Country Rockabilly
tagStarted 1954Peak 1955–1960Last big hit 1983
Country rockabilly leans a little more obviously country than generic rockabilly, with stronger honky-tonk harmony, more audible steel or country guitar phrasing, and singers whose accents stay close to rural country tradition. It is rockabilly with one boot still firmly planted in the honky-tonk sawdust.
History
The distinction was especially visible in artists whose music remained closely tied to country radio and dancehall traditions even while embracing rock and roll rhythm. Carl Perkins, Wanda Jackson, Charlie Feathers, Sleepy LaBeef, and later revivalists helped keep the country side of rockabilly audible.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Britannica
- rockabilly histories
- revival histories