New Members Inducted Into Rockabilly Hall of Fame
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JACKSON, Tenn.- The 13th annual Rockabilly Festival held in Jackson kicked off at the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, Thursday. Henry Harrison, founder of International Rockabilly Hall of Fame told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Rockabilly is the heart and soul of Jackson’s music history. The festival draws fans and musicians from around the world to celebrate the music made famous by Carl Perkins who is known as the “Godfather” of Rockabilly music. “He woke up at 3 o’clock in the morning, took a brown paper bag and wrote, ‘One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and go cat, go… but don’t you step on my blue suede shoes,'” said Harrison. ” If you want to go to the home of Rockabilly music you have to come to Jackson, Tennessee.” This year’s festival began Thursday night and continues through Saturday. All performances will be held inside the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center. Thursday’s performances included Bobby Joe Swilley with Alton Lott, Jimmy Herald and Ray Walker, of the Jordanaires, who will all be inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, according to Harrison. The induction ceremony for legendary bass player Ray Walker was scheduled with performance guests Stan Perkins and Clyde Watson. “Carl and I had a lot of talks about family he was so down to earth. When you come to his show of Rockabilly, it’s a feeling you can’t describe. How do you describe a diamond,” said Walker. “It’s very special, it’s all heart and soul you know your soul has to be involved and it’s a joy to be in front of the people that appreciate this music.” “Walker has backed up for Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Dale Evans, and Kenny Rogers. He is advertised as backing up for more artists and making more recordings than any artist in music history,” said Harrison. Other performances for the weekend include Rockabilly Country with Francois Roche and Cadillac Band with Billy Burnette. To learn more about the inductees and performances visit www.rockabillyhall.org.
