Johnny Carroll

Johnny Carroll (born John Lewis Carrell; October 23, 1937 – January 13, 1995) was an American rockabilly musician. Born John Lewis Carrell in Cleburne, Texas, Carrell's last name was printed incorrectly as Carroll in his first recording with Decca Records and he thereafter used that spelling of his name professionally. Carroll began recording for Decca in the middle of the 1950s. He released several singles, none of which saw significant success, although they are now critically acclaimed. His records were eclipsed by the success of other rockabilly and early rock & roll musicians such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. His career ended toward the end of the 1950s, but he made a comeback in 1974 with a Gene Vincent tribute song. He continued to record well into the 1980s. For many years he was connected with the Cellar Club in Fort Worth, Texas and other Cellar Clubs around the state. He died of liver failure on January 13, 1995, and is buried in his hometown of Godley, Texas. In 1996 a 33-track reissue of his early recordings was released as Rock Baby Rock It: 1955-1960. Early recordings Later recordings "Gene Vincent Rock" (or "The Black Leather Rebel") – 1974 "Rock, Baby, Rock It" – Sun Records, 1975 Texabilly – Rollin' Rock, 1977 First Time All Over Again (with Judy Lindsey) – Gypsy Records, 1980 "The Telephone Man" (with Judy Lindsey) – Merit Records, 1982 "Rattle My Bones" – Seville Records, 1983 Still Satin Sheets (with Judy Lindsey) – Gypsy Records, 1983 Screamin' Demon Heatwave (feat. Judy Lindsey) – Seville Records, 1983 Crazy Hot Rock – Charly Records, 1985 Shades of Vincent (with Judy Lindsey) – Charly Records, 1986 Craig Morrison (1996). "JOHNNY CARROLL". Go Cat Go!: Rockabilly Music and Its Makers. University of Illinois Press. pp. 154–156. ISBN 9780252065385. Juan Carlos Rodriguez (22 February 2012). "CARROLL, JOHNNY (1937—1995)". In Laurie E. Jasinski (ed.). The Handbook of Texas Music. Texas State Historical Association. ISBN 9780876112977. Johnny Carroll at Allmusic "Johnny Carroll". Sun Records. Retrieved 2025-01-21. "Johnny Carroll". Bear Family Records. Retrieved 2025-01-21.