Why Did Rockabilly Die in 1959?

[Hart Larry]

I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959? While I am still
learning about RAB, it also seems that many artists from outside tried this
style. Examples would be Bob-and-Lucille as well as David Gates.
In general, the music of 1960 seemed so much softer. Sure there are exceptions
such as Johnny-and-the-Hiricanes, as well as what seems to be a rerelease of
Wonda Jackson Let's Have a Party in September 1960.
Rock picked up in 61 but seemingly rockabilly was gone til the early 80s.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on these subjects.
Hart

[SavoyBG]

From: Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959?

Because the records were not selling.

There really was only one rockabilly record (Blue Suede Shoes by Perkins) that
was a legitimitely big hit.







MY LISTS - http://hometown.aol.com/savoybg/myhomepage/index.html
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[Bobby The D]

Post by SavoyBG

Post by Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959?

Because the records were not selling.
There really was only one rockabilly record (Blue Suede Shoes by Perkins) that
was a legitimitely big hit.

Also, tastes change, sometimes rather quickly. You'll notice that
"hiccup"-style singing went out of style right around the time Buddy
Holly died, though when he was alive lots of others used that style
too.

[Jim Colegrove]

On Mon, 01 Mar 2004 02:35:46 GMT, Hart Larry

Post by Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959? While I am still
learning about RAB, it also seems that many artists from outside tried this
style. Examples would be Bob-and-Lucille as well as David Gates.
In general, the music of 1960 seemed so much softer. Sure there are exceptions
such as Johnny-and-the-Hiricanes, as well as what seems to be a rerelease of
Wonda Jackson Let's Have a Party in September 1960.
Rock picked up in 61 but seemingly rockabilly was gone til the early 80s.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on these subjects.
Hart

If the marketplace won't display the merchandise then it has nowhere
to go. The music that took over in the sixties was another animal. So
if artists wanted to be on the market they had to find ways to adapt
to the one that was current. Thus the style faded. Elvis stopped
playing it and then went in the Army. Johnny Burnette became a teen
idol. So that killed a lot of it.

But rockabilly became a subculture. It is still played in many areas
by many bands both in America and Europe. My band Lost Country still
plays some rockabilly in our shows. We produced a great rockabilly
show in Fort Worth last November with Mac Curtis, The Horton Brothers,
and Sid King and my band.

In April the annual "Viva Las Vegas" show (in Las Vegas) features
some of the best rockabilly acts around both new and old. I plan on
being there this year as two of my best friends, Sid King and his
brother Billy, are playing the show.



Jim Colegrove

[BroJack]

On Sun, 29 Feb 2004 21:27:20 -0600, Jim Colegrove

Post by Jim Colegrove
On Mon, 01 Mar 2004 02:35:46 GMT, Hart Larry

Post by Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959? While I am still
learning about RAB, it also seems that many artists from outside tried this
style. Examples would be Bob-and-Lucille as well as David Gates.
In general, the music of 1960 seemed so much softer. Sure there are exceptions
such as Johnny-and-the-Hiricanes, as well as what seems to be a rerelease of
Wonda Jackson Let's Have a Party in September 1960.
Rock picked up in 61 but seemingly rockabilly was gone til the early 80s.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on these subjects.
Hart

If the marketplace won't display the merchandise then it has nowhere
to go. The music that took over in the sixties was another animal. So
if artists wanted to be on the market they had to find ways to adapt
to the one that was current. Thus the style faded. Elvis stopped
playing it and then went in the Army. Johnny Burnette became a teen
idol. So that killed a lot of it.
But rockabilly became a subculture. It is still played in many areas
by many bands both in America and Europe. My band Lost Country still
plays some rockabilly in our shows. We produced a great rockabilly
show in Fort Worth last November with Mac Curtis, The Horton Brothers,
and Sid King and my band.
In April the annual "Viva Las Vegas" show (in Las Vegas) features
some of the best rockabilly acts around both new and old. I plan on
being there this year as two of my best friends, Sid King and his
brother Billy, are playing the show.

Speaking of rock-a-billy in 1959, Carl Perkins did a neat two-sider on
Columbia "Pointed-Toe Shoes" b/w "Highway Of Love". If you have the
chance, give a listen.

Jack

[BroJack]

On Mon, 01 Mar 2004 02:35:46 GMT, Hart Larry

Post by Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959? While I am still
learning about RAB, it also seems that many artists from outside tried this
style. Examples would be Bob-and-Lucille as well as David Gates.
In general, the music of 1960 seemed so much softer. Sure there are exceptions
such as Johnny-and-the-Hiricanes, as well as what seems to be a rerelease of
Wonda Jackson Let's Have a Party in September 1960.
Rock picked up in 61 but seemingly rockabilly was gone til the early 80s.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on these subjects.
Hart

Around 59-60, a lot of the guys in my 'hood traded-in their pompadours
and waterfalls for shorter hair with precise parts and some had cute
little bangs across the forehead. They looked less like Phil Everly
and more like Peter Gunn or Dick Van Dyke. There was no room in their
newly-adopted, sophisticated Joe College souls for rock-a-billy which
smacked of "hick," notwithstanding the fact that they embraced it
avidly a couple of years earlier.

Not sure about the shallow females of the era. They bought records
from whomever was being currently promoted as "cute."

I see '61 as a doo-wop revival rather than rock picking up. '61
reminded me of 1956, from a musical standpoint.

Jack

[Scarlotti]

Post by BroJack
Around 59-60, a lot of the guys in my 'hood traded-in their pompadours
and waterfalls for shorter hair with precise parts and some had cute
little bangs across the forehead. They looked less like Phil Everly
and more like Peter Gunn or Dick Van Dyke. There was no room in their
newly-adopted, sophisticated Joe College souls for rock-a-billy which
smacked of "hick," notwithstanding the fact that they embraced it
avidly a couple of years earlier.

You sure they weren't just imitating the era's 2nd most popular rocker, Pat Boone?

Post by BroJack
Not sure about the shallow females of the era. They bought records
from whomever was being currently promoted as "cute."
I see '61 as a doo-wop revival rather than rock picking up. '61
reminded me of 1956, from a musical standpoint.
Jack

[BroJack]

Post by Scarlotti

Post by BroJack
Around 59-60, a lot of the guys in my 'hood traded-in their pompadours
and waterfalls for shorter hair with precise parts and some had cute
little bangs across the forehead. They looked less like Phil Everly
and more like Peter Gunn or Dick Van Dyke. There was no room in their
newly-adopted, sophisticated Joe College souls for rock-a-billy which
smacked of "hick," notwithstanding the fact that they embraced it
avidly a couple of years earlier.

You sure they weren't just imitating the era's 2nd most popular rocker, Pat Boone?

I think they were more into looking like the Kingston Trio, although
they preferred listening to the Drifters.

BroJack

[p***@earthlink.net]

Post by Scarlotti

Post by BroJack
Around 59-60, a lot of the guys in my 'hood traded-in their pompadours
and waterfalls for shorter hair with precise parts and some had cute
little bangs across the forehead. They looked less like Phil Everly
and more like Peter Gunn or Dick Van Dyke. There was no room in their
newly-adopted, sophisticated Joe College souls for rock-a-billy which
smacked of "hick," notwithstanding the fact that they embraced it
avidly a couple of years earlier.

You sure they weren't just imitating the era's 2nd most popular rocker, Pat Boone?

Pat Boone was such a rocker that he even had his own variety show if
IIRC sponsored by Buick. IMO that should show how much of a "rocker"
people thought Boone was.

Post by Scarlotti

Post by BroJack
Not sure about the shallow females of the era. They bought records
from whomever was being currently promoted as "cute."
I see '61 as a doo-wop revival rather than rock picking up. '61
reminded me of 1956, from a musical standpoint.
Jack

X-No-Archive: yes

[Scarlotti]

Post by p***@earthlink.net
Pat Boone was such a rocker that he even had his own variety show if
IIRC sponsored by Buick. IMO that should show how much of a "rocker"
people thought Boone was.

I take it you've never seen a '57 Buick Roadmaster convertible then,
Fred. That was one rockin' car! And how about that 2-tone '57
Century! And the '59 Electra convertible is freakin' wild!

Let me guess -- as a Detroit resident, you did most of your commuting
via the bus.

[p***@earthlink.net]

Post by Scarlotti

Post by p***@earthlink.net
Pat Boone was such a rocker that he even had his own variety show if
IIRC sponsored by Buick. IMO that should show how much of a "rocker"
people thought Boone was.

I take it you've never seen a '57 Buick Roadmaster convertible then,
Fred. That was one rockin' car! And how about that 2-tone '57
Century! And the '59 Electra convertible is freakin' wild!

I can't speak for Fred, but the neighbor down the street had one and
we owned a 60 Electra which was basically the same as a 59.

Post by Scarlotti
Let me guess -- as a Detroit resident, you did most of your commuting
via the bus.

Sorry to burst your bubble Scarlotti, but we moved out of Detroit when
I was seven. When I turned sixteen my father bought me a Black 1956
Mercury Monclair convertible with a 312. It was loaded with power
seats, windows, etc.

X-No-Archive: yes

[Rev Rockabilly]

Hey-I actually own Craig Morrison's book !! (and he has yet to thank me
for the purchase-how inconsiderate !!) :) :)

Just out of curiousity, I'd love to hear Mr Scarlotti take a crack at
singing rockabilly.....

The ORIGINAL "Certified Rock & Roll Archaeologist"...accept no
substitutes
http://community.webtv.net/RevIsBack/RevRockabilly

[Scarlotti]

Post by Rev Rockabilly
Hey-I actually own Craig Morrison's book !! (and he has yet to thank me
for the purchase-how inconsiderate !!) :) :)
Just out of curiousity, I'd love to hear Mr Scarlotti take a crack at
singing rockabilly.....

I'm not quite so awful at singing rockabilly as I am at singing pop --
with rockabilly I can fake a decent enough Elvis impersonation to hide
my inability to stay on key.

[Scarlotti]

Post by p***@earthlink.net

Post by Scarlotti

Post by p***@earthlink.net
Pat Boone was such a rocker that he even had his own variety show if
IIRC sponsored by Buick. IMO that should show how much of a "rocker"
people thought Boone was.

I take it you've never seen a '57 Buick Roadmaster convertible then,
Fred. That was one rockin' car! And how about that 2-tone '57
Century! And the '59 Electra convertible is freakin' wild!

I can't speak for Fred, but the neighbor down the street had one and
we owned a 60 Electra which was basically the same as a 59.

Post by Scarlotti
Let me guess -- as a Detroit resident, you did most of your commuting
via the bus.

Sorry to burst your bubble Scarlotti, but we moved out of Detroit when
I was seven. When I turned sixteen my father bought me a Black 1956
Mercury Monclair convertible with a 312. It was loaded with power
seats, windows, etc.

Nice.

I had a black 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk -- which out-rocks them all IMO.

[Rockabi101]

Post by Hart Larry
I am curious why it seems rockabilly disappeared during 1959? While I am

still learning about RAB, it also seems that many artists from outside tried
this
style. Examples would be Bob-and-Lucille as well as David Gates. In general,
the music of 1960 seemed so much softer. Sure there are exceptions such as
Johnny-and-the-Hiricanes, as well as what seems to be a rerelease of Wanda
Jackson Let's Have a Party in September 1960.
Rock picked up in 61 but seemingly rockabilly was gone til the early 80s.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on these subjects.

Post by Hart Larry
Hart

The cream of the crop were eliminated:

Holly died in 1959;

Elvis went in the Army in 1958;

Cochran died in 1960;

Carl Perkins had'nt recovered from a major car accident;

Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin in 1958 and couldn't buy
airplay;

and most of the others moved into country where a rock-country influence
continued but was somewhat invisible to the greater population outside of the
south.

[SavoyBG]

Post by Rockabi101
Holly died in 1959;

Holly had already ceased to ve a rockabilly artist before he died.

Post by Rockabi101
Elvis went in the Army in 1958;

Same with Elvis.

Post by Rockabi101
Cochran died in 1960;

Same with Cochran, who only was a rockabilly artist for a short time.

Post by Rockabi101
Carl Perkins had'nt recovered from a major car accident;

Wrong again, Perkins was fine and was recording, but his label change (from Sun
to Clumbia) had changed his stylle a bit so that he was now playing straight
rock and roll.

Post by Rockabi101
Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin in 1958 and couldn't buy
airplay;

Jerry Lee was never really a rockabilly artist.


The pure rockabilly artists of the era (Mac Curtis, Charlie Feathers, Roy Moss,
Eddie Bond, etc...) never really sold any records, sol they were either
floundering with whatever they released, and/or moving toward a more straight
country sound.

The facts are that rockabilly never really caught on all that much with the
general public.






MY LISTS - http://hometown.aol.com/savoybg/myhomepage/index.html
SURVEYS - http://hometown.aol.com/savoybg1/myhomepage/index.html

[Rockabi101]

Post by SavoyBG
The pure rockabilly artists of the era (Mac Curtis, Charlie Feathers, Roy Moss,

Eddie Bond, etc...) never really sold any records, sol they were either
floundering with whatever they released, and/or moving toward a more straight
country sound.

Post by SavoyBG
The facts are that rockabilly never really caught on all that much with the

general public.
Sounds like arguments I used to have with Craig Morrison all the time.
Although I agree with the above statements, I think your definition of
"rockabilly" far too strictured.

Let's just say I'll go more with Terry Gordon's "rockin' country style" as a
descriptive term for the genre. Using the purist definition, there are
probably less than a dozen rockabilly records, none ever released, and all made
by an obscure artist out of Buckeye, KY whose stock of them was destroyed in a
garage fire in 1958.

[SavoyBG]

Post by Rockabi101
Let's just say I'll go more with Terry Gordon's "rockin' country style" as a
descriptive term for the genre.

Really?

So you consider "Teddy Bear" by Elvis to be rockabilly?

So you consider "Surrender" by Elvis to be rockabilly?

So you consider "Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper to be rockabilly?

While I love Terry Gordon's site, I think it's preposterous to believe that
everything listed on that site is "rockabilly."

It even says that it's a discography of "Country rock and roll and related
records."

That's NOT the same thing as rockabilly.

If you want to expand this beyond the genre of "rockabilly" and include all
country flavored rock and roll, that's fine, but it's not the same as
rockabilly.






MY LISTS - http://hometown.aol.com/savoybg/myhomepage/index.html
SURVEYS - http://hometown.aol.com/savoybg1/myhomepage/index.html

[Rockabi101]

Post by SavoyBG
Really?
So you consider "Teddy Bear" by Elvis to be rockabilly?

Not really - I personally don't hear the country influence

Post by SavoyBG
So you consider "Surrender" by Elvis to be rockabilly?

Since it's adapted from "Come Back to Sorrento" and doesn't really have a
country influence - no.

Post by SavoyBG
So you consider "Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper to be rockabilly?

Close

Post by SavoyBG
While I love Terry Gordon's site, I think it's preposterous to believe that

everything listed on that site is "rockabilly."
Nor does he call everythign rockabilly. If you'll notice there is a coding
system that includes how close he calls it towards the country leaning.

Post by SavoyBG
It even says that it's a discography of "Country rock and roll and related

records."

Post by SavoyBG
That's NOT the same thing as rockabilly.

And, I woudl say that's pretty close, especially since the term rockabilly
wasn't used at the time and hass been defined since by others (who almost never
agree on what the term means)

Post by SavoyBG
If you want to expand this beyond the genre of "rockabilly" and include all

country flavored rock and roll, that's fine, but it's not the same as
rockabilly.
Perhaps, but again, not that far. It depends on where you draw the line and
the amount of country influence. Musical styles don't usually die out all
together, they grow and modify. Country, for example, covers a lot of
variantions and isn't just limited to "honky-tonk" or "countrypolitan" though
it still includes those decades after they started. Rockabilly continued to
have an influence on the development of country for years. I'd call Marty
Stuart's "Hillbilly Rock" as pretty darn close to rockabilly. But then, I see
the term as providing a wider tent than you do.