Two major figures in the development of southern rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll, bound by being cousins of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl McVoy and Mickey Gilley may have gotten started a little later than their high profile relative but they made their mark among Rock 'n' Roll collectors in much the same way as the late great ‘Killer’. Like Jerry Lee, both men played a mean piano and both sang with gusto and commitment. The fact that neither scored a major hit during the period covered by this collection is in no way a reflection on the quality of the supercharged rock ‘n’ roll contained within. Carl McVoy recorded for two of Memphis’ prime labels in Hi and Sun Records, and a cross section of his music for both labels can be heard here. Mickey Gilley hopped from one Texas and Louisiana label to another and again there’s music here from most of his recording homes from 1956 to 1962. Many of their original singles are just as collectable now as they were when the first rockabilly revival hit around 50 years ago. Carl McVoy’s career did not extend much further than 1962, but from the mid-70s onwards Mickey Gilley became a country music superstar, his success rivalling that of his most famous musical cousin. All three cousins played an important part in the evolution of Memphis music, so collectors and connoisseurs will be pleased to have so much to enjoy here.
