Carl Perkins was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for his contributions to rockabilly music. He was born on April 9, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, USA, and passed away on January 19, 1998.
Perkins began his music career in the 1950s, recording for the Sun Records label in Memphis, Tennessee, where he became one of the pioneers of the rockabilly genre. His most famous song, “Blue Suede Shoes,” released in 1956, became a massive hit and is considered one of the earliest rock and roll classics.
Perkins’ guitar playing, characterized by his distinctive “slapback” style, influenced countless musicians, including the Beatles, who covered several of his songs. His influence on rock and roll music is profound, and he is often regarded as one of the genre’s founding fathers.
In addition to “Blue Suede Shoes,” Perkins recorded numerous other notable songs, including “Matchbox,” “Honey Don’t,” and “Boppin’ the Blues.” He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, earning recognition and accolades for his contributions to American music.
Carl Perkins’ impact on rock and roll music continues to be felt to this day, and he is remembered as one of the genre’s most important and influential figures.
1. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a song written by Carl Perkins, which was recorded and released by him in 1957. It became one of his most famous and enduring compositions. The song was inspired by an old blues standard of the same name, originally recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson in the 1920s.
Perkins’ version of “Matchbox” is a classic rockabilly tune, characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riff, and energetic vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s down on his luck and has to sleep in a matchbox of a room, emphasizing themes of poverty and hardship.
“Matchbox” became a hit for Perkins, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 9 on the R&B chart. The song’s popularity was further cemented by its inclusion in the Beatles’ repertoire; they covered it during their early performances and recorded their own version for their album “Anthology 1” in 1994.
Since its release, “Matchbox” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, attesting to its enduring appeal and influence in the world of rock and roll music.
2. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a song written and performed by Carl Perkins, the American rockabilly musician known for his hits like “Blue Suede Shoes.” “Dixie Fried” was released as a single in 1956 on Sun Records.
The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound, characterized by its driving rhythm, twangy guitar licks, and energetic vocals. Lyrically, “Dixie Fried” celebrates the joys of southern living, with references to southern cuisine, culture, and lifestyle.
“Dixie Fried” showcases Perkins’ talent as a songwriter and performer, and it remains a beloved classic of the rockabilly genre. The song has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be celebrated for its infectious energy and catchy melody.
3. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a rock and roll song written by Carl Perkins, the influential American singer-songwriter known for hits like “Blue Suede Shoes.” It was originally released as a single in 1957 on Sun Records.
The song features Perkins’ distinctive rockabilly sound, characterized by its driving rhythm, twangy guitar riffs, and energetic vocals. “Your True Love” is an upbeat and catchy track with lyrics that express admiration and devotion to a romantic partner.
Over the years, “Your True Love” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a version of the song in 1957 for his album “Elvis.” Perkins’ original recording remains a classic of the rockabilly genre, celebrated for its infectious groove and timeless appeal.
4. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a song written by Carl Perkins, which he recorded and released in 1956. The song is a rockabilly tune with a catchy rhythm and playful lyrics.
In “Honey Don’t,” Perkins sings about various things that his significant other shouldn’t do, such as kicking him out and calling him names. The refrain of the song features the lines “Honey, don’t,” followed by the specific action that the narrator is advising against.
“Honey Don’t” was originally released as the B-side to Perkins’ hit single “Blue Suede Shoes.” While it wasn’t as commercially successful as its A-side counterpart, “Honey Don’t” became a popular song in its own right and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Beatles, who recorded a version for their album “Beatles for Sale” in 1964.
5. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins. It was one of his earliest recordings, released in 1955. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly style, with its upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riff.
“Movie Magg” tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a girl named Maggie after seeing her at the movies. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s infatuation with Maggie and his desire to take her out on a date.
While “Movie Magg” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of Perkins’ later hits, it remains a notable early example of his songwriting and musical style. The song showcases Perkins’ talent for blending country, blues, and rockabilly influences, setting the stage for his later success in the world of rock and roll music.
6. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a song by Elvis Presley, released in 1960 as a single. It was written by the songwriting team of Joe Byers and Fred Wise.
The song features Presley’s characteristic rock and roll sound, with lively instrumentation and upbeat vocals. Lyrically, “That’s Right” is a fun and flirtatious track that celebrates the excitement of young love and romance.
While “That’s Right” was not one of Presley’s biggest hits, it remains a favorite among fans of his early rock and roll music. The song captures the energy and enthusiasm of Presley’s performances during this period of his career.
7. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a rock and roll song written by Carl Perkins, released in 1955. It was one of the tracks included on Perkins’ debut album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.”
The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound, with a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and energetic vocals. Lyrically, “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” celebrates the joy of dancing and having a good time to the music played on the jukebox.
Perkins’ recording of “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a classic example of the rockabilly genre and remains popular among fans of early rock and roll music. The song’s infectious rhythm and lively energy have made it a favorite for dancing and listening alike.
8. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a song written by Carl Perkins and Howard “Curley” Griffin. It was recorded by Perkins and released as a single in 1956.
The song is a classic example of rockabilly music, with its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and energetic vocals. In “Boppin’ the Blues,” Perkins sings about the joy of dancing and having a good time, capturing the exuberance and excitement of the rock and roll era.
“Boppin’ the Blues” was a modest hit for Perkins, reaching number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become a favorite among fans of rockabilly music and has been covered by various artists over the years. The song’s infectious groove and upbeat tempo continue to make it a popular choice for dancers and music enthusiasts alike.
9. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song written by Carl Perkins. It was first released by Perkins in 1957 on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.”
The song features Perkins’ characteristic rockabilly sound, with a driving rhythm, twangy guitar riffs, and energetic vocals. Lyrically, “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” tells the story of someone who is constantly pursued by admirers and potential romantic partners, but remains uninterested in their advances.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included their version of the song on their album “Beatles for Sale” in 1964. The song remains a classic of the rockabilly genre and is celebrated for its catchy melody and infectious energy.
10. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a classic rock and roll song written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins. It was released as a single in 1956 and became one of the defining hits of the rockabilly genre.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who warns his date not to step on his blue suede shoes, as they are his prized possession. The phrase “blue suede shoes” has since become synonymous with the song and is often used as a metaphor for something valuable that should be protected.
“Blue Suede Shoes” features Perkins’ distinctive guitar work, characterized by its driving rhythm and twangy sound. The song’s catchy melody and energetic performance helped it become a massive hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the country and western chart.
“Blue Suede Shoes” has since been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including Elvis Presley, who famously recorded a version of the song in 1956. Perkins’ original recording remains a beloved classic and a cornerstone of rock and roll history.