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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- [Oldies] A collection of nostalgic hit songs from Western music of the 1950s
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- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Legendary Japanese rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 1960s
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- Recommended Western music for men in their 50s: world classics and popular songs
- Rock 'n' Roll Japanese Band Special [Japanese Rock]
[The Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll!] Must-Listen Rockabilly Classics and Popular Songs (21–30)
Oh boy!Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly, whose trademark was his glasses, also delivered a delightful rockabilly number with “Oh Boy!” His beloved guitar was a Fender Stratocaster, which was uncommon at the time.
Characteristic features include the hiccup singing style—using a kind of scooped falsetto to create a unique accent—and a brisk, lively guitar sound.
Rock-A-Beatin’ BoogieBill Haley
Bill Haley is famous for his smash hit “Rock Around the Clock,” but this song is just as big a hit and a well-known number.
Since he was one of the pioneers who sparked the rock ’n’ roll boom, he’s often categorized under “rock ’n’ roll” or “pop,” but this track is a full-on, high-energy rockabilly song through and through—with a vocal melody, slap bass, and an infectious groove in every part, plus saxophone used to great effect.
Rock Around The ClockBill Haley & His Comets
It’s such a classic that anyone who loves oldies is sure to know it.
It’s a very upbeat twist number.
This song represents the basic form of rock ’n’ roll, and it’s believed that bands like the Rolling Stones drew on it as a reference.
Originally, it was released in 1953 under the name “Jimmy De-Knight” by Philadelphia songwriter Mack Friedman and local musician-singer James Myers.
Summertime BluesEddie Cochran
In the 1987 film La Bamba, rockabilly singer Brian Setzer appears as Eddie Cochran and performs this song.
It is one of Cochran’s signature tracks; he died in a traffic accident in 1960 at the young age of 21.
He had a tremendous influence on later rock history.
You could also say he popularized the style of a pompadour with a Gretsch guitar.
La BambaThe Real Ritchie Valens
It’s well-known in Japan too, thanks to TV commercials and the like.
Even groups like Dragon Ash have sampled phrases from this track and released them.
Even if you don’t know the artist’s name, anyone would recognize the song once they hear it—that’s how famous this rockabilly classic is.
You could say it’s a perfect entry point into rockabilly.
Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry
It’s an upbeat, catchy number that makes you want to start dancing, and since it was used in the movie Back to the Future, I think quite a few people in Japan are familiar with it.
It’s also famous as one of the most-covered songs by various artists.
It’s one of the most famous songs representing rockabilly.
Twenty-Flight RockEddie Cochran
While Eddie Cochran is known for many sweet love songs, he also left behind a wealth of great rockabilly tracks.
The song featured here has been covered by various artists and has become a rockabilly staple.
The richly slap-echoed, masculine vocals are sure to give you chills.