“Slow Down”

• Published on 1964
• Author: Williams
• Track 12 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

About “Slow Down”

“Slow Down” is a 12-bar blues written and performed by Larry Williams. Released as a single in 1958, it was a Rhythm and Blues hit that influenced the growing Rock & Roll movement of the time. It was released as a 7″ single (45RPM). The A-Side was “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” and the B-Side was “Slow Down”, both of which were covered by The Beatles in 1964 and 1965 respectively.

The Beatles covered the song early in their live career and eventually recorded a version and released it on their Long Tall Sally EP single in the UK. Not long after, the song was released in the US on its own, with the B-Side of 1964’s “Matchbox” (also a 12-bar blues, from the Long Tall Sally EP).

Personnel

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