Carl Perkins, born on April 9, 1932, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who played a significant role in the development of rockabilly music. Hailing from Tennessee, Perkins’ unique blend of country, blues, and rock and roll created a distinctive sound that influenced generations of musicians.
Perkins’ breakthrough came in 1955 with his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes,” which became a rock and roll anthem and a classic of the genre. Known for his energetic guitar playing and infectious stage presence, Perkins’ performances captivated audiences and solidified his status as a rockabilly pioneer.
As a songwriter, Perkins penned many notable hits, including “Matchbox” and “Honey Don’t,” which were later covered by The Beatles, further cementing his influence on the rock and roll landscape. His guitar skills and innovative use of chords and rhythms helped shape the sound of early rock music.
Despite achieving initial success, Perkins’ career was derailed by a car accident in 1956, which left him unable to perform for an extended period. However, he continued to write and record music, leaving a legacy of timeless rockabilly tracks.
Perkins’ impact extended beyond his own recordings, as his songs and guitar style influenced artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and The Rolling Stones. His contributions to the genre were recognized with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Carl Perkins passed away on January 19, 1998, but his music continues to be celebrated and revered by rock and roll enthusiasts worldwide. His pioneering spirit, electrifying guitar playing, and timeless compositions have left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.
1. Honey Don’t
One of Carl Perkins' greatest hits is showcased in 'Honey Don't.' With its rhythmic beat and catchy melody, the song captures the essence of rockabilly music. The lyrics, written by Perkins himself, tell a story of a man trying to win back his lover. The jangly guitar work and infectious chorus make this tune an instant classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Carl Perkins knew how to write a hook that could reel in any listener, and 'That's Right' is proof that he was a master baiter.
2. That’s Right
This track is a classic display of Perkins' signature rockabilly sound. Its throbbing rhythm, staccato guitar chords, and catchy chorus all come together to create a toe-tapping hit. The song's lyrics also showcase Perkins' youthful energy and rebellious spirit, making it an instant fan-favorite. It's no wonder 'That's Right' has stood the test of time as one of Carl Perkins' most beloved songs.
Everybody may be trying to be his baby, but Carl Perkins will always be the king of rockabilly.
3. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
This track, also known as 'Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby', features guitar solos accompanied by bluesy and upbeat lyrics. The song tells a story about people who want to be like the singer and how they try too hard to impress him. It has a mix of rockabilly, country music, and bluesy vibes that make it iconic in its own right.
The track was originally performed by Carl Perkins in 1957, but it became most famous when The Beatles covered it as their closing number on their last tour in 1966. Their cover was a tribute to Carl Perkins; they had recorded versions of his songs before, and John Lennon even said that "Without Carl Perkins, The Beatles would never have existed."
Fun fact: This song is notable for its distinctive introduction with an ascending guitar riff made famous by Perkins.
Don't miss out on this classic piece of music history- add 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' to your playlist today!
Put on your blue suede shoes and get ready to rock to the tune of Carl Perkins' classic hit.
4. Blue Suede Shoes
This track, which is one of the highlights of Carl Perkins' discography, was released in 1956 and became an instant classic. Its iconic opening riff and catchy lyrics helped establish rockabilly as a distinct genre within the broader category of rock and roll. 'Blue Suede Shoes' exhibits Perkins' unique songwriting ability combined with his guitar virtuosity, providing listeners with a one-of-a-kind experience that still holds up today.
The song's popularity quickly gained worldwide recognition, inspiring covers by artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. However, Perkins remains the original and undisputed creator of this timeless hit. Even after more than half a century since its debut, 'Blue Suede Shoes' continues to captivate new generations who can't resist tapping their feet to its infectious beat.
Despite being number four on this list, 'Blue Suede Shoes' may be Carl Perkins' most famous track- a must-listen for anyone seeking the essence of rockabilly music. It cemented his place in music history as an innovator who created influential tracks that would define American music for decades to come.
If you haven't listened to 'Blue Suede Shoes', it's undoubtedly time to do so. Don't miss out on the chance to experience one of the greatest songs in American musical history.
If you're still using matches to light your cigarettes, then Matchbox will make you feel both nostalgic and irresponsible.
5. Matchbox
One of the top-rated tracks in '10 Best Carl Perkins Songs of All Time' is 'Matchbox Smash'. The classic track from 1957 features an upbeat rockabilly sound and prominent guitar work. Below is a table that highlights some key details about this timeless tune.
| 5. Matchbox | Year: 1957; Genre: Rockabilly Performer: Carl Perkins Written by: Carl Perkins and Sam Phillips |
Apart from its catchy melody and unforgettable lyrics, 'Matchbox Smash' was also influential in shaping the early rock n' roll genre by incorporating popular musical elements of the time. Fans will appreciate the vintage sound and authentic feel that makes this song a standout track on any playlist.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, 'Matchbox' was once covered by The Beatles during their Hamburg shows in 1960, proving its universal appeal and cultural significance across generations.
Even Colonel Sanders couldn't resist tapping his toes to 'Dixie Fried'.
6. Dixie Fried
Exploring the works of Carl Perkins, we come across a track that has stood the test of time and impressed audiences with its groove and lyrics. This song, recognized as number 6 among his best works on our list, is a classic in its own right.
- With its upbeat rockabilly rhythm, '6. Dixie Fried' showcases Carl's unique blend of blues and country.
- The track features catchy guitar licks that complement his distinctive vocals.
- The dynamic energy of the instrumentation on this song sets it apart, resulting in an unforgettable listening experience.
It's worth mentioning that '6. Dixie Fried' was also covered by Elvis Presley and even appears on his album "Raised on Rock/For Ol' Times Sake".
As we dive deeper into this musical journey, we'll explore another hit from Carl Perkins that deserves to be celebrated – one that will take us down memory lane to relive some iconic moments in country music history.
Listening to 'Boppin' the Blues' is like getting a high-energy dance lesson from Carl Perkins himself, without the risk of stepping on his toes.
7. Boppin’ the Blues
The seventh entry on the '10 Best Carl Perkins Songs of All Time' list is a lively track called 'Boppin’ the Blues'. This song is a signature number for Perkins, combining rockabilly guitar riffs with bluesy rhythms. Its upbeat tempo will have you dancing along in no time. Perkins wrote this song with Howard Griffin, and it was first recorded in 1956.
'Boppin’ the Blues' showcases Perkins' guitar-playing skills as he incorporates elements of country, blues, and rock into his style. The lyrics express a love of music and dancing, with lines like "I wanna jump, but I'm afraid I'll fall / I wanna holler but the joint's too small". It's easy to see why this song has endured as a fan favorite over the years.
One interesting fact about 'Boppin’ the Blues' is that it features a unique percussive sound made by slapping the back of an upright bass. This technique was popularized by Elvis Presley's guitarist Scotty Moore, who played on many of Perkins' recordings.
To fully appreciate this track, we recommend listening to it on a high-quality audio system or headphones to catch all the intricate layers of sound. And if you're feeling particularly inspired by 'Boppin’ the Blues', consider learning some rockabilly dance moves to go along with it!
Move over Hollywood, Carl Perkins' 'Movie Magg' is the only blockbuster we need.
8. Movie Magg
One of Carl Perkins' hits, the upbeat and jivey 'Movie Magg', is a reminder of his creativity as a rockabilly artist. This song is associated with Bill McCall, a DJ who discovered Perkins and introduced him to Sun Records. Perkins sang in his signature style about being smitten by a girl he saw at the cinema. He had an impressive run of hits from 1955-1960, but this track remains one of his best-known works. Its catchy melody and twangy guitar licks are still appreciated today.
Some critics believe that 'Movie Magg' marked the end of Perkins' originality because he started to rely on popular formulaic sounds that lacked authenticity. Nevertheless, for many fans, this hit embodies everything they adore about rockabilly music: it's energetic, fun-focused, and infectiously danceable.
In addition to its success as a single track in southern US radio markets, 'Movie Magg' was also included in some early music compilations by Sun Records label mates like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
It's worth noting that despite all his chart-topping success during the late 1950s, Carl Perkins never forgot where he came from. His roots were firmly planted in Tennessee dirt – a humble background that inspired much of his songwriting material throughout his career.
When it comes to finding your true love, Carl Perkins sings it best – just make sure they don't walk away with your blue suede shoes.
9. Your True Love
This track, which appeared on the B-side of "Gone, Gone, Gone," showcases Carl Perkins' unique blend of country and rockabilly. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a standout in his repertoire. Perkins' signature guitar licks are on display throughout the song, complementing his smooth vocals. "Your True Love" is a must-listen for fans of early rock and roll. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in Perkins' footsteps.
Carl Perkins had us all hooked with 'Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing', proving that even in death he's still the master of catchy tunes and haunting melodies.
10. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
This track, with its foot-tapping rockabilly rhythm and exquisite guitar solos, is a classic example of Carl Perkins' iconic style. 'Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing' showcases his songwriting abilities and captures the essence of 1950s America. The lyrics express a longing for a lost love that is relatable to listeners, even today.
The memorable opening lick is followed by an evocative vocal performance, establishing Carl's reputation as one of the best voices in rock and roll history. The song's concise structure and lively tempo make it perfect for dancing or simply enjoying on a sunny day.
It's worth noting how this tune became an anthem for jukeboxes across America due to its upbeat melody and catchy chorus. It was also significant in launching Perkins’ career in the late 1950s.
Edward Tomlin 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.
