Bruce wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTv2H1wwais
Very good bass line.
Definitely better than the ones by Sam The Man Taylor and Boyd Bennett,
and all of the Pop ones.
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We all know the iconic versions by Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins (who wrote it, of course!). But this song has legs - long, blue suede legs - and has been covered by a ton of artists across genres and decades.
The Original and the King (Not Elvis): Carl Perkins & Pee Wee King
Before we get into the covers, a quick word about the genesis. Carl Perkins' original 1956 recording is pure rockabilly fire. The driving rhythm, the
catchy guitar riff, and Perkins' distinctive vocals cemented its place in
music history. It's THE definitive version for many.
Now, Pee Wee King and His Band. King was a hugely influential country music figure, a pioneer in the "countrypolitan" sound. His 1956 version of
"Blue Suede Shoes" is fascinating because it's so different. It's a
big band swing take, complete with horns and a more relaxed tempo. It's almost unrecognizable compared to Perkins' version, but it shows the versatility of the song's basic structure. King's version highlights the strong melody and demonstrates how the song could be reinterpreted for different audiences and styles even back then. It's a great example of how a song can transcend genre.
The Big Names and Their Takes:
Elvis Presley: No "Blue Suede Shoes" discussion is complete without
Elvis. His version, also from 1956, took the song to stratospheric heights.
His raw energy and stage presence, combined with the killer arrangement, made it a rock and roll anthem. It's arguably the most famous version, even eclipsing Perkins' original in terms of mainstream popularity. His version
hit #1 on the Billboard Country charts, showing its crossover appeal.
Buddy Holly: Holly's version is more straightforward rock and roll, with his signature hiccup vocals and clean guitar sound. It's a classic in its own
right and a great example of how different artists could put their own stamp
on the song while staying true to its rockabilly spirit. Holly recorded it in 1956, and it remains a popular track.
Eddie Cochran: Cochran, another rock and roll pioneer, delivered a high-energy version. His guitar work is particularly noteworthy, and the overall feel is just pure, unadulterated rock and roll. Check out his live performances of it - wild!
Bill Haley & His Comets: Haley, known for "Rock Around the
Clock," also tackled "Blue Suede Shoes." His version leans more
toward the jump blues side of rock and roll, and it's a fun, danceable rendition. It's interesting to compare his version to Perkins' and see the different influences at play.
Venturing into Obscurity (and Genre Bending):
This is where things get interesting! "Blue Suede Shoes" has been
covered by artists across a vast range of genres, some well-known, others not so much. Here are a few examples:
Country Stars: Beyond Pee Wee King, numerous country artists have taken a
stab at the song. Conway Twitty did a rockabilly-tinged version in the 1970s.
More recently, artists like Brad Paisley have incorporated it into their live shows, often as a nod to the song's roots.
Blues Artists: Given the song's bluesy roots, it's no surprise that blues artists have covered it. While I can't pinpoint a super famous blues version, the song's structure lends itself well to blues interpretations. I encourage everyone to dig around - there are likely some gems out there!
Rock and Roll Revivalists: Over the decades, numerous bands specializing in rock and roll revival have included "Blue Suede Shoes" in their
repertoire. The Stray Cats, known for their neo-rockabilly sound, have performed it live. These versions often try to recreate the feel of the original recordings, sometimes with slight variations.
International Artists: The song's appeal is global. I've come across
versions in different languages, showcasing how the energy and spirit of
"Blue Suede Shoes" transcend cultural boundaries. While specific
examples are hard to come by without more digging, this highlights the song's universal appeal.
The beauty of a song like "Blue Suede Shoes" is that there are
likely countless other covers out there, waiting to be discovered.
This is a response to the post seen at:
http://www.jlaforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=682565102#682565102
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