ROCKABILLY: WHAT IS IT?
Don't confuse the typical radio station,
DJ, dance band that claims to play "oldies music" with authentic rockabilly
music. Very few of these folks know, understand and actually promote
true rockabilly music.
Without saying "it's just a feeling," rockabilly is a hard term to pin
down. The simplest way may be to describe it as picturing an exciting
blend of the blues, country and gospel sounds of American music that
were prevalent, up to the mid 1950's. Mix that in with the heavier beat
that was becoming more and more a part of pop music of the day and the
result was "rock 'n' roll."
So what then is rockabilly?
Let's call it a window. Many young musicians found a sound that appealed
to the ears and dancing feet of their generation. The older generation
stepped back in amazement. During the time frame of 1955 thru 1960 a
unique musical historical window was created. All the musical ingredients
that came through that window shined into the souls of American teenagers.
"Rockabilly music" WAS THE WINDOW.
We will add some name recognition to help illustrate. We've all heard
about Elvis' early "Memphis Sound" on the Sun records. This sound captured
teen hearts of the fifties and is still recognizable today. Do any of
these other names sound familiar? Ricky Nelson, Carl Perkins, Jerry
Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Bill Haley & The Comets, Roy Orbison, The
Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent.
These are just some of the names of rockabilly artists most people have
heard. These talents have been admired for over two generations.
Rockabilly is one of the purist forms of American roots music. It was
never a watered-down, homogenized sound designed by corporate record
companies to build profits. You can't change something musical that
is pure and simple without ruining the result.
This unique music is far from a "thing from the past." It is alive today
more than ever. In the small venues throughout the world you will find
legendary performers and younger musicians in their 20's and 30's playing
strictly rockabilly. The same driving guitar licks, frantic vocals,
standup bass slap and heavy snare drum backbeat still sound great!
Many weekend rockabilly shows are drawing big crowds of all ages and
from all countries. Some of the veteran performers are no longer with
us, but others are still performing regularly in the US, England and
in clubs and concerts throughout the world. Many are coming out of retirement
(much to the delight of their sons, daughters and grandchildren) to
join the movement to a more simple, happier feeling as the century draws
to an close.
The writer of "Rock Around the Clock" was quoted as saying, "It amazes
me to this day, when I'm at a dance or party and 'Rock Around the Clock'
is played, six-year-old kids are jumping up and down and 85-year-old
grandmas are tappin' their feet. I don't believe they even realize why
they're doing it. This sound and music has to be timeless!"
You'll have to admit that rockabilly, the "launching pad of rock 'n'
roll," has become a major part of the current music scene as it often
resurfaces in movies and in bits and pieces of today's songs. Just listen
carefully, you'll hear it and love it.
The Music Room