A Brief Introduction to Rockabilly

Rockabilly music emerged during the early 1950s as a new breed of rock and roll that incorporated country flair and the blues.  The genre developed mostly in Memphis, Tennessee with Sun Records playing host to many artists who would become stars later in their careers.  Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins would all record at Sun and contribute to rockabilly’s initial popularity.

Many of these early recordings shared similar sonic characteristics.  The vocals and guitar featured slap-back echo and reverb effects, the lyrics and melodies were much looser and the beat was sped up and received much more emphasis.  This particular sound would take dance clubs by storm.

By 1955, the genre was receiving media attention and topping the Billboard music charts.  It would remain this way until the 1960s when the musical landscape changed once again.  Rockabilly would not see a resurgence in popularity until the 1980s with the help of bands like the Stray Cats.  

Today, rockabilly is often considered an American roots music and its influence can still be felt in many of today’s popular acts.  It has also earned itself a cult following of fans that continue to bring new life to the genre by including new influences and themes. 

To experience rockabilly for yourself, be sure to check out the Historic Rockabilly Classics collections available here at Lost Gold Records.  We currently have three albums of rare and unreleased material that would serve as the perfect introduction to the genre.

Christian Burke

April 2010