ALL the Beatles were fans of this great inspirational American musican. In particular, Paul McCartney and George Harrison were clearly influenced by the music of Carl Perkins back in the 1950s.
The affable singer-songwriter recorded for the famous Sun Records label and The Beatles also recorded three of his compositions in their early days.
The Beatles covered: Matchbox, Honey Don't and Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby.
The band were delighted when the striking figure of Carl turned up for the recording of Matchbox.
On stage the Beatles played many more from the Perkins catalogue including Bopping' The Blues, Sure to Fall and Lend Me Your Comb.
Paul, who never lost contact with Carl from 1981 onwards, sang Get It with Carl on his critically-acclaimed Tug of War album.
Paul told his Fan Club in January 1985: "He was a wonderful, gentleman whom I was privileged to know from his blue suede shoes to the top of his Hillbilly quiff.
"I was pleased to play with him on a number of occasions.
"I was also proud to have done a duet with Carl on his last album, which has a very special meaning for me.
"It was a song called My Old Friend and that's what he'll always be for me and my family. He will be sadly missed."
The track appeared on Carl's last album Go Cat Go. Carl was also the subject of a C4 documentary featuring Ringo and George.
Carl, the "rockabilly rocker" died in 1998 - but those Blue Suede Shoes live on.
