The Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll! Must-Listen Rockabilly Classics and Fan Favorites
Rockabilly, often said to be the origin of rock ’n’ roll.
Born in the United States in the 1950s, this music is characterized by an energetic, wild sound that fuses country music with rhythm and blues.
Its brisk rhythms and simple yet powerful melodies have continued to influence countless artists across generations.
Maybe you’ve heard of rockabilly but aren’t sure which songs to start with.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic and popular tracks that let you fully experience the appeal of rockabilly.
Immerse yourself in these gems where nostalgia and freshness coexist!
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[The Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll!] Must-Listen Rockabilly Classics and Popular Songs (71–80)
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going OnJERRY LEE LEWIS
Capturing the peak of the piano-rocker era, this song became a worldwide hit following its July 1957 performance on The Steve Allen Show, ultimately selling over six million copies and becoming a classic.
It was the second single in Jerry Lee Lewis’s career, appearing on the U.S.
charts at the same time as “Great Balls of Fire,” with both songs reaching No.
1.
Three Alley CatsRoy Hall
It’s said that in his early teens, Hall learned piano from drunk patrons at bars.
He later formed the Coffta Mountain Boys, crafting a rockabilly sound that dug deeper into traditional country music.
Bang BangJanis Martin
Janis Martin’s “Bang Bang” blends upbeat rock ’n’ roll with country.
The boogie-woogie-style piano adds a great touch, and the guitar is probably a Gretsch.
Her vocals are clear and feminine, with a crystalline quality.
Rockabilly FeverWanda Jackson
This is a cover of a Carl Perkins song by Wanda Jackson, the rockabilly woman from a country & western background who is also famous in Japan for the classic Fujiyama Mama.
She belts it out in her distinctive raspy voice, firmly establishing her own style.
Honey Don’tCarl Perkins
When talking about rockabilly, you can’t ignore the heavyweight artist Carl Perkins.
He also achieved tremendous success as a songwriter, providing many songs to famous rockabilly singers such as Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.
One standard number of his that I highly recommend is “Honey Don’t.” Released in 1956 as the B-side to the single “Blue Suede Shoes,” this track gained popularity despite being a B-side and was covered by bands like the Beatles and Billy “Crash” Craddock.
Cattin AroundCharlie Adams
Charlie Adams, a rockabilly singer on the Columbia label.
Highly regarded by pure rockabilly fans, this track can be considered a classic of the genre.
Released in 1955, it’s a wonderful song whose overall arrangement and boogie-woogie piano are a joy, making it perfect for newcomers to rockabilly.
GracelandCharlie Sexton
Charlie Sexton delivers full-on rockabilly in the 1993 film True Romance starring Christian Slater.
As an artist with a wide range of activities, his precise and clear arrangements make for an exceptionally easy-to-listen-to melody.