History of Rockabilly

The Birth of Rockabilly

Rockabilly is considered to be one of the earliest forms of rock music. The genre rose to popularity in the mid-1950s and was introduced by white performers in the American South, its very first practitioners. Rockabilly’s style is often described as a brash and lively mix of blues and country. The term … Read more

Artist Biography: Boyd Bennett

Boyd Bennett

Introduction Boyd Bennett (1924-2002) is the late American rockabilly singer-songwriter who, together with his band Boyd Bennett and His Rockets, achieved several hit singles during the 50s music era such as “My Boy – Flat Top,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Boogie Beat” and their biggest hit “Seventeen.” Bennett later worked as a radio … Read more

Artist Biography: Bruce Channel

Bruce Channel

Introduction Bruce Channel is an American rock n roll/pop/country/rockabilly singer-songwriter known for his #1 pop hit “Hey! Baby” during the early 60s music era. He is considered as a a one-hit wonder; nevertheless, he had several other minor Hot 100 hits such as “Number One Man” and “Come on Baby.” He is … Read more

The Life and Music of Billy “Crash” Craddock

The Life and Music of Billy "Crash" Craddock

Introduction Billy Craddock’s early musical career Known for his biggest hit “Rub It In” in 1974, American country and rockabilly singer Billy “Crash” Craddock was born Billy Wayne Craddock in Greensboro, North Carolina on June 16, 1939. He learned to play guitar at an early age, and by the time he was … Read more

The Story and Music of Dave Edmunds

The Story and Music of Dave Edmunds

Introduction to Dave Edmunds Dave Edmunds (born David William Edmunds in 1944) is a Welsh/British guitarist, singer and record producer. He began his music career playing with different bands, starting from the Edmund Bros with his older brother Geoff, and then The Raiders, and Love Sculpture. After Love Sculpture split, he formed … Read more

The Story and the Music of “Little Miss Dynamite” Brenda Lee

The Story and the Music of Little Miss Dynamite Brenda Lee

Introduction to Brenda Lee Brenda Lee (birth name Brenda Mae Tarpley) is an American singer who was one of the biggest stars during the early 60s music era.  The petite Lee (at 4’11”) has been tagged as “Little Miss Dynamite” (after her song” Dynamite”) since her heyday, but she has huge talent, … Read more

Buddy Knox and the Rhythm Orchids

Buddy Knox

Introduction to Buddy Knox and the Rhythm Orchids Rockabilly singer-songwriter Buddy (Wayne) Knox was born in Happy, Texas, in 1933.  He formed the “Rhythm Orchids” which comprised of himself and his high school buddies.  They performed on the same radio show with fellow Texan and musical legend Roy Orbison, who suggested they … Read more

Bob Luman and His Hit “Let’s Think About Living”

Bob Luman

Introduction Bob Luman was an American country and rockabilly singer and guitarist who was primarily known for his “Let’s Think About Living” track from the 60s music era. His professional foray into show business includes playing with his backup band the Shadows (not to be confused with the British combo The Shadows) … Read more

The (Curious) Story and Music of The Fendermen

The Fendermen

Introduction to The Fendermen The Fendermen were a short-lived rockabilly duo, a one-hit wonder by virtue of the single “Mule Skinner Blues,” their cover of Jimmie Rodgers’ original. There are many interesting things worthy to mention about them. Jim Sundquist and Phil Humphries were both born on November 26, 1937, but in … Read more

The “Mr. Dynamo” Ronnie Hawkins

Ronnie Hawkins

Introduction to Ronnie Hawkins Having earned the name “Mr. Dynamo” for his electrifying and raw stage presence, 50s music and 60s music era singer Ronnie Hawkins is an American rockabilly star who has found success and fame in Canada. He was born in Arkansas, USA, in 1935. While he was still a … Read more

Robin Luke with His Only Hit “Susie Darlin”

Robin Luke

Introduction to Robin Luke Los Angeles, California-born rockabilly singer Robin Luke may be considered a one-hit wonder through late 50s music era song “Susie Darlin’,” which went to the Billboard top 10 charts.  He released a few other singles but none of them duplicated the success of “Susie Darlin’.”  Luke eventually withdrew … Read more

Lillian Briggs, the Rockabilly Bombshell

Introduction to Lillian Briggs Lillian Briggs (1932-1998) was an American 50s music singer-turned businesswoman, one of the rare instances that women of her generation sang rockabilly and rock and roll during the time that the musical genre was still new. Briggs was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She displayed her musical talents as … Read more