The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Long Live Rock"

Drummer Dickie Harrell of Inductees Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps introduced countless audiences to the untamed exuberance of rockabilly. One of the first self-contained rock and roll bands, the Blue Caps relentlessly toured America, Europe, Australia, and Japan in rock's early days. Harrell's drumming kept things simple, but that's where the magic was: He wasn’t afraid to stop playing for dramatic effect, and then usher the band back in with a few taps. He added brushes when the sound wasn't quite full enough and then echoed the vocals for emphasis. Harrell’s approach influenced the British Invasion and the countless garage bands that started in the shadow of the Blue Caps.