There's no better way to honour rockabilly than with a performance led by one of the genre’s early pioneers, Carl Perkins, flanked by guitar greats Eric Clapton and George Harrison.
This is exactly what we were blessed with in 1985 when all three artists participated in the TV Special 'Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session'.
Today, on what would have been Perkins' 93rd birthday, we revisit this iconic footage.
Before 'Blue Suede Shoes' became a hit synonymous with Elvis Presley, it was first the song of the 'King of Rockabilly', Carl Perkins.
The Tennessee local came from humble beginnings and, as a youngster, learned to play guitar on homemade and second-hand models. Heavily influenced by gospel, country, and the blues, he went on to be signed by Memphis' Sun Records in 1954 - the same label Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash were signed to.
Inspired by a story Cash told (he knew a man who wore blue suede shoes in the army) and after hearing a man at a dance exclaim at his girlfriend: "Uh uh, don't step on my suedes", Perkins went on to write 'Blue Suede Shoes'.
The song was released on New Year's Day in 1956, and rose to the top of the Billboard charts in the following months.
However, on his way to perform the hit on live TV, Perkins was involved in a tragic car accident.
This opened the door for Elvis Presley, who covered the song shortly afterwards and helped it reach an even broader audience.
Today, the song is one of the most iconic and recognisable rockabilly records, with both the Perkins and the Presley versions being loved by many.
