The 10 best Carl Perkins songs of all time

Carl Perkins was an influential American rockabilly musician known for his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes,” which became a rock and roll classic. His innovative guitar style and high-energy performances defined the early rockabilly sound of the 1950s. Perkins’ contributions to music continue to inspire generations of musicians across genres today.

1. Matchbox

“Matchbox” is a rockabilly song originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It became one of his signature songs, known for its fast tempo, catchy guitar riffs and lively energy. The song’s lyrics playfully describe a man’s experiences with a passionate relationship and his desire to move on. “Matchbox” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Beatles, who released their version on their 1995 album *Anthology 1*. Carl Perkins’ original recording remains a classic example of early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly music.

2. Dixie Fried

“Dixie Fried” is a song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It is a rockabilly track known for its energetic rhythm, catchy guitar work, and Perkins’ distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate Southern culture and cuisine, referencing popular Southern dishes such as “Dixie Fried Chicken” and “Buttermilk Pie.” “Dixie Fried” showcases Perkins’ talent for blending country, rock, and rhythm and blues influences, adding to his reputation as a pioneer of rockabilly music. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, further cementing its status as a classic of American roots music.

3. Your true love

“Your True Love” is a rockabilly song written by Carl Perkins, originally released in 1957. It is known for its fast tempo, rousing guitar riffs, and Perkins’ sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics express devotion and admiration for a romantic partner, with a classic rock and roll feel that was characteristic of Perkins’ style. “Your True Love” exemplifies the energetic and danceable sound of early rockabilly music, influenced subsequent generations of musicians, and became a popular choice for cover versions by artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

4. Honey, not

“Honey Don’t” is a rockabilly song written by Carl Perkins, originally released in 1956. It is known for its brisk tempo, playful lyrics, and Perkins’ energetic vocals. The song takes a humorous approach to relationship problems, with the singer bemoaning his partner’s behavior and emphasizing his independence. “Honey Don’t” features Perkins’ signature guitar style and embodies the lighthearted spirit of early rock’n’roll and rockabilly music. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including the Beatles, who released a rendition on their 1964 album *Beatles for Sale*.

5. Movie Magg

“Movie Magg” is one of Carl Perkins’ early recordings and was released in 1955. It is a country and rockabilly inspired song that showcases Perkins’ early musical style and guitar playing. The song tells the story of a young couple going to the movies and captures the innocence and charm of American youth culture in the mid-1950s. “Movie Magg” helped establish Carl Perkins as a talented songwriter and performer in the emerging rockabilly genre and laid the foundation for his later success with hits such as “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Matchbox.”

6. That is correct

“That’s Right” is a song by Carl Perkins, released in 1958. It is a rockabilly track known for its lively rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Perkins’ confident vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate life’s simple pleasures and its assertiveness, and reflect Perkins’ optimistic and charismatic musical style. “That’s Right” showcases Perkins’ talent for blending country, rock, and rhythm and blues influences, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of rockabilly music. The song contributed to Perkins’ lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians, and remains a classic example of his early rock and roll repertoire.

7. Let the jukebox keep playing

“Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” is a rockabilly song written by Carl Perkins, released in 1956. It is known for its fast tempo, catchy melody, and Perkins’ dynamic vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy of music and dancing, and capture the excitement and energy of a lively jukebox scene. “Let the Jukebox Keep On Playing” embodies the carefree spirit and enthusiasm of early rock and roll, and showcases Perkins’ distinctive guitar style and charismatic stage presence. The song became a popular dance tune, and remains popular among fans of rockabilly and classic rock and roll.

8. Dancing the Blues

“Boppin’ the Blues” is a rockabilly song originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. It is characterized by its brisk tempo, infectious rhythm, and Perkins’ energetic vocals. The song features Perkins’ distinctive guitar style, known for its catchy riffs and driving rhythm, which helped shape the rockabilly genre. “Boppin’ the Blues” captures the excitement and exuberance of 1950s rock and roll, with lyrics that celebrate the joy of dancing and having fun. The song’s energetic delivery and infectious melody have made it a classic example of early rockabilly music.

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 is known for its fast tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and Perkins’ sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics humorously describe the singer’s encounters with suitors vying for his attention. Perkins’ energetic guitar playing and lively performance style contribute to the song’s infectious charm and its enduring popularity in the rockabilly genre.

The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including the Beatles, who released a rendition on their 1964 album *Beatles for Sale*. It remains a beloved classic in the history of rock’n’roll and rockabilly music, and demonstrates Perkins’ influence on the genre and his ability to write memorable, catchy tunes.

10. Blue suede shoes

“Blue Suede Shoes” is a rockabilly song written and originally recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It became one of Perkins’ most famous and long-lasting hits, known for its energetic tempo, catchy guitar riff and iconic lyrics. The song warns against stepping on the singer’s blue suede shoes, a symbol of pride and individuality. “Blue Suede Shoes” was a crossover success, reaching the top of the country and western, rhythm and blues and pop charts, and marked Perkins’ breakthrough into the mainstream.

The song’s popularity led to numerous cover versions by artists such as Elvis Presley, who also had a hit version in 1956. “Blue Suede Shoes” remains a classic in rock’n’roll history, symbolizing the rebellious spirit and youthful energy of the genre’s early days.

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