Bill Haley & The Comets – Shake, Rattle & Roll – MCA Records
Posted by thehookandsling on August 1st, 2009
Welcome back!
Apologies for my late return here (yet again!) but the frankly antiquated Laptop computer that I’ve been using to piece together my small corner of the Internet here, has finally given up the ghost after many years of faithful service. After a very ‘special’ blue screen moment it finally went to the big computer shop in the sky, albeit, unfortunately taking with it all my pre-digitised 45s and photos to boot….Grrrrrr!
But fear not readers, a younger sleeker upgrade has been acquired and as they say the show must go on! While I’m in the process of reinstalling all my recording and converting software, I’ve pulled today’s 45 from my iPhone to avoid slowing up things here even further.
‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ by Bill Haley & His Comets was a pivotal 45 (Along with ‘Rock Around The Clock’) that not only shaped the Rock ‘N’ Roll sound but also bought R&B to a mainstream white audience, ultimately paving the way forward for future artists.
Recorded originally by Big Joe Turner, the legendary Shout Bluesman, who took ‘Shake Rattle & Roll’ to #1 on the R&B chart in 1954. The risqué lyrics that were littered with double entendres probably prevented the track from crossing over to the pop charts at the time.
Riding off of the back of its success, Bill Haley & His Comets recorded an alternative version with sanitized lyrics in the same week that Big Joe Turners version went to #1. Bill Haley’s version went straight to #1 also, and earned him and his band their very first Gold record. The track was also covered by many artists, including Sam Cooke and Elvis Presley
Bill Haley’s version is predominantly horn led with the drums high up in the mix and the double bass wandering up and down the scales. Although very well known it’s definitely up there amongst my favourites.
Before you go take a second to check out the FOR YOUR EYES ONLY tab at the top of the page, which has finally been given a good dusting down and update for your watching pleasure! Enjoy todays 45, stay safe and I’ll be back here shortly with some more of the good stuff!
