Go Cat Go!: The Life and Times of Carl Perkins

by Carl Perkins, David McGee

One of the pioneers of rock `n' roll and the composer of such hit songs as "Blue Suede Shoes" offers a candid look back at his life, from his early tours with Elvis Presley to his private battle with alcoholism.

Genres: Music, Biography, History

464 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Amy Kinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. I just wish that the original plans for a documentary based on it had continued. There is sadly very few decent documentaries out there about Carl Perkins. He definitely did not get the credit that he deserves. He is/was a legend, but reading this makes him just a regular person, like the rest of us. Lost, screwed up and so full of life and talent! He will always be one of my heroes.

[Garrett Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many ways a biography can make you feel about its subject. If you read Go, Cat, Go! and you don't become a fanatic fan/admirer, or even possibly end up feeling like a friend of Carl Perkins, I don't think we read the same book.

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Perkins came before rock and roll registered on me but I was aware of the fact that The Beatles covered his songs more than anyone else's (Matchbox, Honey Don't, Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby). This isn't really an autobiography. While there are lengthy contributions from Perkins in the 1st person the bulk of the book is written, in the 3rd person, by McGee. That's no complaint. What an extraordinary life. Born into a poor, share-cropping family he used music to elevate him into a better life. His contemporaries, most of whom were dear friends, included Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison & Jerry Lee Lewis & he either recorded, or jammed, with them all. His early days, at Sun Records, produced Blue Suede Shoes, his nest-known song & only million seller. But he had to fight to recoup unpaid royalties years later - and how often have we seen that scenario in the rock world? He was clearly respected, admired, & even loved by many, if not most, of the people he worked with, from Elvis to Dolly Parton, & his guitar style was an acknowledged influence on both George Harrison & Eric Clapton. Throughout his life-long musical career he remained faithful to his wife, Valda, helped raise 3 children & even wrote & recorded with both of his sons. I was astounded by his story (& this was far from my first rock biog) & impressed by his character. The book explores Carl's creative process in great detail, which is also fascinating. If you love rock, even if, like me, you have never been a fan of his music, this book is well worth checking out. Great stuff.

[Callum Hyslop · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that I would gladly read again, got a bit emotional though, I would say that this is better then Johnny Cash’s autobiography.
It truly is a shame that they no longer publish this book.

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read just for the historical value. Carl Perkins was around at the beginning of the rock and roll era, was friends with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and others, didn't care too much for Jerry Lee Lewis. He was at Sun Records during its hay day with the above mentioned musicians. His career spans the decades from the 50's to the 80's. He is most famous for writing and recording the song Blue Suede Shoes. It was refreshing to read about a true family man. There was not one affair or divorce in the book. (Of his, anyway). Carl was still alive when this book was written. Sadly, he passed away just a few years after the book was written.

[Jake Gussman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic and deeply moving. This story of a faltering musical artist having trouble capturing his moment on top ends up having a lot more to do with mortality, family, loss, maturation, and redemption than anything else. This book also serves as a riveting history of Rock’n’Roll’s early days including acounts or Perkins’ relationships with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry lee Lewis, Roy Orbison , and Chuck Berry.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustively informative book about my man Carl Perkins. Thorough and interesting. Learned a lot!

[Christopher Renberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only did I read this back in 1995, but I got to meet and have Carl Perkins sign it himself! Such a thrill. A good read about a fascinating life.

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this was a serviceable biography. An incredible amount of time was spent on only 2 years, 1956/57, and it sometimes bogged down into tedium. It was interesting, nothing really scandalous (not surprising when the subject of the book helped to write it).

[Rick Barcenas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The birth of Rockabilly, Mr. Perkins was a legend. Unfortunately he didnt get the acclaim and respect he deserved, or the airplay for that matter. Much like the Ramones, wish he was still around. Recommend to any Rockabilly or music fan.

[Melanie Childress]

Read this and listen to the Sun Records box set at the same time for a real treat.