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Cathy Wurzer

How Amos and Andy inspired 'Summertime Blues'

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Sixty years ago, Albert Lea, Minn., native and Rock And Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Cochran recorded the original version of "Summertime Blues."

Over the years it has been covered by many artists and Rolling Stone magazine places it at No. 73 on their list of the greatest songs of all time.

Cochran came up with the distinctive guitar lick and his manager, Jerry Capehart, wrote the lyrics.

During the recording session, Cochran had the idea to imitate the Kingfish character in the "Amos 'n' Andy" TV show when he sang the lines from the authority figures who are causing those summertime blues.