Microblog

Rockabilly

Whilst the traditional western and honky tonk country styles were dominating the genre going into the 1950s, they had peaked in popularity by the mid-1950s. One of the primary styles that signified the third phase of country and launched the genre back to popularity was rockabilly with its combination of traditional country and rock and roll elements. Heading the movement was Bill Hayley, who was originally a tradition Western style singer, and his reformed band the Comets

By 1956 rockabilly was firmly established as a very popular genre, with songs by Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all breaking the top 5 on Billboard’s charts. Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley particularly, continued to experience a high level of mainstream success throughout the rest of the decade. Rockabilly can be characterised mainly through the instruments used and some recording techniques. Bands typically include both electric and acoustic guitar, an upright bass and a vocalist. Drumming was less important as the nature of the music is highly rhythmic and upbeat. The vocal style is heavily blues based, as are the chord progressions used. Recording techniques such as echo, or more specifically slap-back echo, tape delay and reverb were very common in rockabilly songs.

Notable artists:

Carl Perkins

Elvis Presley

Johnny Cash

Bill Haley

If you want to commission your own music in this style, or would like more information or help, please contact us.

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