CARL PERKIN'S "BLUESHAWK" SUEDE SHOES

The forefather of rock'n roll - the legendary Carl Perkins, was introduced into Hollywood's "Rock Walk" on June 11, 1996 in a special ceremony recognizing his significant contribution to the rock'n roll artform. Tom Petty introduced Perkins at the ceremony and spoke of the importance of Perkins' influence to the evolution of rock'n roll.
Brian Setzer, Vandyke Parks, Pete Anderson and Dash Rip Rock were among the artists on hand to honor Perkins.
Perkins is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of his original classic "Blue Suede Shoes," the first record to simultaneously top the pop, country and R&B charts. The song sold over two million copies on the legendary Sun Records label before being cut by Elvis Presley and selling millions more. The smash hit established Perkins as a revolutionary artist, a founder of modern rock guitar whose music was instrumental in redefining and shaping popular music as we know it today.
Perkins' autobiography "Go Cat Go! The Life and Times of Carl Perkins (Hyperion) by Carl Perkins and David McGee is available this month. He is also currently recording duets of his classic tunes with some of the biggest names in rock.
Perkins was presented with a prototype of the soon to be released Gibson Blueshawk guitar for his lifelong contribution to the development of blues music. A second Blueshawk was autographed by Perkins and donated to the Rock Walk Museum for permanent display. Hollywood's Rock Walk made a $1,000 donation to Carl's charity, the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center.
Among the many performers who have admitted they were influenced by Carl Perkin's songs and mannerisms include Rick Nelson, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Perkins is a 1987 National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee.
Hollywood's Rock Walk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those musicians who have made a significant contribution to the evolution of rock'n roll as a universal artform. Perkins was honored today by placing his handprints and signature in cement, joining the ranks of such equally accomplished musicians and innovators as Johnny Cash, Aerosmith, John Lee Hooker, Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, B.B. King, Phil Ramone, George Martin and James Brown. Located at 7425 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood's Rock Walk is open to the public seven days a week, always free of charge.

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