In the vast landscape of rock ‘n’ roll history, few artists have left an indelible mark quite like Carl Perkins. With his signature blend of country, blues, and rockabilly, Perkins became a pioneering force, influencing generations of musicians and earning the title of the “King of Rockabilly.” From his humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to his lasting impact on popular music, Perkins carved out a unique niche with his electrifying guitar skills and heartfelt songwriting. In this article, we embark on a nostalgic journey through the timeless catalog of one of music’s true icons, counting down the top 10 best Carl Perkins songs of all time.
Each song on this list represents a distinct chapter in Perkins’ remarkable career, showcasing his ability to effortlessly fuse genres and captivate listeners with his soulful performances. From his breakout hit “Blue Suede Shoes,” a rock ‘n’ roll anthem that defined an era, to lesser-known gems that delve into personal introspection, we delve into the depth and breadth of Perkins’ artistic genius. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his music, this compilation promises to celebrate the brilliance of an artist whose impact continues to resonate through the ages.
As we navigate through the remarkable musical journey of Carl Perkins, prepare to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of heartfelt lyrics, infectious melodies, and Perkins’ unparalleled guitar prowess. Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of the top 10 best Carl Perkins songs that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and ignite the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
1. Blue Suede Shoes
The iconic track that skyrocketed Carl Perkins to fame, those classic 'Blue Suede Shoes' rocked the world with its upbeat tempo and raw intensity. Perkins' signature guitar riffs take center stage in this timeless hit, echoing through generations of rock 'n' roll enthusiasts. It's a flawless blend of country and rhythm and blues, featuring electrifying solos and an infectious chorus that will have your feet tapping along in no time.
Carl Perkins had the power to light up every matchbox with his guitar skills.
2. Matchbox
Innovations have been seen rising in the music industry, and yet Carl Perkins remains one of the finest musicians of all time. One of his notable works is a song with thrilling beats called 'Matchbox'. Here are six points that display its essence:
- Carl Perkins wrote 'Matchbox' in 1956 and released it as part of his debut album called "Dance Album Of Carl Perkins".
- The catchy tune of the track has been covered by various artists such as The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.
- The guitar work in this song is considered groundbreaking, with an emphasis on complex guitar solos and intricate fills that would later define rockabilly and country-rock for decades to come.
- The lyrics of ‘Matchbox’ along with the traditional rhythm have contributed to making it a legendary track in history. It depicts a man telling his lady friend how he is fed up with her leading him on and giving him mixed signals.
- The song was so popular that it cemented Perkins’ position as a premier artist throughout the South’s club circuit, providing him with opportunities to tour more widely and attract greater attention from recording labels.
Moreover, the heritage established by 'Matchbox' led to Perkins receiving commendation for elevating rockabilly into mainstream culture. Fun fact: Johnny Cash described this song as "three minutes of controlled lightning".
Finally, there was one memorable event where Bob Dylan invited Carl Perkins to perform at one of his concerts alongside George Harrison. They proceeded to perform 'Matchbox', which proved to be an electrifying experience for those who witnessed it firsthand.
Everybody wants to be Carl Perkins, but sorry folks, there's only one king of rockabilly and this song proves it.
3. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
This Carl Perkins classic, known as one of his greatest hits, delivers a clever tongue-in-cheek take on fame and fortune. 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' features an upbeat tempo, toe-tapping melody, and snappy guitar riffs that make it an absolute joy to listen to. The song has been covered by several famous artists over the years, including The Beatles. Such versatility further cements its enduring appeal.
A testament to Perkins' immense talent as both a singer and songwriter, 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' showcases his trademark ability to combine catchy hooks with memorable lyrics that stick with you long after the song is over. It's no wonder that fans still fawn over this iconic track even decades after its release.
Interestingly enough, Perkins wrote the song in response to a fan letter he had received from a girl who claimed she was his "number one fan" – an experience that inspired him to craft a tune about the pitfalls of fame and success. Thanks in large part to his profound creativity, the track continues to inspire musicians across generations.
Pro Tip: For an authentic rockabilly experience, crank up 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' while cruising down the highway with your windows down.
Get ready to fry up some southern rock and roll with Carl Perkins' 'Dixie Fried' – it's the perfect soundtrack for breaking out those cowboy boots and a tray of hot wings.
4. Dixie Fried
This tune ingeniously showcases Perkins' skill for composing songs and singing. It emphasizes a robust country blues and rockabilly beat, with accompanying piano notes and guitar licks that complement his charismatic vocal performance. The lyrics are clever and playful; they describe the pleasures of Southern cuisine prepared by a woman in a country kitchen. Perkins' resonant voice blends perfectly with the upbeat rhythm, resulting in yet another endearing hit single.
Moving on from the Dixie Fried song, it is worth noting that Carl Perkins found success not only as a composer but also as a performer. His music combined various genres such as rockabilly, country blues, and traditional country music creating an iconic sound characteristic of his style. He was one of the first musicians to fuse these sounds together in his music, paving the way for many others to follow.
Apart from his famous hits such as "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Honey Don't," it should be mentioned that other songs like "Matchbox" and "Boppin' The Blues" are great representations of his vibrant audial elements. In particular, "Matchbox" contains evocative lyrics about being so lonely that he would rather have her company than none at all, resulting in many emotional moments depicted through guitar solos.
It would be unfortunate to miss out on what Carl Perkins has brought to the world of music. Therefore it is highly recommended to listen to his best ten songs, some of which will bring you nostalgia while others will surprise you with their splendorous musicality.
Carl Perkins proves once again that he's the king of Rockabilly with his infectious hit 'Boppin' the Blues' – it's like a shot of adrenaline straight to the dance floor.
5. Boppin’ the Blues
Exhibit the fifth song from Carl Perkins' commendable collection, which presents a unique blend of blues and rockabilly. 'Boppin' the Blues' showcases Perkins' guitar skills with its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics. The song features a distinct guitar solo that elevates the entire track to new heights.
As one of Perkins' most popular tunes, 'Boppin' the Blues,' stands out due to its powerful lyrics and catchy melody that will leave listeners wanting more. Perkins delivers a masterful vocal performance while managing his guitar in an elaborate fashion. He succeeds in bringing back the style of classic American music with this masterpiece.
'Boppin' the Blues' holds a prominent place among other top-ranked songs of Carl Perkins, such as 'Blue Suede Shoes,' 'Matchbox,' and 'Honey Don't.' This rockabilly classic serves as an inspiration for many contemporary artists who seek to recreate this vintage sound. It cements Carl Perkins as one of the pioneers of rock music genres that emerged in the 1950s.
It is easy to see why 'Boppin' the Blues,' remains unbeatable even decades after its release. With lively beats and unmatched vocals, this song completes a collection of timeless classics that cannot be missed by fans worldwide. Listening to it once is never enough!
Your true love may have left you, but at least you can still listen to Carl Perkins and cry yourself to sleep.
6. Your True Love
This song, sung by Carl Perkins, showcases his exceptional talent as a rockabilly artist with its energetic beat and catchy lyrics. Its upbeat sound captured the hearts of listeners and cemented Perkins' place in music history. The musical arrangement and Perkins' vocals create an unforgettable listening experience that fans continue to love. Moving on to the next item on our list, let's explore another gem from Perkins' discography.
Carl Perkins had a talent for crafting songs that were as catchy as they were sentimental, making it impossible to resist the urge to let the jukebox keep on playing.
7. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
Carl Perkins' 'Let the Jukebox Keep on Playing' is a nostalgic country song that celebrates the jukebox culture. The catchy melody and lyrics tell us about the excitement of hearing your favorite tunes played on the jukebox in a bar or diner. It's a feel-good tune that takes you back to simpler times.
The song reminds us of how important music was during the jukebox era. Perkins talks about various genres of music ranging from country and rockabilly to blues and jazz, proving music was the common language every music enthusiast could understand.
Interestingly, 'Let the Jukebox Keep on Playing' was one of Billboard's Top 20 R&B hits in 1955. It shows how diverse this song was and how much it resonated with different audiences.
Pro Tip: To enhance your listening experience, play this song on vinyl for that authentic sound. If you want something sweet, Honey Don't disappoints, but if you're looking for a love song, you might be barking up the wrong tree.
8. Honey Don’t
One of the best songs by Carl Perkins is a track called "Honey Don't," which features intricate guitar work and infectious lyrics. With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, this song showcases Perkins' talents as both a performer and songwriter. In fact, the track has been covered by a number of other artists over the years, including The Beatles. Its longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and impact on popular music.
Even Perkins himself would say 'That's Right' when he heard this classic track.
9. That’s Right
This Carl Perkins song is a true classic that showcases his incredible talent as a songwriter and performer. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, it's impossible not to tap your feet or sing along. Its enduring popularity has been proven time and time again, making it one of the best-known songs in Perkins' extensive discography. So whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, "That's Right" is sure to get you grooving!
Move over popcorn, 'Movie Magg' is the real snack you'll be craving after listening to this Carl Perkins classic.
10. Movie Magg
This track showcases Carl Perkins’ prowess as a singer and guitarist, and it’s no wonder it made the cut into the top 10. The upbeat rockabilly tune was released in 1956 on Sun Records and boasts infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics. Perkins’ signature voice shines through as he tells the story of a girl named Maggie who loves to dance and have fun.
Listeners can easily get swept up in the joyous energy of "Movie Magg." The playful guitar riffs complement Perkins' vocals perfectly, creating a song that's impossible to resist tapping your feet to. It's easy to see why this tune became so popular upon its release. And with new generations being introduced to Perkins' work all the time, it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Interestingly, "Movie Magg" was one of several songs written by Perkins about women he met while working various jobs before becoming a full-time musician. It's said that Perkins wrote the song about a young woman he met while working at a movie theater in Jackson, Tennessee. Regardless of its origins, "Movie Magg" is one of those timeless tracks that will always be remembered as one of Carl Perkins' best works.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
