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Stories Behind The Music -- Goin' To Kansas City

By Steven L. Smith

Home Inspector with King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. Home Inspector Lic #207

September 23, 2008 03:15 AM

The song writing team of Leiber and Stoller was responsible for some of the most popular songs of early rock n' roll, including Hound Dog as recorded by Elvis. They were two white guys who wrote songs that were popular with, and usually recorded by, African Americans. Originally, such music that appealed to the African Americans was referred to as "race" music. Eventually, and fortunately, the industry came up with a new term -- rhythm and blues.

The first hit for Leiber and Stoller ended up being one of the all time classics of rock n' roll. The song was originally released in 1952, named K.C. Lovin. It flopped. However an artist named Wilbert Harrison picked it up and it became a huge hit in 1959. It is amazing to me, but a good quality video of this little know artist, performing that song, is available at youtube.

While Wilbert Harrison performed the definitive version of that song, those four guys from Liverpool heard it performed by Little Richard. Kansas City was such an important song in the development of the Beatles, and in influencing their musical direction, that they recorded it 1964. With that recording, and the songs overall success, Kansas City became one of the standards of rock n' roll music.

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

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Rebecca Schrader

Competitive Insurance of Dundee - Dundee, FL

Steven,

I absolutely love Rhythm and Blues...man, you're on a roll with all this information...keep it coming! It's amazing what a different artist can do to one song...

Sep 23, 2008 03:33 AM

King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Rebecca,

Glad you like them. I have quite a few I am working on, so stay tuned. I try to pick the interesting stories.

Sep 23, 2008 04:28 AM

Sean Allen

International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL

International Financing Solutions

I prefer the Wilbert Harrison version better. HHmmm, I wonder if he was related to George?

Sep 23, 2008 04:31 AM

Sean,

Me too but I think we are old fogies (spelling?)

Sep 23, 2008 04:36 AM

Barbara S. Duncan

RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR

GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

I never knew the Beatles did Kansas City and I can't say that I liked their version. My history of it goes back to the first sound. Someone else did it better but I don't remember the name. Another good blog!

Sep 23, 2008 07:59 AM

Sheron Cardin

California Moods Inc - Selma, CA

ARTIST - A Home Stager/Sellers Best Friend!

Kansas City was on every jukebox in every bar I have ever been in. Nobody could stay seated when it was played.

Oct 26, 2008 11:51 AM

Sheron, It is a true classic, of that we are sure. Thanks for the comment.

Oct 26, 2008 12:43 PM

Stories Behind The Music -- Goin' To Kansas City

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