Labors of love come no handsomer than this oblong album of full-page photos and sparse, typographically varied text mounted on variously black, white, colored, and patterned backdrops (performance-clips DVD included, yet). You could browse it for hours, probably will if you're a fan of the blend of electric Delta blues, honky-tonk country, and sanctified gospel called rockabilly. Naylor, who replaced Buddy Holly in the Crickets, is a survivor of the music's roughly 1954–63 heyday. His perspective on it begins with Elvis, especially the King's January 5–7, 1955, swing through west Texas, during which, on successive nights, Naylor, Holly, and Roy Orbison saw him—and were forever changed. After the obligatory long return to Memphis for Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, Naylor covers smaller, unluckier headliners including Gene Vincent, Charlie Rich, and Johnny Horton (yep, the "Ballad of New Orleans" guy, though that biggest hit is ignored). Naylor spouts fan cant ("genius," "legendary," "immortal") profusely, but since he concludes with the extremely hard-rockin' guys who probably coined rockabilly—Johnny and Dorsey Burnette—live with it. Olson, Ray

Product Description
In five brief but glorious years, a handful of young, animated performers set the entertainment world on its ear. The Rockabilly Legends - They Called It Rockabilly Long Before It Was Called Rock and Roll celebrates the rebel forefathers who created this raw, driving sound that continues to influence and inspire musicians. This unique volume - part tribute, part first-person recollection, part history, and all fascinating - provides a complete picture of the times. It features hundreds of original rare and captivating photos, including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and others. Candid interviews with music legends and personal reflections. Stunning design. Includes a one-hour DVD sampler of rockabilly music to immerse the reader into those heady days from 1954 through 1959 when a new, high-energy sound and spirit instantly captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Hardcover: 285 pages
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation; Har/DVD edition (May 8, 2007)
Language: English