Soul singer Wayne Cochran, who influenced Elvis Presley’s flashy stage performances, has died at his home in Florida, age 78
Soul singer Wayne Cochran, who influenced Elvis Presley’s flashy stage performances, has died at his home inFlorida, age 78.
The Last Kiss singer, who made a name for himself through bombastic stage performances and gravely vocals, had left his showbiz life behind to become a pastor.
Dubbed the ‘White Knight of Soul’ the blue-eyed crooner succumbed to cancer on November 21, his son confirmed.
Originally from Thomaston, Georgia, the singer was inspired by iconic performers such as James Brown and Otis Redding, before joining as a teenagers developing his craft.
His white pompadour quiff hairstyle, extravagant outfits and gravely vocals even gave influence to a Elvis Presley, who adopted a similar style in the latter stages of his career.
Launching his career in the 1950s, Cochran blended rockabilly and country notes to pen his most famous song Last Kiss, which years later would bring success to bands’ J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, and Pearl Jam.
Last Kiss, written by the time Cochran was 21, told the tragic story song about a doomed love affair, a car crash and a final wish from a dying lover in 1961.
The Last Kiss singer, who made a name for himself through bombastic stage performances and gravely vocals, had left his showbiz life behind to become a pastor
By the 1960s Cochran was headling shows in Las Vegas, donning a rhinestone-studded suit and cape, combining his flamboyant stage theatrics with rockabilly musical roots
By the 1960s Cochran was headling shows in Las Vegas, donning a rhinestone-studded suit and cape, combining his flamboyant stage theatrics with rockabilly musical roots.
Presley would later adopt the look for himself towards the later part of his career.
At the height of his fame he packed it all in to become a church minister in Miami.