The Rockabilly lifestyle is more than just music or an outfit. In modern day society people have watered down the subculture by not being true to the lifestyle that it is, only wearing the attire on occasions to appear to have the “look” associated with it. Rockabilly is a subcultural of life that began in the 1950s around the time Rock ‘n’ Roll appeared in the music scene. The Rockabilly lifestyle today has evolved from what began as simply a Rockabilly music trend which is a combination of western music styles such as country mixed with rhythm and blues. Some of the more well-known Rockabilly artist that began this genre of music are Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Lee Lewis. As time passed, artist such as Stray Cats, The Reverend Horton Heat, The Chop Tops, and HorrorPops appeared in the music scene. A lot of young listeners took a liking to this genre of music because it was not as mainstream as what was popular on the radio of those eras of time. They longed to be different and not follow the masses of society and be a rebel which was the desire they had. Essentially, Rockabilly, is composed of the younger working class generation.
Clothing also began to evolve for the people that followed the Rockabilly music scene. Early on males’ attire consisted mostly of jeans cuffed at the bottom, industrial boots or chuck taylor shoes, white t shirts, and greased hair either slicked back or fixed in a pompadour. In the winter they wore either leather jackets or dickies style work jackets. For dressing up purposes wingtip shoes, jeans, and button up western style shirts or bowling shirts were popular. Many males today still wear this style clothing, in addition to some more modern twist with accessories and more options for shirts and pants, the basis is still the same. For woman in the Rockabilly culture, also known as Rockabellas, feature a flashy Pin Up look with big hair styles for fashion. Early on, the look consisted of low flat shoes, long skirted dresses, teased hair, and red lipstick. The Rockabellas look was an exaggerated version of an adult woman in the 50s. As time evolved the look has evolved with it. Today the Rockabellas have put more of an edgy twist to the attire. Rockabellas wear various combinations of lower cut tops revealing more cleavage, short and long skirts, jeans, flats, chuck taylors, and boots as well as heels. Their hair too has also gotten more elaborate with taller hairstyles, curls, accessorized with pins, bows, and bandannas. The makeup too has become more edgy than just red lipstick, with winged eyeliner applied and various colors of lipstick to stand out more. For both men and woman tattoos are more common as well with having full sleeves of tattoos, tattooed chest pieces, as well as hand tattoos, and piercings.
There are other parts to the lifestyle not associated with the clothing choices and music choices. Many people today prefer the more vintage essentials in life. Including items used within the home. Record players are popular, Pyrex dishes as opposed to plastic containers made today as well as woman conducting daily chores while wearing aprons just like the woman in the 50s and 60s. The fascination for daily life in how people lived throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s is appealing to the people amongst the Rockabilly subculture. Rockabillies often tend to drive vintage cars from those era’s as well as wear the clothing. Of course today one simply cannot get by without some modern amenities but many still choose some of the same that were around in the past as opposed to modern choices. Around the world, occasionally throughout the year, there are even social events that people can attend to be amongst their peers in this subculture within society. Rockabilly bars, car shows, bike shows, and even fashion shows are all examples of the social environments of which Rockabillies tend to attend. The atmosphere at these events are considerably different than other modern social gatherings. People are beautifully dressed for the part, laid back, relaxed, and there is always plenty of bands or cars to see.
Many prefer this lifestyle because it brings a sense of simplicity and satisfaction to their life. It allows them to express themselves colorfully amongst the public with the dresses, crazy hair, and tattoos. This also symbolizes a feeling of freedom from what they feel to be the standard in modern society as far as how to dress and look. The way of thinking is also more simple as opposed to modern society. The cars have a lot less to them making it easier and cheaper to repair for daily use. A sense of pride is taken in being able to wrench on your own automobile to customize it in ways they did in the past with custom paint jobs, skulls for decorations, lowered suspension, loud exhaust, and tall shifters. The cost associated with living this lifestyle can also be simpler for the modern day person. Having no loan or a small loan on your car can aid greatly in being able to maintain your home and other daily living aspects such as food and utility bills. Not having your home outfitted with every latest and greatest piece of technology that comes out on the market also allows more resources to be used on the important essentials of life. Above all the Rockabilly lifestyle can be defined as simple freedom, self-expression, and a simpler way of life.
For myself this lifestyle has brought great many of joys to me. I prefer many of the vintage amenities of the past as well as the clothing choices, and automobiles. I drive a 1954 Belair Hardtop daily, which was a very popular car in its time as well as today. I spend many of my weekends or afternoons maintaining or customizing this car just as the Rockabilly guys were doing in the 60s and 70s. My home is also of this same era built in 1955 with many amenities from that time as well. The clothing is appealing to me because I feel myself and comfortable when dressing Rockabilly. The music I also find to be enriching, the lyrics and tunes move the soul, and I absolutely love the look of the Rockabellas of today’s time. Whenever an opportunity presents itself I attend Rockabilly events throughout the area, and I encourage others to attend as well. When I see someone dressing the part the first thought that comes to mind is wondering, “are they really Rockabilly?” in the aspect that they live the lifestyle or simply choose the Rockabilly/Rockabella look for that day’s attire. I always find it inspiring to meet people who have also opened up to the lifestyle that is Rockabilly and share the same joys of the simpler life that I do.
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