By: Isabelle Puente

The Jackson community and Rockabilly fans mourn the loss of Stan Perkins, eldest son of Rockabilly legend Carl Perkins.

Stan Perkins passed away July 22 at the age of 72.

Stan’s wife Connie Maria Perkins, passed away July 3, 2026, at the age of 73.

“Everything that I have of Stan is very positive, with his entire family really, his dad was just an unbelievably nice person,” said Steve Little, founder of Voya Financial and longtime friend of the Perkins family. “Stan was always nice and kind to us, he never treated us at any other level.”

Stan Perkins was born September 17, 1953. His father, Carl Perkins was known as the ‘King of Rockabilly’ and had many famous hits including ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.

Stan Perkins had three siblings, Steve, Greg and Debbie, all deceased. He leaves two daughters. Shannon and Carla, and one step daughter, Leslie.

Stan Perkins, left, in concert with his brother Greg, and father, Carl Perkins

Throughout Perkins’ life he continued the legacy of his father through his own music career. Perkins was featured with Jerry Naylor on a tribute album dedicated to his father titled ‘The Rockabilly Legends: To Carl, Let It Vibrate”.

Steve Little came to know the Perkins family through the music scene in Jackson after becoming involved in music at 16 years old.

During his music career he created two groups including an acapella group called ‘The Fabulous Delacardos’ who were together for 34 years.

Little recalled how deep in love Perkins and his wife were saying that when Connie passed, Perkins said he wasn’t sure how to live without her.

Little recalled they would do everything together and due to Stan’s eyesight, his wife would often drive him where he needed to go.

Little said throughout his life, Stan Perkins showed nothing but genuine love for his family, and will truly be missed in the community.

However, the Perkins legacy will forever remain alive in Jackson through music, The Carl Perkins Civic Center, The Carl Perkins Center and The Carnegie Center for Arts and History.

(PHOTO: Steve Little)