This weekend I was at an auction and among the items offered was a 1952 Albert Lea High School yearbook. It's said to be the only one with a picture of Albert Lea born Eddie Cochrane a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It sold for $27. The latest Eddie Cochran festival was held earlier this month in Albert Lea.

I admit my title is deceiving as I'm going to share some information about Eddie's girlfriend or perhaps she was engaged to Eddie. Her name was Sharon Seeley and she was in the fatal traffic accident that claimed Eddie's life.

Sharon certainly chalked up more musical accomplishments than Eddie. In 1958 Rick Nelson topped the charts with the song "Poor Little Fool" . At the time Seeley became the youngest female at age 18 to write a number one song. She later wrote top ten hits for Brenda Lee.  In the 60's several no name session musicians recorded a number of songs written by Seeley. Maybe you've heard of some of them? Glen Campbell, Herb Alpert, Leon Russell, David Gates and Delaney Bramlett. That's David Gates of later of Bread and Delaney Bramlett of Delaney and Bonnie.

As another accomplishment, Seeley and her then husband launched a TV show that some of you in my age bracket may recall, Shindig. Yes, even though her name isn't familiar it appears Eddie Cochran's girlfriend accomplished a lot more in music than he did. However I do realize that Sharon had 40 some more years on this earth than Eddie to chalk up these accomplishments, it's still a surprise that more people haven't heard of her.

Here's Eddie's one big hit.

 

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