Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes and the Troubled History with Elvis Presley

One of the most iconic songs in rock ‘n’ roll history, Blue Suede Shoes, almost didn’t belong to Carl Perkins. The story behind the song, and its connection with Elvis Presley, is as tumultuous as it is fascinating.

Carl Perkins wrote Blue Suede Shoes in 1955, drawing inspiration from a conversation he had with a fan about a pair of blue suede shoes. As a musician, Perkins was blending rockabilly with country and blues, and the song was his chance to create something that could bridge those worlds. When he recorded the track at Sun Studio, it became an instant hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard pop charts and securing Perkins’ place as a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.

However, the success of Blue Suede Shoes took a complicated turn when Elvis Presley, the king of rock ‘n’ roll, recorded his own version of the song. Perkins had hoped Presley would record his material, but when Elvis’s version was released, it quickly overshadowed the original. Elvis’ rendition became a massive hit, leading to a feeling of betrayal for Perkins, especially since he was still working on his own follow-up album and struggling with the pressures of success.

While Elvis helped propel rock ‘n’ roll to new heights, the situation between him and Perkins was strained. Perkins never fully benefited from the same fame or fortune as Presley, despite having written one of the most enduring rock songs of all time. In later years, Perkins and Presley reconciled, and the two became friends, but the original fallout over Blue Suede Shoes remained a bittersweet chapter in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Ultimately, Carl Perkins’ legacy shines through his groundbreaking contributions to the genre, and Blue Suede Shoes remains a timeless anthem—one that belongs to him, despite the troubles with Elvis.

Come see this history play out, live onstage at SLO REP! Million Dollar Quartet opens on Friday, February 7!