran's nephew) rather than Eddie Cochran. There's also not very much about what the author's relationship with his uncle was like, so what is written about is stuff that the nephew was never even present for or got to see. Parts were boring, especially when there was in depth detail about recording techniques, equipment, guitar parts, etc., and some parts just seemed a little too arrogant with the nephew bragging about how innovative he's been in the music business.

The pictures were nice, and as a diehard Buddy Holly fan, I enjoyed what tiny little bit there was about Buddy and his friendship with Eddie. Overall, though, I wouldn't recommend this book, even to hardcore fans.

[G.L. Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a life as brief and full as Eddie Cochran's, I would've thought this telling would have been a lot more compelling. It's really half The Eddie Cochran story and half the Bobby Cochran story. Bobby is Eddie Cochran's nephew and a musician in his own right, but he's not the one whose story I wanted to read.

By including so much that wasn't directly related to Eddie, the book short-changes its title. The best thing about it is the collection of photographs sprinkled throughout. I doubt any Eddie Cochran fan will gain a whole lot of insight into his life or personality beyond what's already widely known.

[Tosh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written by his nephew it really doesn't capture the genius that's Eddie Cochran, and he was truly one of the greats of rock n' roll. His death in a car accident was something that shouldn't have happened. Because it killed a major force in a world that needed to hear his voice. One of the great tragedies of this world.

[Luis E. Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of stuff about Eddie throughout my life (magazines, LP/CD notes, booklets...), but this is the first book about him properly that I have read, and I have enjoyed it tremendously. I still have more books about him to read, such as the one written by Darrel Higham, and it´s my intention to finish all of them this year.
Thanks, Bobby, for sharing with us these cherished memories!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too much supposition and way too much about the author, who I have no interest in.
2 stars because it's a book about Eddie, and for the photos.

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

More about the author and his relationship with his Uncle Eddie than about Eddie Cochran. Was looking for much more than stories about how talented and how much he was like his uncle. Left a bad taste in my mouth

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was mostly about Bobby and didn't seem to be entirely based on facts. Quite disappointed, but it does have some great photos in it.