Blue Suede Shoes: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Words and music by Carl Lee Perkins / arr. Jeff Funk
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0004771
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Everyone will think of Elvis when they hear this one! Take your audience back to the early days of rock and roll with this '50s pop classic.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004771
More about this title
About the Composer: Carl Lee Perkins
Carl Lee Perkins (1932-1998) was a pioneering rockabilly musician and songwriter who helped shape the sound of early rock and roll. Though Elvis Presley's 1954 recording of "Blue Suede Shoes" became the definitive version, Perkins wrote and first recorded the song himself, establishing it as one of the most enduring standards of the 1950s.
Perkins' songwriting combined country musicianship with the raw energy of emerging rock styles, and his influence extended far beyond his own era. The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and countless other artists recorded his compositions, cementing his legacy as a foundational voice in American popular music.
Why we love this
Jeff Funk's arrangement captures the infectious swagger of the original without overwhelming a developing mixed choir. The SAB voicing sits comfortably across ranges, the rock energy is built into the rhythmic writing rather than dependent on vocal acrobatics, and your singers will feel the genuine excitement of performing a song that shaped popular music.
What to expect
Infectious and playful, with the unmistakable rhythm and attitude of 1950s rock and roll. The arrangement swings with forward momentum, maintaining the original song's personality while giving each voice part something satisfying to sing.
Who it's for
Mixed choirs at the high school or middle school level who want to program recognizable popular repertoire with genuine musical substance. Directors seeking a piece that connects with audiences across age groups and requires solid fundamental technique without excessive complexity.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady, confident tempo before rehearsals begin. This song lives or dies on groove, so lock in a click track early and keep it consistent across all rehearsals.
- Balance the rhythm section's role with the recorded accompaniment if used. Train singers to stay independent of the track and to listen to each other first; the accompaniment supports, not leads.
- Highlight the famous opening line with clear diction and rhythmic precision. That hook is the audience's entry point; nail it and you've won them immediately.
- Allow natural swagger in the delivery without sacrificing blend. This arrangement permits personality; encourage soloists and small group sections to breathe and phrase expressively while maintaining SAB cohesion.
How to use it
This works beautifully in a pops or nostalgia-themed concert, especially alongside other classic rock and roll repertoire. It also serves as an excellent opener or closer because its energy and familiarity immediately engage the audience and energize the singers.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in a syncopated popular style
- Phrase shaping and articulation in SAB writing
- Ensemble balance while maintaining rhythmic independence
- Diction clarity at moderate tempo with rock and roll emphasis
- Stylistic awareness of 1950s popular music performance practice