Stray Cats: The Rockabilly Revivalists

Stray Cats are an American rockabilly band formed in 1979. Hailing from Massapequa, New York, the trio achieved major commercial success in the early 1980s, reviving the classic sound of 1950s rock and roll for a new generation.

Early career

The band was formed in 1979 by guitarist and vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. Finding little interest in their chosen genre in the United States at the time, they relocated to London in 1980, where a burgeoning rockabilly and roots music scene provided a fertile ground for their sound.

Breakthrough

Their self-titled debut album, Stray Cats, was released in the UK in 1981 on Arista Records. The album was a smash hit, propelled by the singles Runaway Boys and Rock This Town, which cracked the UK Top 10. This success led to a US deal with EMI America and the release of Built for Speed in 1982, a compilation of their UK material that went platinum, cementing their status as leaders of the rockabilly revival.

Key tracks

Rock This Town - This energetic single became the band's signature anthem and a staple of rock radio, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Stray Cat Strut - A slinky, jazz-inflected track that showcased Setzer's guitar prowess and the band's stylistic range, also becoming a major hit.

Runaway Boys - The driving lead single from their UK debut that first introduced their high-octane rockabilly sound to a wide audience.

(She's) Sexy + 17 - A later hit from their 1983 album Rant N' Rave with the Stray Cats that continued their chart success with a playful, retro vibe.

The band's initial run lasted until 1984, after which they pursued solo projects. Stray Cats have reunited periodically for tours and recordings, including the 2019 album 40, which celebrated their anniversary. Their influence is heard in the work of artists like Brian Setzer whose solo orchestra continues the big band rock tradition. The raw energy of their sound also connects to bands like The Blasters who mined American roots music. For a different take on retro-inspired rock, listeners might enjoy The Cramps who blended rockabilly with punk aesthetics.

Their music remains a fixture on classic rock and rockabilly radio stations, where their timeless hits continue to energize playlists. The enduring appeal of Stray Cats ensures their songs are regularly featured across various rock radio formats and online music streams dedicated to the genre's history.

The music of Stray Cats can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or enjoy the rockabilly sounds of Stray Cats through the radio stations available on onairium.com.