Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 - January 19, 1998) was an American pioneer of rockabilly music, a mix of rhythm and blues and country music, recorded most notably at Sun Records in Memphis, beginning in 1954. An outstanding performer, his touch on rock and roll music is still heard to this day, especially through his fine compositions and guitar playing. His best known song is "Blue Suede Shoes".
According to Charlie Daniels, "Carl Perkins' songs personified the Rockabilly Era, and Carl Perkins' sound personifies the Rockabilly Sound more so than anybody involved in it, because he never changed." Perkins's songs have been recorded by artists as influential as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Johnny Cash, which further cemented his place in the history of popular music.
Carl Perkins (1928-1958) was an American jazz pianist.
He was born in Indianapolis but worked mainly in Los Angeles. He is best known for his performances with the Curtis Counce Group, which also featured Harold Land, Jack Sheldon and drummer Frank Butler. He also performed with the Clifford Brown-Max Roach group in 1954.
His playing was influenced by his polio-affected left arm, which he held sideways over the keyboard.
He died aged 29, having recorded one solo album.
