This day (January 19, 1998 ), in Jackson, Tennessee, died Carl Lee Perkins a.k.a. Carl Perkins, an American singer, songwriter who wrote among others ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and ‘ Matchbox’.
Tracklist :
1 . Blue Suede Shoes (Perry Como Show, 1956)
2 . Matchbox (1957)
3 . Y.O.U. (1959)
4 . Folsom Prison Blues (w/ Johnny Cash)
5 . Matchbox (w/ Eric Clapton, & Johnny Cash, 1970)
6 . Mean Woman Blues/Blue Suede (w/ Jerry Lee Lewis)
7 . Me And Jesus (Beat-Club @ Radio Bremen, 1972=
8 . Medley (w/ Johnny Cash, 1974)
9 . Kaw-Liga (Zürich, 1978)
10 . Blue Suede Shoes (w/ Jerry Lee Lewis, 1979)
11 . Honey Don’t (Paris, 1981)
12 . Boppin’ The Blues (w/ Blasters, 1982)
13 . Medley (w/ Dave Edmunds, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Roseanne Cash, Ringo Starr, Capitol Theatre, 1985)
14 . Birth of Rock-N-Roll (1986)
15 . Blue Suede Shoes (w/ Keith Richards, BB King, etc. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 1987)
16 . Honey Don’t / That’s Alright Mama (w/ George Harrison, Shepperton Studios in Surrey UK, 1988)
17 . On Letterman (1990)
18 . My Old Friend (w/ Paul McCartney, 1993)
19 . Matchbox (w/ Bob Dylan, 1994)
20 . Finger picking (CWMPC,1996)
21 . Blue Suede Shoes (w/ Dave Edmunds, Leno, 1997)
22 . Carl Perkins and Paul McCartney
Tracklist :
Blue Suede Shoes . Matchbox . Honey Don’t . Boppin’ the Blues . Put Your Cat Clothes On . Dixie Fried . Movie Magg . Your True Love . Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby . All Mama’s Children .
Early Life and Musical Roots
Carl Perkins, born Carl Lee Perkins on April 9, 1932, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, grows up in a sharecropping family, working alongside his parents and siblings in the cotton fields.
His early exposure to Southern gospel in church and blues music from black field workers, particularly Uncle John Westbrook, shapes his musical foundation.
Using a cigar box and broom handle, he crafts his first guitar before receiving a proper one from Uncle John, who also teaches him essential guitar techniques.
By age 14, Perkins forms a band with his brothers Jay and Clayton, playing in honky-tonks despite his mother’s preference for church music.
He writes his first song, “Movie Mag,” inspired by a girl from Lake County, and marries Vala Krider, who encourages his musical pursuits.
Breakthrough with Sun Records
After hearing Elvis Presley on the radio in 1954, Perkins heads to Sun Records in Memphis, where owner Sam Phillips recognizes his potential.
His debut single, “Movie Mag,” is released in 1955, but it is “Blue Suede Shoes,” inspired by a dance comment and Johnny Cash’s suggestion, that catapults him to fame.
The song becomes the first to top the pop, country, and rhythm and blues charts simultaneously, selling over a million records.
Despite his success, Perkins feels overshadowed by Elvis Presley, whose looks and opportunities elevate him to stardom.
Setbacks and Recovery
In March 1956, a car accident en route to a television appearance leaves Perkins with serious injuries, sidelining him during a critical moment in his career.
While recovering, he watches Elvis perform “Blue Suede Shoes” on television, which affects his momentum.
Perkins continues to release music but struggles to replicate the success of “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Feeling neglected at Sun Records, he signs with Columbia Records in 1958, though his rockabilly sound is misunderstood there.
Influence and Legacy
Perkins tours England in 1964 with Chuck Berry, a pivotal moment in his career, and becomes a major influence on The Beatles, who record his songs “Matchbox,” “Honey Don’t,” and “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby.”
George Harrison admires Perkins deeply, marking his impact on the British Invasion.
Returning to the U.S., Perkins joins Johnny Cash’s band, co-writing the hit “A Boy Named Sue” and continuing to tour and perform.
He battles alcohol but ultimately gives it up, focusing on family and philanthropy, including co-founding the Jackson, Tennessee Child Abuse Center.
Recognition and Final Years
Perkins is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, cementing his place as a rockabilly pioneer.
He continues to perform with his sons and overcomes throat cancer in 1991, reflecting on his career with humility.
“Blue Suede Shoes” remains his signature achievement, though Perkins values friendship and kindness above fame.
He passes away in 1998 after battling throat cancer, leaving behind a legacy of innovative guitar playing, songwriting, and an indelible mark on rock and roll history.
Photo
Brent Moore