About Cliff Gallup
Clifton E. Gallup (June 17, 1930 – October 9, 1988) was an American guitarist. He was the lead guitarist for Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps in the 1950s. Gallup's recording career was brief, recording 35 songs with Vincent in 1956 plus a 1960s solo album, but he performed occasionally until the end of his life as a part-time hobby. Critic Richie Unterberger describes Gallup as "one of the greatest guitarists in early rock & roll, and certainly one of the greatest rockabilly guitarists ever" with "phenomenal abilities". == Biography == In February 1956, local radio DJ Sheriff Tex Davis (William Douchette, 1914–2007) heard Gene Vincent performing at a talent show in Norfolk, Virginia, became his manager, and assembled a band of local musicians to back him. The band included Gallup, who had previously played in a local band, the Virginians, and who was older than Vincent and most of the other band members. In May 1956, the band recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. Producer Ken Nelson had session musicians at the ready, assuming Vincent's band might not be prepared or accomplished enough to record. But as soon as Gallup played the solos on "Race with the Devil", Nelson knew the session musicians would not be needed. Gallup played on 35 tracks with Vincent, including his biggest hit, "Be-Bop-A-Lula", and established a reputation as one of the most technically proficient guitarists in early rock and roll.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.