Luther Perkins
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| Born: | January 8, 1928 Memphis, Tennessee <tr><th style="text-align: right;">Died:</th><td>August 5, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | guitarist
<tr><th style="text-align: right;">Website:</th><td>[1]</td></tr> |
Luther Monroe Perkins (January 8, 1928 – August 5, 1968 - (no relation to Rockabilly Star Carl Perkins (Blue Suede Shoes))) as a country music guitarist renowned for his work with Johnny Cash and their "boom-chicka" rhythmic style.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Luther Perkins was working as an automotive mechanic when he and bass guitar-playing friend Marshall Grant were introduced to Johnny Cash. The three decided to team up and soon approached Sam Phillips at his Sun Studios in Memphis. Signed by Phillips, who made vocalist Cash the headliner, they were billed as "Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two." Their early recordings include the 1955 #8 Country hit "Luther played the Boogie", about Perkins' guitar playing.
Perkins died in Nashville in 1968 as a result of injuries received in a house fire apparently due to his falling asleep while smoking.
Perkins is interred in the Hendersonville Memory Gardens in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Perkins' pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
The cause of Perkins' death is alluded to in the 2005 film Walk the Line: on a late night busride to a performance, Cash passes Perkins asleep with a lit cigarette in his mouth and puts it out.
