Friends of Kiama Library will host a book launch of Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly and an interview with author Jeff Apter as part of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival.

Carl Perkins, the original rockabilly cat, wrote the classic hit, Blue Suede Shoes.

Paul McCartney said of Carl Perkins, “If there were no Carl Perkins, there would be no Beatles.” One Beatle was such a fan, he initially gave himself the stage name Carl Harrison!

Jeff Apter’s latest book is seen as the definitive biography of Perkins, a musical trailblazer who launched the rockabilly craze with Blue Suede Shoes, was the influence behind countless other legendary hits, and who became a rock and roll legend in his own right.

Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats says: “This fine biography really does justice to Mr. Blue Suede Shoes!”

“Jeff Apter has succeeded in bringing Carl Perkins to life,” says Elizabeth J. Rosenthal, author of His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John and The Master of Drums: Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World, “not only as a rock and roll pioneer, but as a father, brother, friend, and colleague.

In moving prose, Apter tells us about Carl’s dirt-poor childhood, his struggle for fame, and his close friendships with Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and, especially, Johnny Cash. Apter practically brings us to tears as we see the Beatles, Carl’s biggest fans, introduce him to a new generation of listeners. This is an essential book for fans of rock and its history.” 

The book has 4.5 stars on both Goodreads and Amazon and received outstanding reviews in The Wall Street Journal and the Sydney Morning Herald. “Apter's narrative is rich with insider details, exploring not only Perkins' musical achievements but also his personal battles and humanitarian efforts.”

Apter, who lives in Wollongong with his family, is a former Rolling Stone journalist and author of more than 30 books about music and musicians including biographies of Neil Finn, The Bee Gees, Marc Hunter, Shirley Strachan, Silverchair and Keith Urban and Playing to Win: The Definitive Biography of John Farnham and a number 1 Australian bestseller, High Voltage: The Life of Angus Young AC/DC’s Last Man Standing.

Friends of Kiama Library are thrilled to have booked Apter to speak about his latest book as part of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival on March 8.

Tickets are $8 FOKL members / $10 guests (includes afternoon tea). Books available for purchase and signing.

For tickets to the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, visit their website.