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.
