Rockabilly View By Jennifer Allsup
Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of Rock~n~Roll,dating back to the early 1950’s. The term “Rockabilly” stems from “rock~n~roll” and “hillbilly” to the latter reference of country !
Rockabilly included “boogie woogie” a piano based blues which was popular in the late 1930’s to the early 1940’s, even with a little gospel mix. “Western Swing” a sub-set of country music, which started around the late 1920’s with Western string-bands, often up tempo beat and of course a mix ofRhythm and Blues, a rocking jazz with a heavy insistent beat. The slappin’ bass of our own Maddux Brothers and Rose helped create the toe tappin’ high energy sound that made Rockabilly special.
Some of these Rockabilly great might send a familiar ring to your ears: Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson. Here are a few you might not recognize Gene Summers, Tommy “Sleepy” LeBeef. All great in my book as I am sure yours as well and you should check them out. Their influence is still felt today.
In November of 1956 the first record to contain the word “rockabilly” in its song title was called “Rock a Billy Gal” by Merle Allen and then in 1957 by Hayden Thomson
In 1997 the Rockabilly Hall of Fame was established. This year will be there fifteenth anniversary. With over five-thousand artists photos and memorabilia. I suggest you look it up and check it all you Kats and Kittens ! See what you really have been missin !
Locally, check out Norcal Rockabilly Psychobilly and Hotrods. It is Northern Californias place to post your event or see what is happening from San Francisco, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento and more. It is one of my favorite web-sites to visit when looking for a fantastic show. But, even closer, there are a few in the Modesto area that put on fabulous show as well like Unity Music and Belladonna Beauties. Check their sites on Facebook. So if you are up to some fast jiving entertainmentcheck out those sites !
Until next time my lovelies ” Stay Wild and Jive Fast”!
Jennifer Allsup Sweet Pea Knickers Productions
