* = HONORABLE MENTION "S" Artists & Songs
SEE OTHER ARTISTS AND THEIR SONGS
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Saber, Sonny
Sabres
Sage, Billy
Saint, Del
Rock Yea, '58
Saints
Rock & Roll Ruby, '57
Saladin
Tough'n'Rough
Sales, Mac
Gal Named Joe, '55
Yakety Yak, '55
Sanchez, Mike
Sanders, Andy
Rock And Roll Baby
Sanders, Curly
Sanders, Hank
Been Gone A Long Time, '58
Sanders, Rabon
Sanders, Ray
Sandlin, Billy
Sando, Ronnie
Rocking On The Moon
Sands, Frankie
Sands, Jeri Lynn
Sands, Tommy
Blue Ribbon Baby, '58
I Ain't Gettin' Rid Of You
Is It Ever Gonna Happen
Man Like Wow, '58
Playin' The Field, '58
Worryin' Kind, '58
Sandy, Bob
Hot Rod Race, '59
Sandy, Frank
Sanford, Doug
Sadie, '59
Sanford, Ralph
Sano, Dick
Santo & Johnny
Off-Site Bio
Sardo, Johnny
Sardo, Frankie
Sarg, Mike
Sargent, Don
Satellites
Sauceman, Carl
Saunders, Butchie
Saul, Hender
I Ain't Gonna Rock Tonite
Savage, Bob
Savage, Billy
Savage, James
Savoy, Jerry
Savoy, Jules
Sawyer, J.C.
Sawyer, Joe, Trio
Such A Night, '62
Sawyer Sisters
Sawyer, Ray
I'm Gonna Leave, '62
Schaff, Murray
Schickel, Steve
Schmerdley, Herman
Schmidling, Tyrone
Honey Don't, '58
You're Gone I'm Left, '58
Scholars
Schoolboy Cleve
Schooners
Schroeder, Don
Schulte, Steve
Schurb, Duane
Rolly Polly, '59
Schuyler Brothers
Scoggins, Hoyt
Tennessee Rock, '56
Scoggins, Johnny
Flatfoot Sam, '58
Scooters
Scott, Bob
Scott, Glen
Scott, Greg
Scott, Earl
Stop Your Knocking, '59
Scott, Jack (& The Chantones)
JACK SCOTT - On-site Rockabilly HOF web page
Baby She's Gone, '57
Goodbye Baby, 59
Greaseball, '58
Grizzily Bear, '62
Leroy, '58
My True Love, '58
Oh Little One, '60
Patsy, '60
Two Timin' Woman, '57
Way I Walk, '59
What In The World's Come Over You, '60
Jack Scott's Official Home Page
Off-Site: Canadian Encyclopedia/Jack Scott
Scott, Ray
Boppin' Wigwam Willie, '57
San Antone
Train's Done Gone, '58
You Drive Me Crazy, '57
Scott, Rodney
Granny Went Rockin', '61
You're So Square, '62
Scott, Sandy
Mister Big, ' 57
Scott, Sherman
How'd Ja Do, '58
Scott, Sherree
(Died in 1993, survived by 7 children)
Fascinating Baby, '58
Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On, '59
Scott, Simon
Scott, Suzy Q.
Scott, Tommy
Do You Dig Me Little Mama, '55
Scott, Walt
Screamers
Scruggs, Carleton
Scuderi, Ron
Swanee River Shake, '62
Seacrest, Eddie
Sea, Johnny
Seals, Johnny
Seals, Troy
Seals, Wayland
When I'm Gone, '57
Seaton, Dick
Jukebox Rock, '61
Sedares, Bill
Seipp, Paul
Little Gray Shack, '58
Seiter, Leon
Leon Seiter started singing rockabilly in the honky tonks in Detroit in 1959. In 1962 Leon Seiter recorded (Life Ain't Like it Used to Be) rockabilly style on Sound Records produced by Stan Getz.Leon also toured with the legendary Tommy Durden (co writer of Heartbreak Hotel).
Self, G.
Roll On Big Mama, '58
Self, Alvie
Let's Go Wild, (DonRay Records) '60
Self, Jimmy
Self, Mack
Born Helena, Arkansas, 1930. Came to Memphis 1955 to audtion as a country artist. One disc was issued on Sun and leter a rockabilly disc (a duet with Clarlie Feathers) was issued on Phillips International coupled with a gunfighter ballad. After his Sun contract expired in 1959 Self moved on to work with M.E. Ellis and his best seller was Four Walls Of Memories (Zone 1085) issued in Memphis in 1965.
Self, Stewart
Self, Ronnie
(Performer/Songwriter)
Ain't I'm A Dog, '57
Big Blon' Baby, '58
Big Fool, '57
Big Town, '59
Bop-A-Lena, '58
Date Bait, '58
Pretty Bad Blues, '56
Rocky Road Blues, '57
Songwriter:I'm Sorry, Sweet Nothin's (Brenda Lee)
Sells, Jimmy
Selph, Jimmy
Tom Catin' Around, '56
Semrad, Mike
Senders
Senne, Paul
Senns, Charles
Gee Whiz Liz, '58
Sensations
Sergent, Shorty
Sessions, Don
You're A Cheater
Sessions, Little Ronnie
Settlemire, Bud
Setzer, Brian
Sexton, Orden
Shades
Shadle, Bobby
Shadows
The Creep, '57
Jumping With The Shadows, '57
Redwood Fence, '60
Shadow Rock, '57
Shagnasty, Bolivar
Shane, Johnny
Shanks, Junior
Shannon, Jackie
Shannon, Pat
Sharkey, Norm
Sharpe, Billy
Sharpe, Bobby
Sharpe, Buddy
Sharpe, Cathy
Sharpe, Henry
Sharpe, Ray
Linda Lu, '59
Long John, '59
Monkey's Uncle, '59
New Linda Lu, '59
T.A. Blues, '59
Shaw, Arlene
Lotta Lovin', '59
Shaw, Buddy
Don't Sweep That Dirt On Me, '57
Shaw, Carol
Shaw, Jim
Rockin' Boppin' Teenager, '62
Shaw, Mike
Frankie & Johnny, '56
Long Gone Baby, '56
Shaw, Ricky
Shaw, Sandy
Shay, Janet
Sheets, Sonny
Shelby, Jim
Shelton, Curley
Shelton, Gary
Goodbye Little Darlin' Goodbye, '59
Shepard, Jean
He's My Baby, '58
Jeopardy, '58
Shelton, Johnny
Shepel, Milan
Rip It Up
Shepherd, Buddy
Shepherd, Cliff
Sheppard, Shep
Sherman & The Darts
Sherrell, Billy
Sherrill, Billy
Born Winston, Alabama. Played sax and piano in a white R&B band throughout the late 60s and came to Nashville 1958. Met Sam Phillips 1960 and worked for years as Sun's producer in Nashville. Was head of CBS/Epic's Nashville operation, having moved to Epic in 1964.
Cadillac Baby, '57
Don't You Rock Me Daddy-O, '57
Kool Kat, '58
Rock On Baby, '58
Rock'n'Roll Teenager, '58
Yes No Or Maybe, '58
Sherwood, Fred
Sherwood, Roberta
Shibley, Arkie
Hot Rod Race, '50
Hot Rod Race #2, '51
Hot Rod Race #3, '51
Hot Rod Race #4, '51
Hot Rod Race #5, '51
ARKIE SHIBLEY! Van Buren, Arkansas cattle farmer Arkie Shibley nebver sought fame, nor recognition and he sure didn't become wealthy but when he moved to Bremerton, Wa. in 1936 his (and our) world changed forever. Arkie self taught on guitar, helped build a State Park by day (Illahee), and played some of the most smokingest "swing country" by night. He gave us "Hot Rod Race" whivch others hijacked and morphed into "Hot Rod Lincoln" (should be our national athem of RockABilly), he hooked up with Leon Kelly, Phil Fregon and Jackie Hayes and an underage kid ("Docie" Dean Manuel a heck of a piano thumper) and the mix became RockABilly history as we know it. From 1948 on nobody ever put out as much songs in the RockABilly genre until others caught on around 1955. It was in Bremerton Arkie and the handsome Leon Kelly put together the standup bass, fiddle, banjo, steel guitar and piano in a way no one had quite heard before. It got them rave reviews, a top 5 hit, ripped off, no lasting fame, never much money, but, as Kelly's friend Bill Plummer once said, "We didn't much care to be famous, we were just happy to have a place to play." Give it up one time for our Founders, Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys, see Arkie you ARE remembered! Courtesy: Ed Rollman
Shields, Bobby
Shields, Charles
Shinall, Joe
Shipley, Reece
Shipman, Jerry
Shoffner, Rufus
It Always Happens To Me, '62
Orbit Twist, '62
Shondell, Troy
Goodbye Little Darlin'
Shook, Jack
Shoop, Wally
Short, Bill
Show Brothers
Shozel, Herbie
Shrum, Cal
I'm A Man, '58
Shubert, Chet
Shuff, Murry
Shuma, Steve
Shuman, Mort
I'm A Man, '58
Shutters, Harold
Baby Fan The Flame, '56
Blues Of A Broken Heart, '57
Bunny Honey, '57
Siefert, Jerry
Siggers, Ruben
Sills, Billy
Silva, Bob
Silvatones
Roses Are Blooming, '57
Silver, Ben
Silver, Sid
Bumble Rumble, '56
Silver Jets
Silvers, Colonel Jim
Silvers, Johnny
Simmon, Cifton
Simmons, Faye
Simmons, Gene
Drinkin' Wine
Peroxide Blond & Hopped Up Model Ford, '58
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, 1933. Recorded for Sun on moving to Memphis in the late 50s. Has recorded since for Hi, Epic, Hurshey and his own studio in Tupelo. He recalls, "I began in music at age 15, playing dances in Tupelo and then in Memphis with Clyde Leoppard. I played shows throughout the Tri State area until 1959 when I went on tour in Canada. I got back in 1960 and worked at the Cotton Club in 1961 then I joined the Bill Black Combo and worked for Hi Records. I wrote several songs at the time, including Muddy Ole River for Dane Stinit for Sun. My latest release as of July 1973 is Good Ole Country Music (Hurshey 01A). Greatest success came in 1964 with a pop hit, Haunted House, (Hi 2076)." An earlier Hi session including Going Back to Memphis had been leased to the Checker label in 1960 without success.
Peroxide Blond & Hopped Up Model Ford, '58
Simmons, Jimmy
Silver Jets
Silvers, Jim
Silvers, Johnny
Simmons, Faye
Simmons, Jimmy
Simms, Jimmy
Simon, Frank
Simon, Sidney
Simpson, Carl
Simpson, Donald
Simpson, Gene
Simpson, Hoke
Simpson, Jimmy
Simpson, R.
Simpson, Royce
Space Dance
Sims, Al
Sims, Babe
Sims, Chuck
Sims, Frankie Lee
Sims, Kathy
Sims, Mac
Singer, Johnny
Singleton, Bebo
Singleton, Jimmy
Singleton, Margie
Singleton, Shelby
Sisco, Bobby
Go Go Go, '56
Honky Tonkin' Rhythm, '56
Tall Dark Handsome Man, '56
Sisco, Gene
Grandma Rock And Roll, '57
Turning The Tables, '57
Sisk, Shirley
Born Ernestine Brooks, Memphis. First recorded for Sam Phillips as a pianist/vocalist with Judy Dismukes on guitar. The session was on February 8, 1952 when Let Me Count The Curls and Mean Old Memphis were recorded. Dubs were sent to Chess (who assigned matrix number but the record was never issued). Contract was also signed with Acuff Rose in Nashville. By the late 50s Sisk was back in Memphis, working out of the Echo studios as a pianist and organist. She was featured on a Phillips International disc by the Memphis Bells and in her own right on Sun 365, recorded at the Echo studio on Manassas Avenue in 1961.She owned Permanent Records in Memphis, which did not live up to its name.
Six Shooters
Don't You Just Know It, '60
Sizemore, Gordon
Skee Brothers
That's All She Wrote, '58
Skelton, Eddie
Gotta Keep Swingin', '58
Ski, Gene
Six Foot Down, '66
Skinner, Jimmy
Skidmore, Bill
Skiles, Johnny
Skipper, Macy
Quicksand Love
Skylar, Norm
Skyliners
Slade, Prentis
Slaughter, Chuck
Slaughter, Lee
Rock And roll World
Teenage Hop
Slavin, Slick
Speed Crazy, '58
Sloan, Phil
Slim & Curly
Slocum Brothers
Sugar Plum
Sloan, Chuck
Smalling, Eddie
Jeanie, '60
Little Brave, '60
Smart, Jimmy
Smedley, Jack
Smiley, Austin
Smiley, Red
Smith, Arthur
Guitar Boogie, '48
Guitar Bustin', '58
Hot Rod Race, '51
Teenage Rebel, '57
Smith, Betty
Yeah Baby
Smith, Billy
Tell Me Baby, '58
Smith, Bob
Honky Tonkin' Baby, '62
Smith, Bobby
Bevy Mae
She's Gone From Me
Smith Brothers
I Just Can't Go On, '59
Smith, Carl
Cut Across Shorty, '60
Go Boy Go, '54
Smith, Chester
You Gotta Move, '58
Smith, Dick
Smith, Don
Smith, Earl
Smith, Esau
Smith, Dappa
China Doll, '58
Smith, David Ray
Gone Baby Gone, '56
Swinging Boogie, '56
Smith, Floyd
Smith, Gene
Rubber Legs, '65
Smith, Hal
Smith, Hank
Smith, Herb
Smith, Homer
Smith, Janice
Smith, Jeep
Smith, Jeff
Smith, Jerry Lee
Smith, Jimmy
Pinch Me Quick, '58
Smith, Joe
Smith, Johnny
Smith, Kenny
I'm So Lonesome Baby, '58
Wild Man, '59
Smith, L.C.
Radio Boogie
Smith, Lanier
Smith, Lendon
Smith, Leon
Flip, Flop And Fly, '60
Little Forty Ford, '59
Sweet Love, '60
Smith, Mack Allen
Skeleton fight
Born, Carrolton, Mississippi, 1938. Learned some guitar from Mississippi John Hurt. Recorded for Sun with his band, The Flames in 1959. The tape including Sandy Lee and Mean Woman Blues left Sun with producer Ernie Barton before it could be released. Smith later made excellent recordings for Vee Eight, Statue, Delta Sound and other local Mississippi labels. He has kept the Delta sound alive and had fine country rock albums issued on Ace and Delta Sound (US) and on Redneck, Checkmate and Charly (UK).
Smith, Mel
Pretty Plaid Skirt
Smith, Melvin
Smith, Ray & Lamar
Smith, Ray
RAY SMITH - On-site Rockabilly HOF web page
Rockin' Bandit, '59
Rockin' Little Angel, '59
Whoa Boy, '54
Mini-Bio located below
Smith, Red
Whoa Boy, '54
Smith, Robert
Smith, Roger
Smith, Ronnie
Long Time No Love, '60
Smith, Roy
Smith, Sammy
Smith, Shelby
Rockin' Mama, '62
What's On Your Mind, '55
Smith, Smoochie
Smith, Smokey
Smith, Suggie
Smith, Tommy
Smith, Warren
Miss Froggie, '57
Red Cadillac And A Black Mustache, '57
Rock & Roll Ruby, '56
So Long I'm Gone, '57
Sweet Sweet Girl, '58
Ubangi Stomp, '57
Uranium Rock, '58
Born February 7, 1933, Louise, Mississippi. Lived mostly in Texas, apart from spells in Memphis 1955- 1959 and Hollywood, 1959-1962. Recorded for Sun, Liberty, Mercury, Skill and Jubal. Was a personnel manager in Longview, Texas, although he toured England in a rockabilly revival show years ago and recorded for EMI-Harvest and Lake Country, Died January 30, 1980 of a heart attack. Warren recorded some excellent Sun rockabilly recordings. His was a pure country voice without vocal contrivance or mimicry. He coupled good looks with a strong will to succeed. Warren was a caring man and a good man. He wanted recognition and once had "Warren Smith-The Rock 'n' Roll Ruby Man" painted on the back of his new Cadillac sedan.
Smith, Wendell
Smithson, Lonnie
(Smolinski), Ricky "Leigh" Author of and guitarist on Wisconsin's first rock recording, 1/57: Rock & Roll Saddles
Snappers
Sneed, Leslie
Sneed, Roy
Sneezer, Ebe
That's All I've Got, '57
Snell, Billy
Snell, Eddie
Snider, Tony
Snow, Danny
Snow, Eddie
Snow, Glen
Snow, Hank
Hula Rock, '56
Snow, Jimmie Rodgers
Milkcow Blues, '55
Snowmen
Sohl, Don
Solley, Jim
Somerville, Diamond Dave
Sonics
Marlene, '58
Minus One Blast Off, '58
Sons Of The Pioneers
Tennessee Rock & Roll, '55
Sonya
Soots, Bobby
Sorce, Pete
Sosebee, Tommy
Sounds
South, Joe
Southerners
Southlanders
Sovine, Eddie
Sovine, Red
Juke Joint Johnny, '57
Sowell, John
Sowell, Bobby
Space Walkers
Spadachene, Smith
Spain, Dick
Spain, Johnny
Spak, Emil
Spangler, Randy
Rock 'n' Roll Baby, '58
Sparkletones
Sparks, Milton
Sparks, Randy
Spears, Russell
Beggin' Time
Speck, Darrell>
Speckulations
Spellman, Jimmy
Spitale, Guy
Spencer, Bob
Spencer, Jimmy
Spencer, Sammy
Spencer, Sonny
Sperry, Steve
That Ain't So, '60
Spic & Span
Spiders
Spines, Endow
Spirals
Spitfires
Spivey, Kenny
Sprouts
Goodbye She's Gone, '57
Teen Billy Baby, '57
Sprunk, Bobby
Spurlin, Tommy
Hang Loose, '56
Heart Throb, '57
I'll Be Leavin' You
One-Eyed Sam, '58
Spurling, Hank
Box Car Blues
Squires
Squires, Bud
Like Wow, '60
St. Germain, Ray
St. John, Frankie
So Glad You're Mine
St. John, Johnny
St. Romain, Kirby
Stacks, Gene
I Know My Baby Cares, '57
Stacy, Clarence
Just Your Love, '60
Lonely Guy, '60
Stacy, Clyde
Baby Shame, '58
End Up With The Blues, '61
Good Rockin' Tonight, '57
Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor, '58
Hoy Hoy, '57
I Sure Do Love You Baby, '58
Nobody's Darlin', '58
Sittin' Down Cryin', '61
So Young, '57
Summertime Blues
Stadler, Dave
Stafford, Sammy
Stallcup, James
Stamper, Shewry
Standley, Johnny
Stange, Howie
Real Gone Daddy, '59
This Old Bomb Of Mine, '59
Stanley, Bobby
Stanley Brothers
Stanley, Ray
I Can't Wait, '57
Market Place, '56
My Lovin' Baby, '56
Over A Coke, '57
Stanley, Skip
Stanton, Sandy
Stanton, Skip
Stapleton, Eddie
Well I'm Weak, '63
Star Combo
Star Dusters
Starr, Andy & The Casinos
Star, Eddie
Star, Jimmy
Star, Frank
Give Me A Woman, '56
I Wanna Go South, '56
No Room For Your Kind, '56
Old Deacon Jones, '56
One More Time, '57
Rockin' Rollin' Stone, '56
Round And Round, '56
She's A Goin' Jessie, '56
Star-Fires
Stark, Johnny
Rockin' Billy, '57
Starkes, Doc
Starkweather, C.
Starlighters
One Way Express, '60
Starman, Russ
Starr, Betty Jo & Johnny
Eskimo Boogie
Starr, Bill
Grizzily Bear
Starr, Billy
I Wanta
Starr, Bob
Starr, Frankie
Starr, Buddy
Starr, Charlie
Black Jack Joey, '61
Starr, David
Dream Doll, '59
Starr, Kenny
Starr, Jack (1960s)
Starr, Jerry
Starr, Jimmy
It's Only Make Believe, '58
Starr, Leon
Back In The U.S.A.
Have I Wasted My Time
Starr, Ray
Starr, Rocky
Starr, Sally
Starr, Sid
Starr, Winnie
Stayton, Jimmy
Hot Hot Mama, '56
You're Gonna Treat Me Right, '56
Steele, Al
Steele, Sonny
Stefan, Paul
I Fought The Law, '62
Say Mama, '62
Steinberg, Wilbur
Stephens, Billy
Stephens, Buddy
Stephens, Steve
Stephenson, John
Stephenson, N.A.
Steve & The Emperors
Stevens, Debbie
If You Can't Rock Me, '59
Stevens, Hoyt
Stevens, Hunt
Stevens, Jesse
Mama Mama Mama, '58
Stevens, Jimmy
Stevens, Neil
Stevens, Randy
Stevens, Rosie
Stevenson, Hoyt
55 Chevy
Stewart, Charlie
Old Age And Rough Treatment, '59
Stewart, Danny
I'll Change My Ways, '59
Stewart, Gary
Stewart, Gene
Stewart, Franklin
That Long Black Train, '57
Stewart, Henry & Casperon
Lemon Time
Stewart, Jimmy
Nuthin' But A Nuthin', '57
Rock On The Moon, '58
Stewart, Jimmie
Stewart, Johnny
Stewart, Redd
Stewart, Roy
Stewart, Skip
Stewart, Vernon
Mean Mean Baby, '59
Stewart, Wynn
Come On, '58
Keeper Of The Keys, '56
She Just Tears Me Up, '58
Slowly But Surely, '56
Stidham, Arbee
Stinit, Dane
Stinton Brothers
Stogner, Dave
Stokes, Simon
Stokes, Tiny
Stoltz Brothers
Rock'n'Roll Riot, '59
Stompers
Stone, Charlie
Stone, Cliffie
Barracuda, '55
Stone, Doug
She Moved To Kansas City
Stone, Jeff
Everybody Rock, '57
Stone, Jimmy
Found, '56
Stone, Jim & Evelyn
Stone, John
Stone, Roland
Stookey, Noel
Stop, Dickey
Storey, Dean
Storm, Rocky
Storm, Warren
Mama Mama Mama, '58
Prisoner's Song, '58
Story, Carl
Left Behind, '58
Stovall, LaVern
Left Behind, '58
Stover, Smokey
Strange, Billy
Strange, Tommy
Nervous And Shakin' All Over, '59
Strangeloves
I'm On Fire, '64
Strangers
Guns
Strangis, Linda
Stratatones
Strawn, Ron
Drivin', '58
Stray Cats (1970s/80s)
Strength, "Texas" Bill
Born Houston, Texas. Recorded for Sun in July 1960 by which time he was resident in St. Paul, Minnesota. Had previously recorded for Dot, Coral, Capitol and, more recently, for Starday and Brite State Records. Strength was a top country artist and deejay in the early 50s and began his career in Houston in the late 40s on KTHT, KLEE, KNUZ, and KATL. During 1948-1950 worked with Congress of Industrial Organizations, traveling the USA to sing at conventions and union meetings. Moved to WEAS, Atlanta, and the KWEM, West Memphis. Left Memphis in 1956 as top deejay. Cut seven titles for Sun backed by Scotty Moore, Brad Suggs, Larry Mohoberac, Bob Stevenson and D.J. Fontana. Died in an automobile accident, September 1973.
Strickland, Johnny
She's Mine, '59
You've Got What It Takes, '59
Strickland, Bill
Strickland, John & Ed
The Strikes
Baby I'm Sorry, '57
I Don't Want To Cry Over You, '57
If You Can't Rock Me, '57
My Poor Heart, ' 57
Rockin', '57
String Band
String Kings
Bash, '59
Stringer, Elmo
Stripes
Boogie Beat, '58
Stuart, Marty
Arlene, '85
Stuart, Scottie
Little Rocker, '59
Stump, Jay
Stylers
Styner, Ronnie
Sudduth, Dorie
Sue & Her Elm Valley Boys
Suggs, Brad
Bop Baby Bop, '56
Charcoal Suit, '56
Sulik, Eddie
Sullivan, Gene (Kingbeats)
Sullivan, Jerry
Sullivan, Niki
Sullivan, Norman
Sullivan, Paul
Sullivan, Phil
Sullivan, Romeo
Sullivan, Shorty
Sultans
Summers, Vic
Summers, Gene
GENE SUMMERS - On-site Rockabilly HOF web page
Alabama Shake, '60
Almost 12 O'Clock, '59
Big Blue Diamond, '63
Dance Dance Dance, '59
Gotta Lotta That, '58
Nervous, '58
School Of Rock'n'Roll, '58
Straight Skirt, '58
Twixteen, '59
Wine Wine Wine, '60
Discography
Summers, Ronnie
Salt And Pepper, '59
Blankety Blank, '59
Sun Rhythm Section
The SUN RHYTHM SECTION - On-site Rockabilly HOF web page
Sun, Jimmy
Molly & The Tenbrooks, '61
Sundin, Ronnie
Sundowners
Sunliners
Sunnysun
Sunshine Ruby
Super-Phonics LaCrosse, WI. (pictured here w/Gene Vincent. Gene did NOT play on their cover version)
Teenage Partner, '59
Super-Sonics
Surf Riders
I'm Out, '58
Sutter, Hub
Sutton, Glenn
Swade, Del
Swallows
Angel Baby, '58
Swan, Billy
BILLY SWAN - On-site Rockabilly HOF web page.
Born Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1942. Heavily influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis. Swan came to Memphis in 1962 and peddled songs on Bill Black's labels. His song, Lover Please, first recorded by Dennis Turner on Bill Black's Louis label was a hit for Clyde McPhatter in 1962. In the '60s, Swan worked as a writer, musician and even helped guard at Graceland. Produced Tony Joe White's Polk Salad Annie. In 70s toured with Kris Kristofferson and had hits with I Can Help and others, pioneering a new wave of rockabilly.
I Can Help, '74
Shake Rattle And Roll, '76
Swan, Dottie
Swan, Jimmy
Country Cattin', '56
Swanee & The Rockabillies
Swanson, Bobby
Rockin' Little Eskimo, '59
Swatley, Hank
Oakie Boogie, '59
Sweatt, Al
I Hate Myself, '58
Let's Paint The Town Red, '58
Sweeney, Jim
Sweeney, Jimmy
Sweet, Katie
Swing, Bill
Messed Up
Swingtones
Swords, Hayward
Sympson, Bobby
Szabo, Peter
Ray Smith, born October 30, 1934, died November 29, 1979 (suicide) birthplace Melber, Kentucky. Raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Ray Smith was taught piano at an early age and performed cowboy songs in school. As a teen he was a moonshine bootlegger with his brother-in-law and also worked for Coca-Cola. After a stint in the Air Force, Ray decided to jump on the burgeoning new rock and roll bandwagon, even though he admitted later that at first he hated rock and roll and his main influence was not Elvis, but Faron Young. Ray Smith & His Rock & Roll Boys formed and began playing gigs in Kentucky and Illinois. He immediately landed his own Television program on Paducah's WPSD-TV, which ran from 1956 to 1959. Charlie Terrell, who managed Onie Wheeler, saw Ray's TV show and was impressed enough to urge Sun Records' Sam Phillips to give Ray a shot. Sam was also impressed by the tape Terrell had given him, and it's said that Ray Smith is the only artist Phillips ever signed without hearing them in person first.
Ray recorded some memorable material on Sun, including Charlie Rich's "Break-Up", later recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis and then by Rich himself. But when Jud Phillips split off from Sun to start his own Judd label, Ray went with him, and it was there that he had his breakthrough hit - "Rockin' Little Angel" / "That's All Right", which featured an all-star backing band and production team including Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer, Grady Martin, and Bill Justis. The record sold well over 3,000,000 copies, and Ray Smith was suddenly a star, appearing on American Bandstand and touring in a snazzy bus with his band, now called the Rockin' Little Angels. But there were to be no more hits, and Ray Smith was quickly forgotten. He still kept his datebook full of gigs, though, and got many good spots in Las Vegas and Canada. This work was steady enough to keep him afloat for the remainder of his life, but he brought that to a premature end in 1979 when he took his own life by putting a gun to his head. Seventeen years later , his hero Faron Young did the same. -JSH
