Carl Perkins was an influential American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, often referred to as the “King of Rockabilly.” He was born on April 9, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, and grew up in a musical family. Perkins’ distinctive guitar playing style and energetic stage presence helped shape the early sound of rock and roll.
Perkins rose to fame in the 1950s with his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes,” which he wrote and recorded in 1955. The song’s catchy melody, driving rhythm, and Perkins’ twangy guitar licks made it an instant classic and a defining song of the rockabilly genre.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Perkins continued to release a string of successful singles, including “Matchbox,” “Boppin’ the Blues,” and “Honey Don’t.” His music combined elements of country, blues, and rockabilly, and he was admired for his innovative guitar work and songwriting talent.
In addition to his solo career, Perkins was known for his collaborations with other legendary musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. He was also a member of the Million Dollar Quartet, a famous impromptu jam session with Presley, Cash, and Lewis.
Perkins’ influence on rock and roll music is significant, and he is regarded as one of the pioneers of the genre. His songs have been covered by numerous artists over the years, and his impact on popular music continues to be felt to this day. Perkins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, recognizing his enduring contributions to the music world.
1. Matchbox
“Matchbox” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It is one of Perkins’ most famous songs and is considered a rock and roll classic. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound, characterized by its driving rhythm, energetic guitar playing, and catchy melody.
“Matchbox” tells the story of a man who is down on his luck and laments his inability to buy a new matchbox to light his cigarettes. The song’s lyrics are playful and humorous, reflecting Perkins’ knack for storytelling and his unique sense of humor.
Perkins’ original version of “Matchbox” was a hit upon its release and has since been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, who recorded a popular version of the song in 1964. The Beatles’ rendition of “Matchbox” was sung by Ringo Starr and released as a single, reaching the top 20 on the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Matchbox” remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll genre and is a testament to Carl Perkins’ enduring influence and talent as a musician and songwriter.
2. Dixie Fried
“Dixie Fried” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins. It was released as a single in 1956 and later included on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” The song is a rockabilly classic, featuring Perkins’ distinctive guitar style and energetic vocals.
“Dixie Fried” is an uptempo, danceable track with a driving rhythm and catchy melody. The lyrics celebrate the joys of Southern living, with references to Southern cuisine, culture, and lifestyle. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation make it a favorite among fans of rockabilly music.
“Dixie Fried” was a modest hit for Perkins, reaching the lower reaches of the charts. However, it has since become a classic of the genre and a popular choice for covers by other artists. Perkins’ original version of the song showcases his talent as a songwriter and performer and remains a standout track in his catalog.
3. Your True Love
“Your True Love” is a classic rock and roll song written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins. It was released as a single in 1957, and it also appeared on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” The song is characterized by its energetic rhythm, catchy melody, and Perkins’ distinctive vocals and guitar playing.
“Your True Love” tells the story of a man who is deeply in love with his sweetheart and expresses his devotion and admiration for her. The lyrics celebrate the joy and happiness that love brings, and the upbeat tempo of the song adds to its infectious charm.
Over the years, “Your True Love” has been covered by various artists, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a version of the song in 1957. The song has also been featured in several films and TV shows, further cementing its status as a classic in the rock and roll genre.
“Your True Love” showcases Carl Perkins’ talent as both a songwriter and a performer, and it remains a beloved favorite among fans of rockabilly and early rock and roll music.
4. Honey Don’t
“Honey Don’t” is a song written by Carl Perkins, originally released as the B-side to his 1956 single “Blue Suede Shoes.” The song later appeared on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.”
“Honey Don’t” is a rockabilly song with a lively tempo and a catchy chorus. The lyrics humorously address the singer’s frustrations with his partner’s behavior, with the repeated refrain “Honey don’t” serving as a playful admonition.
The song is perhaps best known for its cover by The Beatles, who included it on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale.” Ringo Starr sang lead vocals on The Beatles’ version, giving the song a distinctively different feel from Perkins’ original.
“Honey Don’t” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a popular rockabilly standard. Perkins’ original version is celebrated for its infectious energy and clever lyrics, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and performer.
5. Movie Magg
“Movie Magg” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins, released as his debut single in 1955. The song is a country and rockabilly tune, characterized by Perkins’ twangy guitar playing and country-style vocals.
“Movie Magg” tells the story of a boy who falls in love with a girl he sees at the movies, describing her as a “picture show queen.” The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics capture the innocence and excitement of young love.
While “Movie Magg” did not achieve significant commercial success upon its release, it helped establish Carl Perkins as a talented songwriter and performer in the emerging rockabilly scene. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy set the stage for Perkins’ later hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Matchbox.”
“Movie Magg” remains a favorite among fans of early rock and roll and rockabilly music, and it is recognized as an important part of Carl Perkins’ musical legacy.
6. That’s Right
“That’s Right” is a song by Carl Perkins, released as a single in 1957. It showcases Perkins’ distinctive rockabilly sound, featuring his energetic guitar playing and spirited vocals.
In “That’s Right,” Perkins sings about his love for rock and roll music and the joy it brings him. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody capture the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll era.
While “That’s Right” may not be as well-known as some of Perkins’ other hits, it remains a favorite among fans of rockabilly music. The song exemplifies Perkins’ talent as both a songwriter and performer, and it serves as a reminder of his enduring influence on the rock and roll genre.
7. Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1955. It was the B-side to his hit single “Gone, Gone, Gone.”
The song is an upbeat rockabilly track with a catchy melody and driving rhythm. The lyrics describe a desire to keep the jukebox playing and the music going, reflecting the joy and excitement of rock and roll music.
“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” showcases Perkins’ distinctive guitar style and energetic vocals. The song is a classic example of his early rockabilly sound and remains a favorite among fans of the genre.
While “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” was not as big a hit as some of Perkins’ other songs, it is still highly regarded for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. It has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a popular choice for rockabilly enthusiasts.
8. Boppin’ the Blues
“Boppin’ the Blues” is a classic rock and roll song co-written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It was released as a single, with “All Mama’s Children” on the B-side. The song features Perkins’ signature rockabilly sound, characterized by its driving rhythm, twangy guitar licks, and energetic vocals.
“Boppin’ the Blues” celebrates the joy and excitement of dancing to rock and roll music. The lyrics describe the thrill of boppin’ (dancing) to the blues, with Perkins’ enthusiastic vocals conveying the infectious energy of the dance floor.
The song was a moderate hit for Perkins, reaching number 7 on the Billboard country chart and number 47 on the Billboard pop chart. It remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll genre, showcasing Perkins’ talent as both a songwriter and performer.
Over the years, “Boppin’ the Blues” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a rockabilly standard. It continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of early rock and roll music for its timeless appeal and rollicking rhythm.
9. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a song written by Carl Perkins, originally released in 1957. It was included on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins.” The song is an upbeat rockabilly track with a catchy melody and energetic rhythm.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included a version of the song on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale.” George Harrison sang lead vocals on The Beatles’ version, which was influenced by Perkins’ original recording.
The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s experiences with people trying to take advantage of his success and popularity. Despite the pressures and challenges he faces, the singer remains confident and upbeat, expressing a sense of resilience and determination.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a classic of the rockabilly genre and has been praised for its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and spirited performance. Perkins’ original version of the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer.
10. Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” is a rock and roll song written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It is one of the most famous and influential songs in the rockabilly genre. Perkins’ version of the song was released as a single and became a massive hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard country chart and number 2 on the Billboard pop chart.
“Blue Suede Shoes” is characterized by its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and Perkins’ distinctive guitar riff. The 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 song’s title and lyrics have become iconic in popular culture, symbolizing the importance of self-expression and individuality.
The success of “Blue Suede Shoes” helped launch Carl Perkins to fame and established him as a leading figure in the early rock and roll movement. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a popular version of the song in 1956. “Blue Suede Shoes” remains a beloved classic in the rockabilly genre and is considered one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.