Unraveling the Legacy of "Rocket 88" - The First Rock and Roll Song?
In April of 1951, musical act Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats released a song that many music writers consider to be the first rock and roll record. This groundbreaking release, titled "Rocket 88," predates renowned rock and roll hits like Elvis Presley's debut and Bill Haley and his Comets' "Rock Around the Clock." Understanding the historical and musical significance of "Rocket 88" provides an insight into the evolution of rock and roll and its lasting impact on the music industry.
The Birth of "Rocket 88"
Composed by 19-year-old Ike Turner and performed by his backing band, The Kings of Rhythm, "Rocket 88" was originally envisioned as an ode to the fastest American car of the time, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Recorded in a small Memphis studio and released by Chess Records, the song was credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. In reality, Jackie Brenston was the saxophonist of The Kings of Rhythm, providing lead vocals, while the Delta Cats represented Ike Turner and the band members.
Each member of the band was only paid about twenty dollars for the session, an amount that equates to roughly two hundred dollars today. Despite the modest compensation, "Rocket 88" became an unexpected hit, topping the best-selling R&B records chart in June of 1951.
The Impact and Influence of "Rocket 88"
The success of "Rocket 88" caught the attention of Sam Phillips, who purchased the rights to the song from Jackie Brenston for a mere $910. This strategic investment enabled Phillips to establish his own label, Sun Records, in 1952. Ultimately, Sun Records became the first label to record iconic rock and roll musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and the legendary Elvis Presley. The royalties through "Rocket 88" allowed Phillips to lay the foundation for a groundbreaking era in rock and roll history.
Musical Innovations and Contributions
Credited with pioneering elements that laid the groundwork for rock and roll, "Rocket 88" seamlessly combines swing music with up-tempo blues, also known as jump blues. The vocals by Brenston exuded unprecedented energy for the time, standing as a testament to the song's musical significance.
However, the defining factor that solidified "Rocket 88" as the first rock and roll track is attributed to guitarist Willie Kizart's unintentional creation of a unique sound. While traveling from Mississippi to Memphis, Kizart's amplifier was damaged, resulting in a fuzzy and distorted guitar sound. Sam Phillips recognized the potential in this unorthodox sound, describing it as "the more unconventional it sounded, the more interested I would become in it."
Music historians and prominent figures within the industry, such as Little Richard, credit "Rocket 88" as a major influence on the evolution of rock and roll. The song's fusion of blues with rhythm and attitude, in addition to its electric guitar-driven sound, played a pivotal role in redefining black music into a new and revolutionary genre.
The Everlasting Debate
Despite the accolades and recognition, determining the first rock and roll record remains a contentious debate. Ike Turner himself expressed conflicting sentiments, stating, "I don't think that 'Rocket 88' is rock and roll. I think that 'Rocket 88' is R&B, but I think 'Rocket 88' is the cause of rock and roll existing."
Some music historians argue that "Rocket 88" serves as a transitional song that bridged the gap between musical genres. Others cast doubt on its position as the first rock and roll song, pointing to earlier compositions like "That's All Right Mama" by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, which was released in 1946.
In essence, the quest to identify the first rock and roll song invites a multitude of viewpoints and interpretations. Regardless of its official status, "Rocket 88" holds an undisputed position in the annals of music history, significantly influencing countless musicians and reshaping the trajectory of the industry for decades to come.
As the decades have passed, "Rocket 88" has maintained its status as a defining moment in the evolution of rock and roll, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
In conclusion, regardless of the endless speculation and inherent subjectivity surrounding the first rock and roll record, "Rocket 88" stands as an enduring testament to the transformative power of music.