Perkins, Carl (Lee) (1932–1998)

US rock 'n' roll singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ became a huge hit for Elvis Presley. A highly regarded musician, in the 1960s Perkins performed with Johnny Cash and in the 1970s and 1980s he recorded with such artists as Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan.

He was born in Lake City, Tennessee. He performed with his brothers Jay and Clayton at country dances and in 1955 began recording for Sun Records. In 1956 the brothers recorded Carl's own ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, which reached the top of the country, pop, and rhythm-and-blues charts.