Celebrate Eddie Cochran’s birthday in Albert Lea

In honor of Eddie Cochran, born Oct. 3, 1938, the Freeborn Co. Historical Museum will once again be hosting the Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival, downtown Albert Lea on Broadway, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 1-3.  
This fun, family event celebrates the life and music of Eddie Cochran. The event is a fundraiser for the Freeborn Co. Historical Society. The Cochran family designated the museum as a permanent depository for Eddie Cochran memorabilia.
Eddie Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minn., Oct 3, 1938. He started playing guitar at the age of 12. In 1955, Eddie’s family moved to California. Here he connected into the entertainment industry. This rock ‘n roll legend was known for his 1958 songs “Summertime Blues” and “C’mon Everybody.” He passed away at the age of 21, when he died in a British road accident April 16, 1960.
In 1956, Eddie transitioned from country music to rock ‘n roll. “Sitting in the Balcony” became his first smash hit in 1957, with over one million copies sold. He became friends with many stars such as Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, and Ricky Nelson.
This year’s events begin Friday afternoon with a Car Cruise Social at 3 p.m. This event showcases more than 200 cars. Participants will follow a predetermined route around local lakes throughout Freeborn County. Cruisers will see Albert Lea, Fountain, Pickerel, Alden, and Freeborn Lakes on the cruise. Cruise time will take one-and-a-half to two hours, starting at the former Shopko parking lot, leaving at 2 p.m. Information can be obtained for the route from the Freeborn Co. Historical Museum’s website, fchmmn.org.
Friday evening, the “Whitesidewalls Rock & Roll Revue” will perform at Fountain Lake Park at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs.
Saturday the Car Show Registration will be held from 8:30-11 a.m., with showtime from 10-3 p.m. at 132 N. Broadway. There is a $10 registration fee for each attendee. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m., with the cruise around Fountain Lake beginning at 4 p.m. Food vendors will be available during the event.
Sunday the rock ‘n roll church service will be held at the Albert Lea United Methodist Church. A sloppy joe lunch will be served immediately after the service.