Wayne Cochran passed away earlier this week. At 78, Cochran experienced a long and interesting career that made its mark on American culture. His biggest impact however, must have been on his family and those closest to him. Cochran is famous for his song “Last Kiss,” a sweet and steady lament about the loss of his love in a motor accident. “Goin’ To Miami” is another of his hits. He may be best known for the enormous blonde pompadour he wore on his head that amazed and confounded his audiences.

Cochran had spark. People called him the “White Knight of Soul.” He was more of a cult hero than a mainstream hitmaker, and Pearl Jam famously covered “Last Kissed” in 1999. It was one of the biggest hits of their tenure. J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers covered him in 1962, and The Blues Brothers covered “Goin’ Back To Miami” on their live album, Made In America. Cochran, who played bass for Otis Redding, is one of those American figures who’s impact is oddly cut but unmistakable. He brought Jaco Pastorius into his band the C.C. Riders; Pastorius went on become and influential jazz bassist who’s worked with the Weather Report, Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny, among others.

Christopher Cochran informed the Miami Herald of the cancer that took his father earlier this week.

“He was all about family,” Christopher said. “Over the course of his 25-year career in the music industry he employed over 300 people with different members of the band and the people at his church. He always looked after people. He ran his building like a big family.”

His son’s words indicate that Cochran was as sweet as his voice and as caring as his lyrics. May he rest in peace.