In fact, I think it might be impossible to answer that question -- What was the first rock record? Historians and pundits have guesses, and arguments that support their positions, as to what record was the first rock n' roll song. I have my own opinion, as to logical choices, and they are reflected below in that I have edited some songs off the list. This is my short list. One reality is clear in my mind: Elvis was not the first rock n' roller and That's All Right Mama was not the first rock recording. Anyone who thinks otherwise is doing some wishful thinking.
The first rock record was by an African American. That much I am sure of. I am of the theory, and I am not alone in this thinking, that the first popular rock recording was made in 1947. It was from the catalog of music popular in the African American community and known as jump blues. Each of the songs below has backers, who can argue the merits of their song holding the title of first rock recording, but I tend to believe that this first one has the best claim on that title.
Good Rockin' Tonight was recorded by jump blues artist Wynonie Harris. He had several hits. Elvis and others later re-did this song but it was originally released way back in December 1947. It was released before any of the others on this list and it sure sounds like rock n' roll to me. See what you think.
Another contender for the title of the first rock record was officially recorded by an artist named Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. In actuality, the recording of Rocket 88 was by Ike Turner (same guy who had such a reputation for abusing Tina) and his band. Jackie was the lead singer but ended up getting credit on the label. Rocket 88 was huge and released in 1951.
The next contender shifts us up to the year 1954. Sh-Boom was recorded the first time by a group called the Chords. While I do not think of it as a serious contender for first rock recording, it is without a doubt the most influential of all the doo-wop songs and it got that whole craze going.
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Realistically, the next song should not be on the list probably. But, when I began in radio this is the tune that we were all told was the first rock song. Probably not a coincidence that it was by a white artist. Bill Haley and the Comets recorded this song for the soundtrack of a controversial movie called "The Blackboard Jungle." Haley was kind of a frumpy guy, approaching middle age, and an unlikely rock star. Like the Chords, this song was released in 1954 and, while a catchy tune, the movie and the song title, with the word rock, did not hurt the song's chances for rock n' roll immortality. It might be immortal, but it was not the first popular rock recording. Here is We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock.
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12 Comments on Stories Behind the Music -- What Was The First Rock N' Roll Record?
SEP
05
2008
Steve, this is indeed a valiant effort. Your first sentence says it best, "I think it might be impossible to answer that question" as to what was the first rock and roll song recorded. Since one can argue that certainly the roots of rock and roll precede recorded music, it is anybodies guess as to where that obscure recording might be. At any rate, one artist that certainly predates 1947 is McKinley Morganfield---better known as Muddy waters. One can check out his recordings from 1941-1946 on this album:
Steve, I re-read my comment and I really don't want you to think I was being flipant or anything. This is the best of all of your music blogs so far. We kid each other so much neither one of us has a clue any more when we are serious:)
Kim says Jackie Brenston's Rocket 88...hands down...no question.
Muddy Waters provided the name for The Rolling Stones as they were listening to the song of Muddy Waters with "rolling stone" in the lyrics when asked what their name was. Many Rock and Roll artists were inspired by Blues Artists, but that doesn't convert the late 40s blues songs into "rock and roll" which is the 50s.
Rock and Roll certainly has it roots dipping into Muddy Waters as inspiration, but Muddy Waters is clearly Blues.
Ardell, if we have to take the blues out of the discussion of the roots of rock 'n roll we have to jump ahead to the Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Partridge Family:)
Steve, that's another good blog that took up some of my blogging time. I couldn't figure out what the lady with the hose was doing in the Rocket 88 song. And I have always loved the Rock Around the Clock song. That song always makes me want to dance. My husband can't sit still if it plays at a party. He must have danced a million miles to it but all I can do is try to keep up.
I think that is the babe who was gonna go for the ride in rocket 88. Actually, who knows? I found a video of Elvis, 1954, doing a re-make of Wynonie Harris's original Good Rocking Tonight.
Steven, I have to agree with you. Wynonie Harris is definitely rock n roll. My earliest recollection of rock n roll is Sh-Boom, followed by Bill Haley. I've always considered Muddy Waters straight blues. BTW did you see Chuck Berry on Jay Leno the other night? He's 81, still rockin, still doing the duck walk. Check it out on youtube if you missed it.
I am fast becoming a huge fan of yours Steve. Rock around the clock and Tan shoes and pink shoe laces were my first 2 records, then I added Puddin and Raunchy as my first 45.
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Steve, this is indeed a valiant effort. Your first sentence says it best, "I think it might be impossible to answer that question" as to what was the first rock and roll song recorded. Since one can argue that certainly the roots of rock and roll precede recorded music, it is anybodies guess as to where that obscure recording might be. At any rate, one artist that certainly predates 1947 is McKinley Morganfield---better known as Muddy waters. One can check out his recordings from 1941-1946 on this album:
Sure sounds like rock n' roll to me:)