1960 Song About Heaven From a Teen Idol Who Died Months Earlier Became a Tragic Rock Anthem

“Three Steps to Heaven,” which was co-written and recorded by Eddie Cochran, was released in 1960. Although it didn’t reach the Billboard Hot 100 in America, it topped the charts in the UK and Ireland months after the singer died in a car accident. He was only 21.

The accident happened after the singer performed at the Bristol Hippodrome. His taxi crashed when he was headed to Heathrow Airport to fly home with fellow musician Gene Vincent, his tour manager Patrick Tompkins, and his fiancée Sharon Sheeley, who was a chart-topping songwriter. The other three passengers survived, but Cochran died the next day.

A documentary about Cochran has been in the works for years, according to Deadline. Director Kristy Bell from Goldfinch Entertainment said, “Eddie Cochran is a fascinating talent and musical pioneer with a legacy which stretches far beyond his short life and has served as inspiration for some of the most iconic musicians of rock and roll. With the support of our fantastic partners on the project, we have an opportunity to explore his life and influence for the first time – and celebrate what he meant to so many. He used to sign his autographs off with ‘don’t forget me’ – and with this film we intend to make sure he is remembered for posterity.”

When speaking with Vintage Rock, Bell added, “We find ourselves in a situation where so many people want to speak lovingly about Eddie and share their memories. As a result, our schedule has been pushed back. While I was worried about it a few months ago, I had a little word with myself and thought about how Eddie has waited 63 years for this. I just want to do the best job possible with the picture and showcase this fine man who was taken too soon… if it takes a little bit more time, then it takes a little bit more time.”

Related: 1988 English Rock Song by the ‘Best Dressed Rock Star’ Became an MTV Anthem

Cochran will be remembered as a teen idol who was gone too soon, but he still released several hits over the course of his career. Some of his other songs include “Twenty Flight Rock,” “Summertime Blues,” “C’mon Everybody,” and “Somethin’ Else.” Some of these songs have been covered by The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan. Paul McCartney even used “Twenty Flight Rock” as his audition song for the group that became The Beatles.

In 1987, Cochran was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.