| NPR Shop | NPR Community | Login | Register

Share this page using one of the following services:

 

What is this?

 

'Blue Suede Shoes'

perkins300
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Carl Perkins in an early publicity still.

February 7, 2000 - The song "Blue Suede Shoes" was a huge hit for songwriter Carl Perkins in 1956. But while the song became the first million-seller triple play crossover, going from the top of the country charts over to rhythm & blues and then pop, Perkins' own version of the song was eclipsed in mid-orbit by Elvis Presley's up-tempo cover, which rose even further up all three charts. Now it's a classic that is now even being taught in grade schools.

Nick Spitzer pays tribute to the enduring popularity of "Blue Suede Shoes."

Share this page using one of the following services:

 

What is this?

 

Comments

Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.

 
 

Feeds

PodcastRSS

  • Music Interviews & Profiles
     
  • The NPR 100