All vocals, instruments, arrangements and recording by Bob Johns These songs are from Bob's CD "Back in the Fifties". You can purchase the CD from Bob for just ten bucks, or, better yet, see him at a live performance. Even better, hire him for a live performance! You'll hear not only some great rockabilly and fifties music, but also some of that wonderful classic country and other oldies--along with more modern music, too! These songs represent the time in the 1950's that country and pop music were coming together to form the early rock that became known as Rockabilly. There were plenty of influences to this evolving form of music, including blues, country and folk, along with the popular music of the day. For anyone who was young at the time, the music is unforgettable as it transports the listener back to the the early days of the rock 'n roll beat--and to an exciting (but perhaps more innocent) lifestyle. Below are some brief notes about each of the songs on this album. Corrine Corrina was written and recorded in 1928 by Bo Chatmon, but was probably based on an earlier, traditional song. It's in a 12-bar blues format. The song has been known by many names and spellings over the years, and has been recorded countless times. The most popular rock version was probably Bill Haley's, in 1958. Save the Last Dance for Me is actually a little outside of the fifties time-frame, as it did not reach hit status until 1960. It was recorded originally by the Drifters, but has also been covered by the likes of Emmy Lou Harris and Dolly Parton. The latest version to reach popularity is by Michael Bublé, who has given it a somewhat latin sound. Blueberry Hill was initially published in 1940. It first achieved popularity in 1941, when it was recorded by Gene Autry. That same year, it was also released by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It was Fats Domino's 1956 rock version that became a major international hit, and the song is usually associated with Fats to this day. Although it has often been released in country, big band, folk and rock versions, the best-known are the rock ones. Popular artists who have recorded it include the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and Elton John. Singing the Blues achieved amazing success in late 1956 and early 1957, when Guy Mitchell topped the charts with it. Marty Robbins also had great success with it at the same time, creating a more country version. Tommy Steele covered it in the UK, where he also went to number one. In fact, the song was three weeks at number one in the UK, two weeks with Guy Mitchell and one week with Tommy Steele. The most recent major recording of it was in 2009, by Cliff Richard and the Shadows. It's funny they didn't do it fifty years ago... Bye Bye Love was a solid hit for the Everly Brothers in 1957. It was also a country hit for Webb Pierce that same year. Other well-known artists to have recorded it over the years include Ray Charles, Simon & Garfunkel, the Proclaimers and George Harrison. Memphis Tennessee was recorded by Chuck Berry in 1964. It is, therefore, a little outside of the fifties era, although much of Chuck Berry's work did belong right in the fifties. This song has been recorded by dozens of the world's top recording artists--far too many to mention here. It is best known for the interesting story-line that is revealed as the song proceeds. Jambalaya was recorded in 1952 by Hank Williams. It was based upon a traditional French-language Cajun song. The song has been recorded numerous times by many famous artists, including a popular Rock 'n Roll version by Fats Domino. Other recordings include Joe Stafford, the Carpenters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Buffett, Charley Pride and Jeff Healey--to mention just a few of the dozens who have included this song in their repertoire. Heartaches by the Number was another Guy Mitchell hit. Released in 1959, the song was also recorded by Ray Price and by Bing Crosby. In 1979, it was one of the last songs ever to be recorded by Bill Haley. Oh Lonesom Me was a hit for Don Gibson in 1958. The B-side of the record was another song which went on to achieve popularity--"I can't Stop Loving you". Other well-known artists to record this song include Neil Young, the Kentucky Headhunters, Roger Miller and Johnny Cash. Walk Right Back is another of the Everley Brother's signature tunes. It got to number one in 1961. It has also been recorded by Anne Murray, among others. |