Cat Man
Gene Vincent’s stage show, especially with the Blue Caps, was extremely energetic and simply sensational. While the
band swept across the stage, Gene (handicapped in the leg by an accident) was ”tied” to the microphone stand. His catlike movements around the mic stand and a song with just that title made him the ’Cat Man’. This was further solidified
when Gene began performing in black leather in 1960, copied from the British Vince Taylor, who is also represented
here. Gene’s European presence through numerous tours explains why huge numbers of combos in Europe covered
Gene Vincent’s music.
Be-Bop-A-Lula
Be-Bop-A-Lula remains Gene Vincent’s biggest hit, a rock’n’roll classic to be heard here in several different versions.
Moreover, Vincent did record this song several times throughout his career. But Gene Vincent is much more than just
’Mr. Be-Bop-A-Lula’! This compilation proves this with original versions of songs Gene recorded later, such as Woman
Love by Jimmy Johnson, Hadda Brooks’ Jump Back, Honey, Jump Back, or Milt Trenier’s I’m Gonna Catch Me A Rat.
Gene Vincent himself has been covered extensively. We’ve compiled the most interesting versions here, including a rare
live recording by Wee Willie Harris from Portuguese television in 1959 – first time on CD. Also very nice are the two
Steve Drexel recordings related to the movie ’Hot Rod Gang’, starring Drexel and Gene Vincent.
Gene Vincent’s career is highlighted from the beginning (The Voices Race With The Devil) to 1961 (The Spotnicks I’m
Going Home). The 36-page color booklet includes the background story written by Bill Dahl, and lavish illustrations.
Gene lives!