Brief history of rockabilly music

A cocktail based on leather jackets, jeans, hairstyles with vaseline, convertible cars and a lot of dance: that’s the rockabilly subculture, originated by same’s name musical genre that was born in USA in the 50’s decade and successfully keeps in our days. And did it keeping the sane energy and funny character from its beginnings, achieving lots of followers.

Rockabilly is a kind of Country music’s distant relative, although it might surprising at first sight. The reason is that both musical styles are based on rhythm & blues and the hillbilly and country-boogie styles fusion. Instruments to create this musical style have also a lot in common with the Country: symphonic or/and electric guitar, drum, double bass and some times harmonica and piano. 

However, something that diferentiates Rockabilly and Country is  the female chorus present during first years songs. These chorus provided a very special final touch, creating a festive and seductive ambience. But let’ see some of rockabilly’s history distinctive traits until our days.

Most representative figures at the beginnings

We can’t imagine rockabilly without Sam Phillips figure, one of the most important rock history producers and and extremely relevant figure for US culture during the 20th Century. He produced Elvis Presley most famous songs, another of rockabilly top stars. 

For “The King”, producer Sam  Phillips joined White and Black and R&B and C&W best of the best, mix that later on gave rise to the rock & ‘roll. But before reaching that point, during 50’s decade Phillips focused on producing the best rockabilly for other big names like Carl  Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, although this last one was closer to the country, rockabilly’s influence was obvious.  

Coming back to Elvis, despite being called “King of Rock and Roll” also was rockabilly’s main precursor, that at the end is a Rock and Roll subgenre. His first discs were recorded at Sun Records, taking the leap after to the RC, that produced the hits that definitely consolidated his carreer in the stardom. Elvis beginnings attire reflects to the perfection the purest rockabilly essence, as the subculture that captured so many followers from all ages. Daring, sensuality and fun in the same proportions, marked 50’s most characteristic rockabilly looks.

The first stage of this musical genre, although it was popular, didn’t reach top places at the lists: had to wait to the 80’s to see groups like the Stray Cats to place rockabilly at the popularity levels that fairly deserved. In fact, what this band did was rescuing this genre almost in the oblivion.

Because it’s worth to say that although rockabilly was all the rage in the 50’s, during the 70’s experienced it’s hardest times, being considered a marginal genre. Until 1979 when a young group composed by Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phanton decided creating a band, the Stray Cats, with the aim for revive rockabilly: and they succeed by far. In Stray Cats discography stands out songs like Stray Cat Strut, Rock this town, Rumble in Brixton or Rockabilly Rules, a true gem in its genre.

Other essential songs and rockabilly singers to better know and understand this genre are:

• • Gin Gilette: Train to Satanville 
  • Peanuts Wilson: Cast Iron Arm 
  • Gene Vincent: Gene Vincent And The Blue Caps 
  • Eddie Cochran: The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album 
  • Dale Hawkins: Oh! Suzy Q

Rockabilly clothing: a way of life

In addition of a musical genre, we have already told that rockabilly is also a subculture, a particular way to see the life that reflects on the attire. Like it couldn’t be any other way, at Corbeto’s Boots will find all the necessary to get the perfect rockabilly look. You just need to come by our store at the mythical Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, or take a look to our online shop to see the many products we can offer you from our catalog. Whatever it might be your rockabilly style, at Corbeto’s we have what you are looking for, from the most classic clothing to the most daring one. Our Rockabilly shirts stand out, but we also cater other accessories that represent this so particular genre like patches, bandanas, collar tips, bolo and colonel ties, belt buckles, etc. Or stunning shoes with a genuinely Rockabilly look. If you still don’t know this particular style, maybe the moment has come: dare yourself, you can get a pleasant surprise.