King of Rockabilly and Mr. Blue Suede Shoes, Carl Perkins was a huge influence on all the Beatles. Other than their own music, the Beatles recorded more Carl Perkins songs than any other artist. After meeting in London in 1964, they all stayed in touch. In February 1981, two months after John Lennon was killed, Paul McCartney invited Carl Perkins to Monserrat to record the song “Get It” with him for his album “Tug of War.” After completing work in the studio on the night before their visit was coming to an end, Carl was inspired to thank Linda and Paul McCartney for their hospitality by writing a song called “My Old Friend.” As Carl sang, Paul McCartney became visibly upset and left the room. Carl apologized to Linda McCartney for upsetting Paul. Then Linda explained to Carl that he had just helped Paul begin to grieve John’s death because the refrain, “Think about me every now and then,” were the last words John Lennon ever told Paul McCartney — and no one else knew that. Linda believed that “My Old Friend” was John’s way of getting a message to Paul McCartney through Carl Perkins. A version of “My Old Friend” with Paul was released on Carl’s “Go Cat Go!” album in 1996. What a way for John Lennon to send Paul McCartney a sign — through their childhood musical hero, Carl Perkins.