Posts by author
Jack Watkins
In our series looking at rock’n’roll artists who just missed out on the big time, we remember the underrated talents of Wee Willie Harris, one of the British scene’s earliest…
The Blue Cats’ 1981 cult classic Fight Back, while often overlooked, is one of the stand-out albums to emerge from the neo-rockabilly era… By Jack Watkins Running an eye down…
“The songs are all original compositions written by Chuck, for Chuck, and as only Chuck can perform them,” read the sleevenotes. Jack Watkins analyses one of the great albums of…
When rock’n’roll’s popularity began to fade in the US, the legendary Gene Vincent made the UK his new home. With the help of Matchbox’s Graham Fenton, Vintage Rock charts Gene’s…
It may have missed out the big hits, but Jerry Lee’s long-playing debut showed his extreme versatility, from rockers to ballads… and even a traditional gospel number. Jack Watkins listens…
As much a country performer as a rockabilly one, Carl Perkins’ music is one that true rock’n’roll fans continue to cherish, even if his fame never quite soared like that…
Tennessee Ernie Ford was a middle of the road TV showman when he released the album bearing the title of his biggest hit. But many of the early-50s tracks within…
Johnny Carroll was one of many rockabilly pioneers who never made it to the big time. Joining Ronny Weiser’s Rollin’ Rock label in the 70s raised his profile among hardcore…
Matchbox’s eponymous third album was the first LP from the so-called rockabilly revival to penetrate the UK charts. This landmark record was a well-deserved breakthrough for a band who had…
Roy Orbison’s emotive studio album reflected the early fruits of his revitalised recording career with Monument Records, which left his frustrations with the Sun and RCA labels behind him. By…