Rockabilly, a musical designation coined by Billboard magazine in the mid-1950s, is a rambunctious rhythmic style combining the liveliest elements of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Popularized by such performers as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Ricky Nelson, rockabilly has been a major influence on the music of Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen (among many others). This book captures the essence of life on the road and in the recording studio through interviews with many of rockabilly's foremost artists. Among those sharing their experiences are Jerry Allison and Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, Sonny Burgess, Wanda Jackson, Glen Glenn, the Collins Kids, Charlie Gracie and Deke Dickerson. Also included are several rare publicity photos.

...a great reference guide, detailing artists, chart activity, career milestones, tours and recent activity.

Rock and roll pioneer and Newport native Sonny Burgess is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. In this book full of personal interviews and remembrances, Burgess and his band tell of their original recordings for Sun Records in the 1950s; their shows with greats such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis; and their success in the contemporary rockabilly revival. This also is the history of a once prominent and spirited Delta community of extensive agricultural wealth. Newport was home to numerous music clubs that hosted national artists as well as illicit backroom gambling. Burgess is a product of this history, and his vivacious music is shaped by his hometown and the dramatic transformation of southern rural life it witnessed.

Ricky Nelson (he later preferred "Rick") was 8 years old when he began his career in show business. After a successful run on radio, his family's situation comedy The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet enjoyed a 14 year television tenure. On the April 10, 1957, episode, "Ricky the Drummer," Nelson started his singing career by lip syncing to Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'." He scored 36 Top 40 singles between 1957 and 1972 and ranked number 5 in Billboard's Top 25 Artists of the Decade 1950-1959. As a country rock pioneer, Rick Nelson influenced Buffalo Springfield, Linda Ronstadt, and the Eagles. This book is a candid account of his life in rock and roll through stories told by musicians and producers on the road and in the studio with him. Actors and family members also provided invaluable memories and insights.

Disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term "rock and roll" in the 1950s. Rooted in rockabilly, rhythm and blues, country and western, gospel, and pop, the genre was popularized by performers like Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rock and roll's originators and revivalists continue to entertain crowds at roots music festivals worldwide. This book presents stories about performers' lives on the road and in the studio, along with the stories behind popular songs. Informative biographical profiles are provided. Artists sharing their experiences include Dale Hawkins, Big Jay McNeely, Ace Cannon, Sleepy LaBeef, Billy Swan, Robin Luke, Rosie Flores and James Intveld. Conway Twitty, Buck Owens and Janis Martin are also featured.

Charlie Gracie's hit song "Butterfly" topped the American and British music charts in 1957, selling over three million copies. His hits in the late '50s propelled him to appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, and some of the largest venues in the U. S. and abroad. Charlie was part of the birth of rock & roll, and his unique style influenced some of the most important artists in rock history, including The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Van Morrison, Graham Nash, Chubby Checker, and countless others. Rock & Roll's Hidden Giant uncovers Charlie's inspiring story, tracing his rise to the top of the charts through to his fall from fame. From his upbringing on the streets of Philadelphia to the tragic death of his friend Eddie Cochran to experiencing the dark side of Dick Clark and the early days of the music industry, we learn that Charlie's unfaltering integrity and talent were the constant guides in his life. Rock history would not be the same without Charlie Gracie, and this remarkable, uplifting account is essential for all fans of rock & roll. "When we were starting out with The Beatles, the music coming over from America was magical to us---and one of the artists who epitomized this magic was Charlie Gracie." ---Sir Paul McCartney "Charlie Gracie was FIRST in Rock & Roll---and the FIRST Rock & Roller to come out of Philadelphia! He started it and made it possible for all the rest of us!" ---Chubby Checker "His concerts in the late '50s in Manchester, England helped me to become who I am today." ---Graham Nash "This book will allow you to see that nothing comes 'easy.' Success comes with hard work, disappointments, and some artists suffer betrayal by those they trust." ---Sir Cliff Richard "His guitar sound was brilliant!" ---George Harrison

Looks at the history of rockabilly music, profiling such greats as Elvis, Jer Lee Lewis, Malcolm Yelvington, and Roy Hall.