Boppin’ the Blues: Blackfeather’s 1972 Rockabilly Triumph

In July 1972, Blackfeather released *Boppin’ the Blues*, a rockabilly cover that soared to No. 1 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Infinity (INK 4721), it charted for 28 weeks, held No. 1 for four weeks, and went gold. A Carl Perkins classic, it was the lead single from the *Boppin’ the Blues* album, produced by Howard Gable. Displacing Wayne Newton’s *Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast* and replaced by Paper Lace’s *The Night Chicago Died*, it was Blackfeather’s biggest hit. Let’s dive into its Sydney roots, chart success, and why it’s still a pub rock staple.

Sydney’s Bluesy Rockers  

Blackfeather, formed in Sydney in 1970, were known for raw, bluesy rock. For *Boppin’ the Blues*, the lineup was Neale Johns (vocals), Warren Ward (drums), Paul Wylde (piano), Billy Taylor (lead guitar), with Gil Matthews (Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs) guesting on drums. The song, a cover of Carl Perkins’ 1956 rockabilly hit co-written with Howard Griffin, was produced by Howard Gable for the *Boppin’ the Blues* album, recorded live at Melbourne Town Hall and the Q Club. Johns’ gritty vocals and Taylor’s driving guitars amped up the energy, making it a pub rock staple. Released in July ’72, it was pure ’70s swagger—no video, just live grit.

Chart Success 

Charting on July 31st, ’72, as catalogue number INK 4721, *Boppin’ the Blues* hit the Kent Music Report. Our infographic shows its top 5 run. On September 18th, it’s No. 4, with *Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast* at No. 1. September 25th, it’s No. 1, knocking off *Daddy* and tying with Gary Glitter’s *Rock and Roll*. October 2nd, *Boppin’* holds No. 1 solo. October 9th, it’s still No. 1. October 16th, it slips to No. 2 as Hot Butter’s *Popcorn* takes over. October 23rd, No. 2. October 30th, No. 2. November 6th, No. 2. November 13th, No. 2. November 20th, it drops to No. 4, with *Popcorn* at No. 1. It ran 28 weeks and went gold—Blackfeather’s biggest hit.

The ’72 Scene  

In 1972, Australia’s music scene was raw—Daddy Cool’s rockabilly revival, Billy Thorpe’s hard rock, and Russell Morris’ bluesy vibes. Blackfeather’s *Boppin’ the Blues* brought a fresh spin on rockabilly, blending pub rock grit with radio-friendly energy. Heavy airplay on 2SM and 3UZ made it a staple. Unlike Sherbet’s pop polish or Chain’s heavy blues, *Boppin’* was a high-energy singalong that packed pub dancefloors and footy club parties.

Why It Endures  

*Boppin’ the Blues* cemented Blackfeather as Aussie rock heroes. The album hit the KMR top 20, but lineup changes slowed them. The song’s still a classic—revived by cover bands, played on retro stations, and loved by ’70s fans. Neale Johns still performs it occasionally. A ’72 time capsule of raw energy and stomping beats, it takes you back to a garage party, rocking out. Got a Blackfeather memory? Share it below—I’m all ears!