While a wide variety of genres and sub-genres shape today’s mainstream hits, Rockabilly isn’t usually one of them. However, that has changed with the release of Elle King’s latest hit, Ex’s & Oh’s.

Heavily influenced by Wanda Jackson, one of the great Rockabilly and Rock & Roll artists of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as Rockabilly’s heavier sub-genre, Psychobilly (e.g. The Cramps), Ex’s & Oh’s fuses 1960s style Blues, Country, Garage, and Rock & Roll with King’s Jackson-esque vocal style and a killer chorus. The sum of these influences, coupled with gritty, evocative production and an inspired performance from King has launched Ex’s & Oh’s to the top of the Billboard Alternative, Rock, and Adult Top 40 charts, as well into the Top 10 of the Hot 100 and Mainstream Top 40 charts.

This Penn’s Picks Playlist features a combination of obscure gems and big hits by Rockabilly and Psychobilly all-stars such as Wanda Jackson, The Cramps, Johnny Cash, The Reverend Horton Heat, Vincent Gene, and many others. All of them paved the way for Elle King to score her biggest hit to date.