Carl Perkins (1932-1998) was an American rockabilly musician and songwriter known for his influential contributions to the early rock and roll genre. Born in Tennessee, Perkins rose to fame in the 1950s with his distinctive guitar style, catchy songs, and energetic performances.
Perkins’ most famous song is “Blue Suede Shoes,” released in 1956, which became a massive hit and helped popularize rockabilly music. The song’s infectious beat, memorable guitar riff, and Perkins’ twangy vocals made it an instant classic. “Blue Suede Shoes” was one of the first rock and roll songs to cross over to both pop and country charts, solidifying Perkins’ place in music history.
Throughout his career, Perkins continued to record and perform, influencing countless musicians with his guitar technique and songwriting. He collaborated with artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles, who recorded several of his songs. Perkins’ legacy as a pioneer of rockabilly and early rock and roll endures, with his music continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.
1. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a classic rock and roll song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957. It’s known for its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riff, and Perkins’ energetic vocals. The song tells a simple story of a man who finds himself in a difficult situation after losing his matches and seeking help from a “matchbox” to light his cigarette.
“Matchbox” became one of Carl Perkins’ signature songs and was a hit in its time, reaching audiences with its infectious rhythm and straightforward lyrics. The song’s popularity led to numerous covers by other artists, including The Beatles, who recorded their own version in 1964, with Ringo Starr on vocals.
Carl Perkins’ original “Matchbox” remains a classic example of early rock and roll, characterized by its lively instrumentation and Perkins’ distinctive rockabilly style. It continues to be celebrated for its influence on the genre and its enduring appeal to fans of rock music.
2. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a song written by Carl Perkins and Howard “Curley” Griffin, released as a single in 1956. It showcases Perkins’ signature rockabilly style with its lively tempo, twangy guitar riffs, and spirited vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate Southern culture and lifestyle, reflecting Perkins’ roots in Tennessee and his affection for Dixie traditions.
“Dixie Fried” became a popular track among fans of rockabilly and early rock and roll, contributing to Perkins’ reputation as a talented songwriter and performer in the genre. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy melody have made it a favorite among rockabilly enthusiasts and a staple in Perkins’ discography.
Over the years, “Dixie Fried” has been covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a classic of the rockabilly genre. The song’s lively energy and nostalgic lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, celebrating the spirit of Southern rock and roll that Carl Perkins helped define during the 1950s.
3. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a rockabilly song written by Carl Perkins, released in 1957 as a single and later included on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” Known for its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and energetic vocal delivery, the song exemplifies Perkins’ distinctive style within the rockabilly genre.
“Your True Love” features Perkins’ signature guitar work, characterized by his use of a thumb-and-two-finger picking style, which became influential in the development of rock and roll guitar playing. The lyrics of the song express devotion and admiration for a romantic partner, reflecting themes common in 1950s rockabilly and early rock and roll music.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a version of “Your True Love” during his Sun Records sessions. Carl Perkins’ original recording remains a classic example of rockabilly music, celebrated for its infectious energy and Perkins’ role as a pioneer in the genre.
4. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a rock and roll song written by Carl Perkins, originally released in 1956 as the B-side to his hit single “Blue Suede Shoes.” The song features Perkins’ energetic guitar playing and lively vocals, characteristic of his rockabilly style. “Honey Don’t” is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics that convey a light-hearted message about relationship troubles and romantic frustrations.
The song became popular among rockabilly and early rock and roll fans, and it has since been covered by various artists, including The Beatles, who included a version of “Honey Don’t” on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale.” Perkins’ original recording remains a classic in the genre, showcasing his musical talent and influence on the development of rock music during the 1950s.
5. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It was one of Perkins’ earliest recordings, showcasing his distinctive rockabilly style and guitar playing. The song features Perkins’ energetic vocals and upbeat rhythm, capturing the spirit of early rock and roll.
“Movie Magg” reflects Perkins’ youthful enthusiasm and love for music, with its lyrics telling the story of a girl named Maggie who loves going to the movies. The song’s catchy melody and Perkins’ infectious enthusiasm made it a hit among fans of rockabilly and helped establish Perkins as a rising star in the genre.
Although “Movie Magg” wasn’t a major commercial success like some of Perkins’ later hits, it remains a significant track in his early career and a testament to his influence on the rockabilly movement. The song’s charm and nostalgic appeal continue to be appreciated by fans of rock and roll history.
6. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a song by Fleetwood Mac, originally released on their album “Time” in 1995. It’s a bluesy rock track that features gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a driving rhythm section. The song showcases Fleetwood Mac’s versatility and their ability to blend blues and rock influences into their music.
“Time” marked a return to a more blues-oriented sound for Fleetwood Mac, with “That’s Right” highlighting their musical evolution and exploration of different styles. The song’s raw energy and impassioned delivery reflect the band’s commitment to creating powerful and evocative music.
7. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a classic rockabilly song written and performed by Carl Perkins. Released in 1955, the song showcases Perkins’ energetic guitar playing and distinctive vocals, characteristic of the rockabilly genre.
The lyrics of “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” celebrate the joy of listening to music on a jukebox, capturing the carefree spirit and excitement of the early rock and roll era. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Perkins’ lively performance made it popular among fans of rockabilly music during the 1950s.
As one of Carl Perkins’ early recordings, “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” contributed to his growing reputation as a talented songwriter and performer in the rockabilly scene. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its infectious rhythm and nostalgic charm, reflecting the optimism and enthusiasm of the post-war era in America.
8. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a classic rockabilly song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It’s known for its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and lively vocals typical of the rockabilly genre. The song features Perkins’ signature guitar playing style, characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic solos.
“Boppin’ the Blues” became a popular hit among rock and roll fans in the 1950s, showcasing Perkins’ talent as both a guitarist and vocalist. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of dancing and having a good time, embodying the carefree spirit of early rock and roll music.
Over the years, “Boppin’ the Blues” has been covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a rockabilly classic. Perkins’ original recording remains a beloved example of his influential contributions to the rockabilly and rock and roll genres.
9. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957. It was released as a single and later included on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” The song features Perkins’ trademark energetic guitar playing, catchy melody, and playful lyrics.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” became a hit in the rockabilly and rock and roll scene of the 1950s, showcasing Perkins’ skill as a guitarist and his ability to blend country, blues, and rock influences into a distinctive style. The song’s lyrics humorously recount the narrator’s experiences with admirers and the attention he receives, reflecting the carefree and rebellious spirit of early rock and roll music.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included a version of “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale.” Perkins’ original recording remains a classic example of rockabilly music and a testament to his enduring influence on the genre.
10. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a rock and roll song written and first recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It quickly became a smash hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard country and western chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s lyrics tell the cautionary tale of a man who warns others not to step on his blue suede shoes, emphasizing their importance to him. Musically, “Blue Suede Shoes” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Perkins’ energetic vocal delivery. The song’s popularity helped define the rockabilly genre and solidified Perkins’ status as a rock and roll pioneer.
“Blue Suede Shoes” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who famously recorded a version in 1956 that also became a major hit. Perkins’ original recording remains iconic, celebrated for its influence on early rock and roll and its enduring appeal as a classic of the genre.