The 10 best Carl Perkins songs of all time

Carl Perkins (1932–1998) was an American rockabilly musician and songwriter known for his influential contributions to the early rock and roll genre. Born in Tennessee, Perkins rose to fame in the 1950s with his distinctive guitar style, catchy songs, and high-energy performances.

Perkins’ most famous song is “Blue Suede Shoes,” which was released in 1956 and became a huge hit and helped popularize rockabilly music. The song’s infectious beat, catchy guitar riff, and Perkins’ twangy vocals made it an instant classic. “Blue Suede Shoes” was one of the first rock and roll songs to hit both the pop and country charts, cementing Perkins’ place in music history.

Perkins continued to record and perform throughout his career, influencing countless musicians with his guitar technique and songwriting. He worked with artists such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and the Beatles, who recorded several of his songs. Perkins’ legacy as a pioneer of rockabilly and early rock and roll endures, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

1. Matchbox

“Matchbox” is a classic rock and roll song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957. It is known for its fast tempo, catchy guitar riff, and Perkins’ energetic vocals. The song tells the simple story of a man who finds himself in a difficult situation after losing his matches and asks a matchbox for help in lighting his cigarette.

“Matchbox” became one of Carl Perkins’ best-known songs and was a hit in its day, captivating audiences with its infectious rhythm and straightforward lyrics. The song’s popularity led to numerous cover versions by other artists, including the Beatles, who recorded their own version in 1964 with Ringo Starr on vocals.

Carl Perkins’ original “Matchbox” remains a classic example of early rock and roll, characterized by its vibrant instrumentation and Perkins’ distinctive rockabilly style. It continues to be celebrated for its influence on the genre and its enduring appeal to fans of rock music.

2. Dixie Fried

“Dixie Fried” is a song written by Carl Perkins and Howard “Curley” Griffin, released as a single in 1956. It features Perkins’ signature rockabilly style with its brisk tempo, twangy guitar riffs, and spirited vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the culture and lifestyle of the South, reflecting Perkins’ Tennessee roots and affection for Dixie traditions.

“Dixie Fried” became a popular song among fans of rockabilly and early rock and roll, and contributed to Perkins’ reputation as a talented songwriter and performer of the genre. The song’s fast rhythm and catchy melody made it a favorite among rockabilly fans and a staple in Perkins’ discography.

Over the years, “Dixie Fried” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a classic of the rockabilly genre. The song’s vibrant energy and nostalgic lyrics continue to resonate with audiences and celebrate the spirit of Southern rock and roll that Carl Perkins helped to shape in the 1950s.

3. Your true love

“Your True Love” is a rockabilly song by Carl Perkins, released as a single in 1957 and later included on his album Dance Album of Carl Perkins. Known for its fast tempo, catchy guitar riffs and energetic vocals, the song is an example of Perkins’ distinctive style within the rockabilly genre.

“Your True Love” features Perkins’ signature guitar work, characterized by his thumb and two-finger picking style that influenced the development of rock and roll guitar playing. The song’s lyrics express devotion and admiration for a romantic partner, reflecting themes common in 1950s rockabilly and early rock and roll music.

The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a version of “Your True Love” during his Sun Records sessions. Carl Perkins’ original recording remains a classic example of rockabilly music, celebrated for its infectious energy and Perkins’ role as a pioneer of the genre.

4. Honey, not

“Honey Don’t” is a rock and roll song written by Carl Perkins, originally released in 1956 as the B-side to his hit single “Blue Suede Shoes”. The song features Perkins’ energetic guitar playing and lively vocals, characteristic of his rockabilly style. “Honey Don’t” is known for its fast tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics, which convey a light-hearted message about relationship problems and romantic frustrations.

The song became popular among rockabilly and early rock and roll fans and has since been covered by various artists, including the Beatles, who released a version of “Honey Don’t” on their 1964 album Beatles for Sale. Perkins’ original recording remains a classic of the genre and demonstrates his musical talent and influence on the development of rock music in the 1950s.

5. Movie Magg

“Movie Magg” is a song written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It was one of Perkins’ earliest recordings and showcased his distinctive rockabilly style and guitar playing. The song features Perkins’ energetic vocals and fast rhythm, capturing the spirit of early rock and roll.

“Movie Magg” reflects Perkins’ youthful enthusiasm and love of music. The lyrics tell the story of a girl named Maggie who loves going to the movies. The song’s catchy melody and Perkins’ infectious enthusiasm made it a hit among rockabilly fans and helped establish Perkins as a rising star in the genre.

Although “Movie Magg” was not as big a commercial success as some of Perkins’ later hits, it remains a significant song of his early career and a testament to his influence on the rockabilly movement. The song’s charm and nostalgic appeal continue to be appreciated by fans of rock and roll history.

6. That is correct

“That’s Right” is a song by Fleetwood Mac, originally released on their 1995 album “Time”. It is a bluesy rock track with rough guitar riffs, soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The song shows the versatility of Fleetwood Mac and their ability to incorporate blues and rock influences into their music.

“Time” marked a return to a more blues-oriented sound for Fleetwood Mac, while “That’s Right” underscores their musical evolution and exploration of different styles. The song’s raw energy and passionate delivery reflect the band’s commitment to creating powerful and moving music.

7. Let the jukebox keep playing

“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a classic rockabilly song written and performed by Carl Perkins. Released in 1955, the song features Perkins’ energetic guitar playing and distinctive vocals that are characteristic of the rockabilly genre.

The lyrics of “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” celebrate the joy of listening to music on a jukebox and capture the carefree spirit and excitement of the early rock and roll era. The song’s fast tempo, catchy melody and Perkins’ lively delivery made it popular with fans of rockabilly music in the 1950s.

One of Carl Perkins’ early recordings, “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” contributed to his growing reputation as a talented songwriter and performer on the rockabilly scene. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its infectious rhythm and nostalgic charm, reflecting the optimism and excitement of post-war America.

8. Dancing the Blues

“Boppin’ the Blues” is a classic rockabilly song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It is known for its fast tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and lively vocals typical of the rockabilly genre. The song features Perkins’ signature guitar style, which is characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic solos.

“Boppin’ the Blues” became a popular hit among rock and roll fans in the 1950s and showcased Perkins’ talent as a guitarist and singer. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of dancing and having fun, and embody the carefree spirit of early rock and roll music.

Over the years, “Boppin’ the Blues” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a rockabilly classic. Perkins’ original recording remains a popular example of his influential contribution to the rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll genres.

9. Everyone is trying to be my baby

“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1957. It was released as a single and later included on his album “Dance Album of Carl Perkins”. The song features Perkins’ energetic guitar playing, a catchy melody, and playful lyrics.

“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” became a hit on the rockabilly and rock’n’roll scene in the 1950s, demonstrating Perkins’ skill as a guitarist and his ability to blend country, blues and rock influences into a distinctive style. The song’s lyrics humorously recount the narrator’s experiences with admirers and the attention he receives, reflecting the carefree and rebellious spirit of early rock’n’roll music.

The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Beatles, who released a version of “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” on their 1964 album Beatles for Sale. Perkins’ original recording remains a classic example of rockabilly music and a testament to his lasting influence on the genre.

10. Blue suede shoes

“Blue Suede Shoes” is a rock and roll song written and first recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It quickly became a huge hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Country and Western charts and number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song’s lyrics tell the cautionary tale of a man warning others not to step on his blue suede shoes, emphasizing how important they are to him. Musically, “Blue Suede Shoes” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Perkins’ energetic vocals. The song’s popularity helped define the rockabilly genre and cemented Perkins’ status as a rock and roll pioneer.

“Blue Suede Shoes” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who recorded a version in 1956 that also became a major hit. Perkins’ original recording remains iconic and is celebrated for its influence on early rock ‘n’ roll and its enduring appeal as a classic of the genre.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.