Summary of Western music artists representing rockabilly
Suddenly, when you hear the word “rockabilly,” what kind of image comes to mind?
A slick pompadour and a bouncy, danceable rhythm, a shouting vocalist… Many of you might picture none other than Elvis Presley himself.
Although rockabilly’s heyday didn’t last very long, it had a direct influence on the British Invasion represented by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and, from the late ’70s into the ’80s, saw the rise of neo-rockabilly acts like the Stray Cats.
It remains a highly important genre in music history.
If you want a quick roundup of the quintessential rockabilly artists, be sure to check out this article!
Summary of Western Rockabilly Artists (1–10)
Jailhouse RockElvis Presley
When it comes to a pompadour and a vocalist who screams, the very embodiment of rock ’n’ roll with electrifying shouts, it has to be Elvis Presley.
Known as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll and a leading figure of rockabilly, he achieved feats that left a lasting mark on 20th-century music history.
He debuted with Sun Records in 1954, and the following year released the single “Heartbreak Hotel” on RCA Victor, which became a No.
1 hit in the United States.
In 1956, the title song of his starring film Love Me Tender was also a major hit.
Over his lifetime he won three Grammy Awards, and at the young age of 36 he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
His energetic stagecraft and provocative performances shocked the conservative values of the time.
For music listeners of all generations who love rock ’n’ roll, Elvis’s songs are highly recommended.
I Gotta KnowWanda Jackson
Known as the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson is an American singer-songwriter who has been active in the rock ’n’ roll genre since the 1950s.
She began her career in 1952 by singing on a local radio show, and after being discovered by country singer Hank Thompson, she launched her full-fledged music career.
In 1954, she scored a country hit with “You Can’t Have My Love,” and, on the advice of Elvis Presley, she shifted to rock ’n’ roll.
Her 1957 song “Fujiyama Mama” was a hit in Japan, cementing her status as a rock ’n’ roll singer.
Her powerful vocals and energetic performances are captivating, making her an artist recommended not only for rockabilly and country fans but for a wide range of music listeners.
Summertime BluesEddie Cochran
Among Western rockabilly artists, Eddie Cochran stands alongside Elvis Presley as a figure whose name is etched into history.
Born in Minnesota, USA, in 1938, he led a tragically short life, passing away at just 21, yet he played a vital role in the dawn of rock and roll and left a profound legacy for future generations.
After his solo debut in 1956, he produced massive hits such as “Summertime Blues” and “C’mon Everybody,” while also employing innovative recording techniques.
He influenced countless artists, including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, becoming a radiant presence in the history of rock.
His rebellious musical spirit remains undimmed even today, continuing to embody the very essence of rock and roll.
Blue Suede ShoesCarl Perkins
Carl Perkins, a pioneer who built the golden age of rockabilly.
Born to a poor sharecropping family in Tennessee, he developed a unique musical style influenced by blues and gospel, playing a guitar his father made by hand.
In 1956, his signature song “Blue Suede Shoes,” released on Sun Records, became a massive hit that swept the U.
S.
charts and catapulted Perkins to stardom.
His distinctive playing style on Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Telecasters had a profound impact on artists such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Johnny Cash.
Perkins created a one-of-a-kind sound that blended rock, country, and blues.
If you’re interested in the history of rockabilly, be sure to give him a listen.
Train Kept A Rollin’Johnny Burnette
Widely acclaimed as one of the founders of rock ’n’ roll, Johnny Burnette was born in Memphis, USA, in 1934.
From the mid-1950s, while inheriting the traditions of rhythm and blues, he forged an energetic rockabilly sound that made him a defining artist of the genre’s formative years.
Together with his brother Dorsey Burnette and close friend Paul Burlison, he formed Johnny Burnette and the Rock ’n Roll Trio, captivating audiences with an approach that was groundbreaking for the time.
His 1960 release Dreamin’ reached No.
11 on the Billboard chart and earned a Gold Disc.
Concise and tightly crafted, his musical style resonated with that of Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran, igniting the passion of rock fans around the world.
Great Balls Of FireJERRY LEE LEWIS
Jerry Lee Lewis, born in Ferriday, Louisiana, blossomed as a piano talent from an early age under the influence of a wide range of genres, and since his 1956 debut has produced numerous classics as a rock ’n’ roll pioneer, including “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Even after shifting to country music, he racked up hits such as “Another Place, Another Time,” transcending the boundary between rock and country.
His distinctive playing style and stage presence—earning him the nickname “The Killer”—continue to command respect from many musicians today.
Having received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lewis’s music remains a shining monument in rock history, still radiant after a 56-year career.
Rock Around The ClockBill Haley & His Comets
Bill Haley & His Comets, who led 1950s rock ’n’ roll, were pioneers of American rockabilly famed for their lively rhythms and energetic sound, with hits like “Rock Around the Clock.” They broke through with their debut in 1954, Rock Around the Clock, and the smash success of the title track the following year.
They went on to release a string of classics, including “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” The band featured distinctive members with strong country influences, such as on steel guitar and accordion, and combined with frontman Bill Haley’s humorous persona, they exuded a unique presence.
An essential artist for any rockabilly fan.