An unorthodox but equally interesting view on "the rockabilly beat"

Brewer, R. "The Use of Habanera Rhythm in Rockabilly Music." American Music. 17.3.(2005): 300-317.

Print.

This is an unorthodox viewpoint of rockabilly music in regards to how it is formed. Brewer claims that Habanera music (originating from 19th century Cuba - which was inhabited by a large population of slaves brought over from Africa) has had a profound influence on the percussion patterns primarily associated with rockabilly music. I find this quite interesting because rockabilly music is associated with "simple" hillbilly, skiffle and country music of the 1930's and 40's. These styles of music are not known for being musically complex or broad in their percussive range.

Brewer also gives a very apt definition of rockabilly music stating that it's "at present is typically defined as the hybrid of blues and country that has become rock and roll." The oddness of southern musicians of the time (who lived in entirely racially segregated regions) being interested in the music of African culture is also highlighted. It brings to mind similair notions of the "Mod" from working class 1960's London riding Italian scooters to "other" themselves in society. This article will be a good basis to correlate an argument of Rockabilly music creating a subculture that then paved the way for the Psychobilly subculture 30 years later.