Carl Perkins was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was a pioneer of rockabilly music. Born in Tennessee in 1932, Perkins began his music career in the early 1950s, playing in local bands and recording for small labels.
Perkins achieved great success with his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes” in 1956, which became a classic in the world of rock and roll. He was known for his distinctive guitar sound and energetic stage presence, and his music was deeply rooted in the traditions of country, blues, and rockabilly.
Perkins influenced many musicians who would later become stars in their own right, including The Beatles, who covered several of his songs, and Elvis Presley, who recorded a version of “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Despite achieving great success, Perkins remained humble and dedicated to his music throughout his life. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1998 at the age of 65.
Perkins’ legacy as a pioneer of rock and roll and a true original in the world of music remains strong, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists across genres. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and he is remembered as a true icon of American music.
1. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound and energetic vocals, and is characterized by its catchy melody and driving rhythm. The song’s lyrics, which speak to the joys of southern cooking and living, have made it a fan favorite and a classic in Perkins’ catalog. “Dixie Fried” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful, and a reminder of his enduring impact on the world of rock and roll.
2. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a classic rock and roll song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957. The track features Perkins’ signature guitar sound, driving rhythm, and dynamic vocals, creating a sound that captures the energy and excitement of early rock and roll. The song’s lyrics, which use the image of a matchbox to explore themes of love and desire, have become a staple of rock and roll songwriting. “Matchbox” has been covered by countless artists over the years, including the Beatles, who famously performed the song on their “Live at the BBC” album. The song is a testament to Perkins’ influence on the development of rock and roll, and his ability to create timeless and enduring music.
3. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a classic rockabilly tune by Carl Perkins, released in 1954. The song features Perkins’ distinctive twangy guitar sound and upbeat tempo, with his lively vocals telling a story of a couple dancing and letting the music take over. The lyrics capture the joyful and carefree spirit of early rock and roll, celebrating the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community. “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Perkins’ influence on the development of rock music.
4. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound and catchy lyrics, and is characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic guitar riff. The song’s lyrics, which warn against stepping on someone’s blue suede shoes, have become a classic in the world of rock and roll and have been covered by many other artists over the years. “Blue Suede Shoes” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create music that is both fun and enduring, and a reminder of his status as a pioneer of rockabilly music.
5. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a classic rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. The song features Perkins’ signature guitar sound and energetic vocals, with lyrics that celebrate the joy of dancing and having a good time. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo capture the spirit of early rock and roll, with Perkins’ unique blend of country and blues influences setting the standard for the emerging genre. “Boppin’ the Blues” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Perkins’ enduring influence on rock music. The song’s infectious energy and timeless appeal continue to inspire and delight audiences today.
6. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a classic rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1957. The track features Perkins’ signature guitar sound and dynamic vocals, with a driving rhythm and catchy melody that captures the spirit of early rock and roll. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate the joy and excitement of young love, have become a staple of rock and roll songwriting, inspiring countless imitators and covers over the years. “Your True Love” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create timeless and infectious music, and his influence on the development of rock and roll as a genre.
7. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1957. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound and upbeat tempo, and is characterized by its catchy melody and playful lyrics. The song’s lyrics, which speak to the challenges of dealing with admirers and maintaining a sense of independence, have made it a fan favorite and a classic in Perkins’ catalog. “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create music that is both fun and relatable, and a reminder of his enduring impact on the world of rock and roll.
8. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a rockabilly classic by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. The song features Perkins’ twangy guitar sound and upbeat rhythm, with lyrics that tell a playful and humorous story about the ups and downs of love. The song’s catchy chorus and lively tempo make it a fan favorite, with Perkins’ exuberant vocals and guitar work showcasing his talents as both a singer and musician. “Honey Don’t” has become a staple of rockabilly and early rock and roll, inspiring countless covers and interpretations over the years. The song remains a testament to Perkins’ enduring influence on the development of rock music.
9. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a classic rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1958. The track features Perkins’ distinctive guitar sound, driving rhythm, and dynamic vocals, creating a sound that captures the energy and excitement of early rock and roll. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate the joys of living in the moment and seizing the day, have become a staple of rock and roll songwriting. “That’s Right” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create infectious and uplifting music, and his influence on the development of rock and roll as a genre. The song remains a beloved classic of 1950s rock and roll.
10. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1955. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound and catchy lyrics, and is characterized by its upbeat tempo and playful melody. The song’s lyrics, which speak to the allure of a beautiful woman who is like a character in a movie, have made it a fan favorite and a classic in Perkins’ catalog. “Movie Magg” is a testament to Perkins’ ability to create music that is both fun and imaginative, and a reminder of his status as a pioneer of rockabilly music.
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.
