Rockabilly made a big imprint on me when I was a little kid. It was the cool slick look of the Greaser and Rock n Roller. I think one reason it stood out was, I can remember looking at old photos of my parents when they were young kids. One snap-shot that pops into my mind was of my dad acting all tough. He was about sixteen then. His hair was all slicked back with that cool dewdrop curl and his head cocked to the side with that rebellious James Dean attitude. I always thought he looked like such a little shit in that photo and he should have be standing with Jonny, Pony Boy, Darrel and the rest of the gang from The Outsiders.
Rockabilly emerged in the 1950s when the musical sound of Rock n' Roll blended with hillbilly country music. Not only was it the music that fused, but the fashion as well. It blossomed out like wonderful growing vines from the southern United States. Gaining traction from areas like Memphis, Tennessee and gradually to the rest of the world. Iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis who had incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, country, and gospel into their music, started to influence their fans in a wave that eventually evolved into the classic Rockabilly sound and style.
The musical sound that is the trademark of Rockabilly is characterized by its driving rhythm, upbeat tempo, and distinctive instrumentation, which typically features an electric guitar, drums and an upright bass. The songs have a catchy Melodie and lyrics that reflect much of the youthful rebellion and romance. Another memory that had triggered that 50s nostalgia, was my Uncle Denny (my dad’s brother) was visiting and all of a sudden he grabbed my mom by the waist and the two of them were cutting the rug in the living room in their bare feet! My sister nd I sat on the couch cheering them on clapping in delight. I imagine them as teenagers all done up in their leather, jeans and big skirts spinning around like dancing rockabilly Stars!
We wanted to bring some of that bold flair to our rock clothing line and have a selection of shirts with the crisp look of button up shirts that typically exudes from the blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair. The Rockabilly style will always echo of the rebellious spirit of the 1950s rock 'n' roll era.
