Carl Perkins was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, often called the “King of Rockabilly.” Born on April 9, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, Perkins is best known for his pioneering contributions to the rock and roll genre in the 1950s.
Perkins gained fame with his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes,” which became a rock and roll standard and was famously covered by Elvis Presley. The song’s success helped establish Perkins as a major figure in the early rock and roll movement. His music combined elements of country, blues, and rockabilly, characterized by his distinctive guitar playing and energetic performances.
Other notable songs by Perkins include “Matchbox,” “Honey Don’t,” and “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby.” Many of his songs have been covered by other influential artists, including The Beatles, who were heavily influenced by Perkins’ style.
Perkins’ career was temporarily derailed by a car accident in 1956, but he continued to record and perform throughout his life. He remained a respected figure in the music industry, influencing generations of musicians with his innovative guitar work and songwriting.
Carl Perkins passed away on January 19, 1998, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to rock and roll and his influence on countless artists who followed in his footsteps.
1. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1957. Written by Perkins, the song features his signature blend of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. Its lyrics express the frustration of a man with nothing left but a matchbox to hold his sorrow. The driving rhythm, twangy guitar riffs, and Perkins’ raw vocals exemplify the rockabilly style. “Matchbox” has been covered by various artists, most notably the Beatles, who brought it to a wider audience. Perkins’ influence on rock and roll is evident in this enduring classic, showcasing his innovative guitar work and songwriting prowess.
2. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. Written by Perkins and Howard “Curly” Griffin, the song epitomizes the wild, rebellious spirit of early rock ‘n’ roll. It tells the story of a rowdy night out, filled with drinking, dancing, and trouble, culminating in a brawl that lands the protagonist in jail. Musically, “Dixie Fried” features Perkins’ energetic guitar playing, driving rhythms, and raw, expressive vocals. The song’s infectious energy and vivid storytelling have made it a standout in Perkins’ catalog, highlighting his role as a pioneer of rockabilly and his influence on the genre’s development.
3. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a song by Carl Perkins, released as a single in 1957. The song was written by Perkins and is a classic example of his rockabilly style, blending elements of country and rock and roll.
“Your True Love” features Perkins’ signature guitar work and energetic vocals. The lyrics are a straightforward declaration of love and fidelity, with Perkins singing about his devotion to his partner. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a standout track in Perkins’ discography.
Musically, “Your True Love” showcases Perkins’ skillful guitar playing, characterized by its bright, twangy sound and rhythmic drive. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus helped it become a favorite among fans of early rock and roll.
“Your True Love” is one of several hits Perkins had during his career, and it remains a beloved classic in the rockabilly genre. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Perkins’ talent as a songwriter and performer, and it continues to be celebrated by rock and roll enthusiasts around the world.
4. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a rockabilly song written and performed by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. It was the B-side to his hit single “Blue Suede Shoes.” The song is characterized by its upbeat rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Perkins’ smooth, twangy vocals. Lyrically, “Honey Don’t” is a playful tune in which the singer addresses a romantic partner, asking her to be honest and straightforward in their relationship.
The song gained further popularity when it was covered by the Beatles in 1964, with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. This cover helped cement “Honey Don’t” as a rock and roll classic. Perkins’ original version remains a beloved staple of the rockabilly genre, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and guitarist.
5. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is one of Carl Perkins’ earliest songs, written and recorded in 1954. It was released as his debut single on the Sun Records label in 1955.
“Movie Magg” is a rockabilly tune that tells the story of a young couple’s simple and charming date to the movies. The lyrics describe a boy named Carl taking his girlfriend Maggie to the cinema, reflecting the innocence and excitement of teenage romance in the 1950s. The song’s narrative and catchy chorus paint a vivid picture of this quintessentially American experience.
Musically, “Movie Magg” features Perkins’ distinctive rockabilly guitar style, with a lively rhythm and upbeat tempo. The song is driven by Perkins’ energetic guitar work, his engaging vocals, and a rockabilly beat that captures the spirit of the era.
“Movie Magg” is notable for being one of the songs that helped launch Carl Perkins’ career. It showcased his talent as both a songwriter and guitarist, and it set the stage for his future successes, including hits like “Blue Suede Shoes.” As a piece of rockabilly history, “Movie Magg” remains an important and beloved part of Perkins’ musical legacy.
6. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released in 1957. Written by Perkins, the song features his trademark blend of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. “That’s Right” is known for its upbeat tempo, infectious rhythm, and Perkins’ signature guitar work, which includes sharp, twangy riffs that capture the energetic spirit of the rockabilly genre.
Lyrically, the song exudes confidence and assertiveness, with Perkins’ vocals delivering a lively performance that complements the song’s vibrant instrumentation. “That’s Right” exemplifies Perkins’ influential role in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing his innovative guitar style and charismatic delivery. The song remains a testament to Perkins’ lasting impact on the genre and his contributions to the development of rockabilly music.
7. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a country song by Carl Perkins, released in 1955. Written by Perkins, the song is one of his early recordings, showcasing his ability to blend country and rockabilly styles.
The song features a slow, steady rhythm with twangy guitar licks and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of classic country music. Perkins’ smooth, emotive vocals tell the story of a man seeking solace and escape from his troubles by listening to music on the jukebox. The song’s melancholic yet soothing melody highlights Perkins’ versatility as a songwriter and performer.
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a testament to Perkins’ influence in both country and rockabilly genres, illustrating his knack for creating songs that resonate with listeners through their emotional depth and musical simplicity. This track remains a cherished piece of Perkins’ early catalog, reflecting his roots in country music and his role in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll.
8. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a song by Carl Perkins, released as a single in 1956. The song was written by Perkins and Howard “Curley” Griffin and is a classic example of the rockabilly genre, blending elements of country, blues, and rock and roll.
“Boppin’ the Blues” is an energetic, upbeat song that captures the lively spirit of 1950s rock and roll. The lyrics describe the joy of dancing and having a good time, with Perkins singing about bopping to the blues. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody make it a standout track in Perkins’ discography.
Musically, “Boppin’ the Blues” features Perkins’ signature guitar work, characterized by its bright, twangy sound and rhythmic drive. The song’s lively tempo and Perkins’ enthusiastic vocals contribute to its dynamic feel, making it a favorite for dancing.
“Boppin’ the Blues” was well-received upon its release and helped solidify Perkins’ reputation as one of the leading figures in the rockabilly movement. It remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll canon, showcasing Perkins’ talent as both a performer and songwriter. The song’s enduring popularity highlights its significance in the development of rock and roll music.
9. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song written and performed by Carl Perkins. It was first released in 1957 as the final track on his debut album, “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Perkins’ distinctive guitar work.
Lyrically, “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” reflects the singer’s newfound popularity and the attention he receives from admirers. The song’s confident and playful tone, coupled with its infectious rhythm, makes it a standout in Perkins’ catalog.
The song gained additional fame when it was covered by the Beatles on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale,” with George Harrison taking on lead vocals. This cover helped introduce Perkins’ music to a wider audience and further cemented his influence on rock ‘n’ roll.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” remains a classic example of rockabilly music and showcases Carl Perkins’ talent as a songwriter and guitarist, contributing to his legacy as a pioneer of the genre.
10. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a classic rock and roll song written and first recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. Released as a single in January 1956, the song became one of the most influential and iconic tracks of the rockabilly era.
The song’s lyrics emphasize the importance of the protagonist’s blue suede shoes, with the catchy chorus “But don’t you step on my blue suede shoes / You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes.” The lighthearted and rebellious tone resonated with the youth of the 1950s, capturing the spirit of the emerging rock and roll culture.
Musically, “Blue Suede Shoes” features Perkins’ distinctive guitar work, characterized by its driving rhythm and rockabilly style. The song combines elements of country and rhythm and blues, creating a sound that was new and exciting at the time.
“Blue Suede Shoes” was a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the country charts. It was also a hit on the rhythm and blues charts, showcasing its cross-genre appeal. The song’s success helped catapult Perkins to fame and established him as a significant figure in the early days of rock and roll.
Elvis Presley famously covered “Blue Suede Shoes,” further popularizing the song and solidifying its place in rock and roll history. Perkins’ original version remains a classic, celebrated for its infectious energy, memorable lyrics, and pioneering sound. The song’s legacy endures as a testament to Carl Perkins’ influence on the development of rock and roll music.