The Beatles' music: quotes and info

“Rock and Roll Music”

Info about “Rock and Roll Music”

“Rock and Roll Music” is a song written and recorded (in May 1957) by Chuck Berry. It has been widely covered and is one of Berry’s most popular and enduring compositions.

The Beatles performed the song in many of their early Hamburg shows, and also played it on the BBC show Pop Go the Beatles. In late 1964, exhausted from non-stop touring and recording and short of original material, they decided to record several of their old rock and rhythm and blues favorites to fill out their LP release Beatles for Sale. Among these was a version of Berry’s tune that eventually became as well-known as the original.

The lead vocal in the Beatles’ version was performed by John Lennon. In contrast to Berry’s even-toned rendition, Lennon sang it as loudly and dynamically as his voice would permit. In the USA, it was released on the LP Beatles ’65.

The Beatles’ version of “Rock and Roll Music” was released as a single in some countries, and topped the charts in Norway.

Personnel

  • John Lennon – vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
  • Paul McCartney – bass guitar, piano
  • George Harrison – lead guitar
  • Ringo Starr – drums
  • George Martin – piano

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One thought on ““Rock and Roll Music””