Carl Perkins is one of the most influential rockabilly musicians of all time, and his legacy has continued to resonate through generations of musicians. Perkins was a pioneer of the genre, and his unique blend of country, blues, and rock and roll set the stage for the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Despite his relatively short career, Perkins left behind a catalogue of timeless classics that continue to inspire and captivate audiences today. In this article, we’ll take a look at the ten best Carl Perkins songs of all time, exploring the impact and enduring appeal of his music.
From the iconic “Blue Suede Shoes” to the lesser-known but no less impressive “Matchbox,” Perkins’ music is a testament to his talent and influence. We’ll examine the stories behind each of these tracks, and delve into the unique qualities that make them stand out. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering Perkins for the first time, this article is sure to deepen your appreciation for the man and his music. So sit back, turn up the volume, and prepare to be transported by the timeless sounds of one of rock and roll’s true pioneers.
1. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Carl Perkins, but it was popularized by The Beatles and later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four version is known for its infectious energy, featuring driving guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and tight harmonies. The song’s lyrics speak to the idea of being pursued by numerous suitors, and the challenge of choosing the right one. The Bobby Fuller Four’s rendition of the song captures the essence of mid-60s rock and roll, with a blend of influences from surf music, garage rock, and rockabilly. With its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire generations of rock musicians.
2. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a rockabilly classic originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956, but it was later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four’s rendition of the song is known for its driving rhythm and catchy guitar hooks, which capture the essence of the rockabilly genre. The song’s lyrics speak to the joy of dancing and the power of music to bring people together. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Boppin’ the Blues” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s dynamic vocals. With its catchy melody and infectious beat, “Boppin’ the Blues” remains a beloved classic of the rockabilly genre. The song has influenced generations of musicians, and it continues to be a favorite among fans of vintage rock and roll.
3. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a lively rock and roll song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1954, but it was later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1965. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song features Fuller’s dynamic vocals and driving guitar riffs, which give the song a distinctive sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the joy of listening to music and the power of rock and roll to uplift and inspire. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” captures the spirit of the mid-60s garage rock scene, with its blend of surf music and rockabilly influences. With its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre.
4. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a high-energy rock and roll song recorded by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1965. The song features Fuller’s powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and catchy melodies, which are a hallmark of the band’s sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the confidence and swagger of the protagonist, who asserts his dominance and declares that he’s “the one” for his lover. The Bobby Fuller Four’s dynamic performance of “That’s Right” showcases the band’s musicianship and the raw power of their sound. The song captures the essence of mid-60s garage rock, with its blend of surf music and rockabilly influences. With its catchy hooks and infectious beat, “That’s Right” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring appeal of The Bobby Fuller Four’s music.
5. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a rock and roll classic originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957, but it was later covered by The Beatles and The Bobby Fuller Four. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song is known for its driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs, which give the song a distinct sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the struggles of a man who has lost his woman and is looking for a new love. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Matchbox” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s dynamic vocals. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Matchbox” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a fan favorite today.
6. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a rockabilly classic originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955, but it was later covered by Elvis Presley and The Bobby Fuller Four, among others. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song features Fuller’s powerful vocals and driving guitar riffs, which capture the spirit of the rockabilly genre. The song’s lyrics speak to the importance of protecting one’s prized possessions, and the dangers of envy and jealousy. The Bobby Fuller Four’s dynamic performance of “Blue Suede Shoes” showcases the band’s musicianship and Fuller’s impressive vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Blue Suede Shoes” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a favorite among fans of vintage rock and roll.
7. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is a rockabilly classic originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956, but it was later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song is known for its lively rhythm and catchy guitar hooks, which capture the essence of the rockabilly genre. The song’s lyrics speak to the protagonist’s love for a girl who’s the talk of the town, and his desire to win her heart. The Bobby Fuller Four’s dynamic performance of “Movie Magg” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s impressive vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Movie Magg” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a favorite among fans of vintage rock and roll.
8. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957, but it was later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1964. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song features Fuller’s dynamic vocals and driving guitar riffs, which give the song a distinct sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the enduring power of true love and the joy of being reunited with one’s beloved. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Your True Love” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s impressive vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Your True Love” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a fan favorite today.
9. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956, but it was later covered by The Beatles and The Bobby Fuller Four. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song features Fuller’s dynamic vocals and driving guitar riffs, which give the song a distinct sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the protagonist’s frustration with his partner’s actions and his desire to set things right. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Honey Don’t” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s impressive vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Honey Don’t” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a fan favorite today.
10. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956, but it was later covered by The Bobby Fuller Four in 1965. The Bobby Fuller Four’s version of the song features Fuller’s dynamic vocals and driving guitar riffs, which give the song a distinct sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the protagonist’s love of Southern cuisine and his desire to return home to his roots. The Bobby Fuller Four’s energetic performance of “Dixie Fried” showcases the band’s tight musicianship and Fuller’s impressive vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “Dixie Fried” remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Perkins’ songwriting. The song has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a fan favorite today.
Darren Jamison 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.
