02 lutego 2009
Clear Lake, Iowa
I never bought that Rock and Roll "died" between the death of Buddy Holly in 1959 and the day the Beatles first got American attention in 1963. That period included memorable songs from the likes of Del Shannon and Roy Orbison, so quality was not exactly an issue.
Even if Rock didn't "die" fifty years ago tomorrow, Rock lost three of its early icons. Those of us that consider ourselves rock mavens are left to wonder what more they could have contributed (imagine Holly or Ritchie Valens doing a tour or a single with the Beatles). Even the most obscure of the bunch, The Big Bopper, is underrated today and only remembered for "Chantilly Lace," which many regard as some one off novelty, but he also embodied the fun and naughtiness of early rockabilly, and has many songs that are still being covered today.
Ritchie Valens, "Ooh, My Head" from the movie Go, Johnny, Go! Looking nothing like Lou Diamond Phillips. Yes, that's Chuck Berry.
J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson doing his biggest hit, "Chantilly Lace" from American Bandstand way back in 1958. Unfortunately, I couldn't find video of his other songs, but I found two of other artists covering "White Lightning": George Jones and the Fall.
Buddy Holly and the Crickets performing "Peggy Sue" on, of all places, The Arthur Murray Dance Party in 1957.
Do zobaczenia. Hasta la proxima.
Even if Rock didn't "die" fifty years ago tomorrow, Rock lost three of its early icons. Those of us that consider ourselves rock mavens are left to wonder what more they could have contributed (imagine Holly or Ritchie Valens doing a tour or a single with the Beatles). Even the most obscure of the bunch, The Big Bopper, is underrated today and only remembered for "Chantilly Lace," which many regard as some one off novelty, but he also embodied the fun and naughtiness of early rockabilly, and has many songs that are still being covered today.
Ritchie Valens, "Ooh, My Head" from the movie Go, Johnny, Go! Looking nothing like Lou Diamond Phillips. Yes, that's Chuck Berry.
J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson doing his biggest hit, "Chantilly Lace" from American Bandstand way back in 1958. Unfortunately, I couldn't find video of his other songs, but I found two of other artists covering "White Lightning": George Jones and the Fall.
Buddy Holly and the Crickets performing "Peggy Sue" on, of all places, The Arthur Murray Dance Party in 1957.
Do zobaczenia. Hasta la proxima.
