Art Adams Oral History

Art Adams is a rockabilly trailblazer whose musical journey began in the 1950s and spans generations of fans and performers. In this oral history interview, Art reflects on his early days recording tracks like “Rock Crazy Baby” and “Dancing Doll,” his evolution from country into the emerging rockabilly style, and the changing definitions of the genre over time. A proud Indiana native, Adams recalls his humble beginnings, the clubs he played in, and his eventual hiatus from music in the late 1980s to focus on work and family life. Decades later, he was surprised to discover a thriving international rockabilly revival scene that revered his original recordings.

Reinvigorated by global interest, Art returned to the stage, performing at major festivals in England, Canada, France, and Las Vegas, where fans packed venues to see him play. He shares stories of devoted international supporters, including the fan who helped him get inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. With warmth and humility, Art talks about the deep connections he formed with audiences, fellow musicians, and lifelong friends. His passion for authentic, good-time music and his unwavering kindness shine through in this intimate and inspiring interview.

With support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, this project presents in-depth video interviews with musicians, producers, and other influential figures who have shaped Indiana’s musical landscape. In this oral history, Art Adams shares personal stories, creative milestones, and cultural insights that offer a deeper understanding of Indiana’s vibrant music scenes—from hometown venues to international stages. This page includes the full-length interview, a short edited highlight reel, and a selection of images that help illustrate this Amazing Indiana Music Story.

This short clip from our oral history interview with Art Adams offers a glimpse into his story. In it, he reflects on how his music—after more than 30 years away from performing—unexpectedly gained popularity overseas, with songs like “Dancing Doll” and “Rock Crazy Baby” becoming staples of the rockabilly scene in England. He also recalls returning to the stage at major festivals such as Hemsby, Americana, Wildest Cats, and the Rocker’s Reunion in London. The complete interview can be found below for those who want the full conversation.

In this full oral history, Art Adams reflects on his decades-long journey in music — from his early days playing country music before evolving into rockabilly, to recording songs like “She Don’t Live Here No More” and “Dancing Doll” in the late 1950s. He shares candid thoughts on how the meaning of rockabilly has changed over time and describes his path from club stages to his eventual induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. After stepping away from performing for more than 30 years, Adams recounts the surprising international rediscovery of his records, which led to festival appearances in England, Las Vegas, and beyond. This in-depth interview preserves not only his music but also his stories of resilience, reinvention, and enduring impact on the rockabilly scene as part of the Indiana Music History Project archive.