Tuesday, July 16, 2013

"I Still Miss Someone" - The Story of a Song.


A lot of people associate this song with Carl Perkins and he is often perceived to be the songwriter on it. But actually, it was written by his close buddy, and one of the “Million Dollar Quartet”, Johnny Cash. The "Million Dollar Quartet" was composed of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. In 1956 these 4 guys changed the course of music; leading to the fusion of Country/Gospel and Rhythm and Blues which became known as Rock and Roll.

Working out of Sun Studios in Memphis, they pumped out a steady stream of musical hits which earned them their nickname. This song, “I Still Miss Someone” is mostly thought to be a Carl Perkins composition; probably because he got the biggest hit with it. But the song is actually written by Johnny Cash and his brother Roy Cash, Jr. and was released as the flip side of “Don’t Take Your Gun to Town” in 1958.

It didn't really move until it was included on “Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash” in 1963. After that, the song became so popular that it is included on just about all of Johnny Cash’s live albums throughout the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

The song has been recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, Martina McBride with Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks and Ben King; all of whom placed the song in the top 100. It’s that kind of song. It appeals to almost everyone because we all have someone special whom we still miss, even after a long period of time. There are people in all of our lives we may never see, or hear from, again. But that doesn't mean you don’t carry them in your heart just the same.

There isn't a live version on You Tube, so I used Loretta Lynn’s TV version instead. But below is the link to the actual recording by Carl Perkins. He really manages to make the song his own, and it’s no wonder he is often associated with having written it. My friend Glen Slater e-mailed this song to me recently, reminding me that while Carl may still be missing someone, I still miss Carl Perkins.


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