Introduction
Eddie Rabbitt, one of country music’s most beloved voices, was born Edward Thomas Rabbitt on November 27, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. The son of Irish immigrants, he grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where music was a constant presence in the household. His father, Thomas, worked at an oil refinery but also played fiddle and accordion in local dancehalls, giving young Eddie his first glimpse into the magic of music. By the age of twelve, Eddie had learned guitar from a Boy Scout leader, and it quickly became his greatest passion.
Though school never suited him, Rabbitt became, in his own words, “a walking encyclopedia of country music.” At sixteen, after his parents’ divorce, he left high school but later earned his diploma through night classes. To make ends meet, he worked odd jobs, including time as an attendant at a mental hospital, yet he always returned to performing. His early gigs in New Jersey clubs eventually led him to win a local talent contest, earning him a Saturday night radio slot that showcased his growing talent.
In 1964, Rabbitt signed his first recording contract and began releasing singles, but it was his move to Nashville in 1968 that truly changed the course of his career. Struggling to survive, he drove trucks and picked fruit while writing songs at night. His persistence paid off when Elvis Presley recorded Rabbitt’s “Kentucky Rain,” turning it into a gold record and establishing Eddie as one of Nashville’s most promising young songwriters.
By the mid-1970s, Rabbitt transitioned from songwriter to performer. His debut albums produced a string of hits, including “Drinking My Baby Off My Mind” and “Rocky Mountain Music.” Soon, he was not only climbing the country charts but also crossing over into pop success with classics like “Every Which Way But Loose,” “I Love a Rainy Night,” and “Drivin’ My Life Away.” His unique blend of country roots with pop-friendly melodies made him a household name.
Through the 1980s, Rabbitt continued to release chart-topping songs and memorable duets, earning awards and television specials. Despite personal tragedy and declining chart success in later years, he remained admired for his resilience and artistry. Sadly, Eddie Rabbitt passed away from lung cancer on May 7, 1998, at the age of 56.
His legacy lives on as a trailblazer of country-pop, remembered for his heartfelt songwriting, smooth voice, and unforgettable contributions to American music.