Perkins, Carl (1932-1998), was one of the first and most influential stars of rock music. He helped popularize a style of music called rockabilly. Rockabilly is a blend of country music (sometimes called hillbilly music) and rhythm and blues. Perkins’s composition “Blue Suede Shoes” was one of the greatest hits in rock ‘n’ roll history. He recorded the song in 1955, and it became a hit in 1956, when the record was released. “Blue Suede Shoes” turned into an even bigger hit in a version recorded by Elvis Presley and released later that year. After his early success in rock music, Perkins moved to country music, where he became a popular performer, composer, and bandleader.
Carl Lee Perkins was born on April 9, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee. He signed a contract with Sun Records in 1954 and became part of a group of Sun recording artists who helped shape early rock music. The group also included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison. Perkins was severely injured in an automobile accident in 1956, at the peak of his popularity. His career declined after his yearlong recovery from the accident. He did make a few popular recordings in the late 1950’s, especially “Matchbox,” “Your True Love,” “Pink Pedal Pushers,” and “Pointed Toe Shoes.”
In 1965, Perkins began a long association with country and folk singer Johnny Cash. For about 10 years, they performed together in concerts and on television. During that time, Perkins recorded several country music hits, including “Me Without You” (1971), “Cotton Top” (1971), and “High on Love” (1972). He also wrote the hit song “Daddy Sang Bass (1968),” which Cash recorded. Perkins left Cash in 1976 to organize his own country band. The band, which included his sons Stan and Greg, toured for many years. Perkins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He wrote an autobiography, Go, Cat, Go! (1996). At the same time, Perkins made an album called Go, Cat, Go! that he recorded with Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and other artists. Perkins died on Jan. 19, 1998.
