The Chuck Berry Collectors Blog

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This is the final chapter on my search for unknown cover versions using discogs - so far ...

BLIXTERZ (Sweden)

Rock and roll quintet (2012) that became a quartet (2014).

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2014

CD: Steel Mill Elvis [Blixterz BXZ-001] ● Sweden, 2014

Self-released.

Back To Memphis ( : ) 2020

LP/CD: We’re Gonna Rock Tonight [Blixterz BLX-001] ● Sweden, 2020

Self-released album, limited edition of 250 handnumbered copies.

DIRTY HARRY And THE MAGNUM HORNS (Netherlands)

Rock band.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1999 (live)

CD: One For The Road – Live [Tapeless 171196] ● Netherlands, 1999

DRONGOS (New Zealand)

Already on this blog.

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 1980 (live)

Various LP: Stars Of The Streets Encore [Cachalot Records CA-125] ● USA, 1981

It was recorded live in Bryant Park, N.Y.C. on 30 September 1980.

JASPER (UK)

Rock quintet.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1974

LP: Front To Back [SRT Custom Pressing SRT-73327] ● UK, 1974

LES SULTANS (Canada)

Rock/beat quintet.

Carol ( : ) 1967 (live)

LP: En Personne Les Sultans À Starovan (Leur Spectacle S’Adieu) [DSP LP-16028] ● Canada, 1967

PEPA PILAŘ (Czechoslovakia)

See Volume 3, page 1418 for biographical info.
However, I knew very little about this release back in 2012-2013. So here’s a little addition (year and record info) and correction (Johnny B. instead of Memphis).

Johnny B. Goode (2:18) 1996
Roll Over Beethoven (2:27) 1996
Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:32) 1996

CD: King Of Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Band [Polygram 533 375-2] ● Czechoslovakia, 1996

25 tracks. He also does “Route 66” and “Down The Road A Piece”, both in a Berry way I would reckon.

PINK LADY (Japan)

Disco pop duo consisting of Mitsuyo (Mie) and Keiko Kuwaki (Kei). One of the biggest disco acts in Japan from the late ‘70s. Despite disbanding in 1981, they have reunited several times.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1977

LP: Bye-Bye Carnival [Victor SJX-20047] ● Japan, 1978

Recorded live at Budokan in Tokyo, 27 December 1977.

MARY KAY PLACE (USA)

American actress and singer, songwriter, born 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Not so many albums but she’s recorded with Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. That’s at least something!

Almost Grown (2:17) 1979

CD: Almost Grown [Wounded Bird Records WOU 3751] ● USA, 2011

This album was previously unissued. By the time CBS decided not to release the album, Mary Kay had pretty much had it with the music industry and chose to get back into screenwriting. Interesting to hear a female version of this male oriented song, following Berry’s arrangement. As far as I can tell she was the first woman. Fairchild (Connie) did a version in 2004 on the St. Louis Berry Tribute album, “Brown Eyed Handsome Man: St. Louis Salutes The Father Of Rock & Roll” Undertow UTCD-625 (2004).

PLATINUM PLAYERS (USA)

??? Nuff said.

Back In The USA ( : ) 1979

LP: Pure Platinum Vol. II [Pickwick SPC-3671] ● USA, 1979

According to discogs there are three albums by this “group”, Pure Platinum Vol.I – II – III. Much covers, and therefore we can assume that the Berry cover above sounds like the version from Linda Ronstadt which was a hit for her by the end of ’78.

PLEASERS (New Zealand)

Beat quartet formed in 1964 and disbanded in 1966. Roger Skinner (guitar, vocals), Bryan Layton (guitar, vocals), Kevan Walsh (bass, vocals), Max Thomson (drums).

Memphis, Tennessee (2:26) 1965

LP: Let’s Go [Red Rooster RLP-2] ● New Zealand, 1965

Let’s Go With The Pleasers and Peter Sinclair. Now, Sinclair (1938-2001) was an Australian-born television personality and radio host. On the front cover he’s pictured with the group in a TV-studio. The version is a standard mid ‘60s interpretation of this Berry classic, done in the Johnny Rivers mould, as so many others.

Beautiful Delilah ( : ) 1965

EP: The Pleasers Again [Red Rooster RPE-5] ● New Zealand, 1965

PROLETARYAT (Poland)

Heavy metal band. Sorry guys I think it’s great that you play Chuck Berry but it becomes a little too much for me.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1993 (live)
Nadine ( : ) 1993 (live)

CD: Live ’93 [Tres TC-001] ● Poland, 1994

Recorded during “Czarne Szeregi” Tour ’93.

PREACHERS (UK))

Featuring Steve Carroll, Peter Frampton, Roger Chapman, Terry Clark among others. The original group had one single out in 1965 on Columbia DB-7680, “Hole In My Soul/Too Old In The Head”, produced by Bill Wyman.

Back In The USA ( : ) 1964 (live)
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] ( : ) 1964 (live)
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1964 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 1964 (live)
Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( : ) 1964 (live)?

LP: Nod-Shake & Stomp With The Preachers [Tenth Planet TP-053] ● UK, 2001

There are two previously unreleased demos from 1964, and 14 live tracks from the same year. “Don’t You Lie To Me” (performed twice) is also included and credited to Berry, which is wrong, of course (Tampa Red 1940). Only relased on vinyl, 1000 numbered copies. Liner-notes by Bill Wyman.

PRESENT HISTORY (Australia)

Darlene Zschech, singer-songwriter, born 1965 in Brisbane, Queensland. Peter Beveridge, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, producer. It’s Darlene who’s singing lead on the Berry track. Both artists have released solo albums.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:28) 1990

CD: Present History [Nightlight Records  NRCD-100-2] ● Australia, 1990

Roll Over Beethoven (5:28) 1990 Extended mix

CD single: Roll Over Beethoven [Overseas Records TEDP-8] ● Japan, 1990

Two versions, original and extended mix. Only released as single CD in Japan.

CD: Roll Over Beethoven [Overseas Records TECP-28368] ● Japan, 1990

The extended mix is a hidden track on this Japanese CD.

PROTEST (USA)

A Christian heavy rock quartet from Indianapolis, formed in 2016. Brothers Josh and Jacob Bramlett, T. J. Colwell and Adam Sadler. Rockfest is a Christian rock/metal label.

Run Rudolph Run (3:14) 2022

Various CD: A Merry Rockfest Christmas [Rockfest Records 84597 9] ● USA, 2022

A heavy punk rock version. Ten tracks by various heavy rock groups.

RHYTHMEN (Australia)

R&B quintet.

You Can’t Catch Me (3:23) 1965

Various CD: Big Beat Cellar Scene [Nickoff Records NCD-003] ● Australia, 2009

The Lost Sounds Of Adelaide 1965-70. Containing various oz bands playing “famous” songs from the ‘60s recorded at various studios. The above was recorded in 1965 at Gamba Studios, Adelaide. Typical ‘60s sound with uninspiring vocals.

ROCKAROUNDS (Sweden)

Rock’n’roll quartet. Jan Oldaeus (vocals, guitar), Micke Finell (vocals, saxophone), Tommy Cassemar (bass), Ingemar Bunker (drums). Veterans in the Swedish rock’n’roll/country envirement. Finell was one of the founding members of The Refreshments which are well documented in Vol.3 with numerous cover versions. On the album below they have a special guest: Hans Engström (keyboards). They also have help from Geraint Watkins (piano, accordion) on two tracks and Joakim Arnell [again Refreshments] (vocals, guitar) on one track. Plus Mat Davies (backing vocals) on one track. They have also backed Linda Gail Lewis, Dave Edmunds and Sven Zetterberg.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man ( : ) 2016

CD: The Rockarounds [Ball And Chain Records BACCD-2016004] ● Sweden, 2016

VIC RUGGIERO & KEPI GHOULIE (USA)

Bluesy music. Victor J. Ruggiero, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer from New York City in the ska and punk genre.
Jeffrey Willson Alexander versatile musician born in Saint Germain, Wisconsin. He lived many years in Sacramento but is now located in Stonehouse, UK.

It Wasn’t Me ( : ) 2021

LP/CD: After The Flood…The Moldy Basement Tapes [Eccentric Pop Records EP-72] ● USA, 2021
LP/CD: After The Flood…The Moldy Basement Tapes [Stardumb Rec. SDR-95] ● Netherlands, 2021

The LP comes in blue vinyl, 700 copies. And trusting the info the CD came in only 300 copies.

MARK T. SMALL (USA)

Acoustic guitar blues performer.

Maybellene (4:23) 2008 (live)

CD: Screamin’ & Cryin’ The Blues [Whaling City Sound WCS-043] ● USA, 2008

Seven tracks (including “Maybellene”) recorded live 7 March 2008 at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Massachusetts, as the opening act for James Cotton. Fifteen tracks on the CD which means the rest are studio recordings.

SMART PILLS (USA)

Punk rock band. Git Smart aka Will Ivy (guitar, vocals), Vince Conrad (bass, vocals), Billy Ray (drums)

Around And Around (2:22) 1979 (live)
Bye Bye Johnny (1:46) 1979 (live)

2-CD: Live In Kansas 1979 [Vince Conrads Productions 022015 ] ● USA, 2015

Self-released album of mostly previously unissued material. It has actually a 16 page booklet. Both songs played at rapid speed. “Around And Around” recorded 30 March ‘79 at Off The Wall Hall in Lawrence. “Bye Bye Johnny” recorded in 1979 at Disconnection in Topeka.

ARTO SOTAVALTA & HÄKÄPÖNTTÖ (Finland)

See page 1522. At the time I had no info regarding this release. But now things are different thanks to internet flowing all over the place with all you need to know (well almost).
Arto Arvo Juhani Sotavalta, born 1950 in Helsinki, died in 1990. He was a teen idol in the late ‘60s with success until the early ‘80s when he quit the business. He had his first single out in 1968 and his first album came in 1970.

Rock And Roll Music (2:20) 1975 (live)

LP: Täyttä Häkää [Scandia SLP-618] ● Finland, 1975

Recorded live in March 1975. Standard rock version.

ALAIN SOUCHON (France)

Alain Édouard Kienast, born 1944 in Casablanca, Morocco. Singer, author, composer active since the early ‘70s. His first album came in 1974.

Memphis, Tennessee (1:58) 2011

CD: À Cause D’Elles [Virgin 509996 799532 5] ● France, 2011

Recording this classic in 2011 running for just under two minutes seems like a waste of time, if you ask me. But I haven’t heard it, so?

SPATS (USA)

A seven piece beat/rock band from California. Released one LP and several singles, 1964-1967.

Nadine ( : ) 1965

LP: Cookin’ With The Spats [ABC-Paramount ABCS-502] ● USA, 1965

The song is credited to A. Freed on the album. If you look at page 1753 you’ll find this song mentioned as a NO Chuck.
However, according to discogs the song is actually the Berry one. By the way, the song written by Alan Freed with the same title was recorded in 1953 by The Coronets (page 1747).

HARRY DEAN STANTON with The Cheap Dates (USA)

American actor, born 1926 in West Irvine, Kentucky and died 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
The album OV-414 is featuring Harry Dean Stanton (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Jamie James (guitar, vocals), Jeff Baxter (pedal steel guitar), Tony Sales (bass, vocals), Slim Jim Phantom (drums).

Promised Land (3:53) 1993
You Never Can Tell [as “Never Can Tell”] (3:39) 1993 (live)

LP & CD: October 1993 [Omnivore Recordings OVLP(CD)-414] ● USA, 2021

The live track recorded at The Troubadour, West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Promised Land (4:33) 2013

LP & CD: Partly Fiction [Omnivore Recordings OVLP(CD)-89] ● USA, 2014

Here Stanton gets the help from Jamie James (guitar) and Don Was (bass). Recorded acoustic in Harry Dean’s living room. This was the soundtrack to the acclaimed movie Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction from 2012.

WENDELL “DUANE” STEWART And The Sunglows (Bahamas)

Calypso, reggae singer and guitarist, born 1944, died 1987. He’s had a few albums and singles out. The first LP came in 1969 as Wendel Stewart And The Downbeaters. However, the Berry cover below might be his first release overall.

Johnny B. Goode (3:04) 1964

45: Carib 1026 ● Bahamas, 1964

Not so much reggae here, more mid-tempo rock oriented.

STOP (Yugoslavia)

See page 1537 where the three songs were mentioned but with no info. So here it is:
Classic rock trio formed in 1978. Sarapa Nikola (guitar), Mostečan Mladen (vocals, bass) and Fadiga Srećko (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (2:00) 1982
Memphis, Tennessee (2:59) 1982
Roll Over Beethoven (3:00) 1982

LP: Play Rock And Roll [CBS 25383] ● Yugoslavia, 1983
CD: Play Rock And Roll [Suzy/Hit Records CD-711710] ● Croatia, 2012

Recorded in May 1982 at Jugoton Studio, Zagreb.

HUGO STRASSER (West Germany)

See Volume 3, page 1538 for biographical info. However, the entry on this page was for the 1980 reissue album. (Strasser died in 2016, he was 93.) The original album was as follows:

Memphis, Tennessee (2:08) 1965 (live)

LP: Die Tanzplatte Des Jahres [Electrola EMI SME-74 055] ● West Germany, 1965

ANGELA STREHLI (USA)

Born in Austin, Texas in 1945, now living in Marin County, California. White blues singer and songwriter. She’s been playing a lot at Antone’s in Austin, a place she helped to run with Clifford Antone. Her first album “Soul Shake” (as Angela Strehli Band) came in 1987 on the Antone’s Record label. However, she had already in 1984 been singing on a couple of singles by guitarist Denny Freeman and also released a three track EP in 1986. The album below is her first in 17 years.

You Never Can Tell (2:54) 2022

CD: Ace Of The Blues [Antone’s/New West Records ANT-2513] ● USA, 2022
LP: Ace Of The Blues [Antone’s/New West Records ANT-3509] ● USA, 2022

Pretty good straight forward version with a horn section, piano solo and all but the song differs a lot from the others on the album. Again it goes to show when it comes to Berry’s music, you never can tell (!) Recorded at Laughing Tiger Studios, San Rafael, California.

SUICIDE COMMANDOS (USA)

Punk rock trio from Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1974. Members: Chris Osgood (guitar), Steve Almaas (bass), Dave Ahl (drums).

Carol [as “O Carole”] in a medley ( : ) 1978 (live)

LP: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert [Twin/Tone Records TTR-7906] ● USA, 1979
CD: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert [Garage D’or 005] ● USA, 2000 (ext. reissue)

Back In The USA ( : ) 1978 (live)

CD: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert [Garage D’or 005] ● USA, 2000 (ext. reissue)

Recorded live at Jay’s Longhorn Bar, Minneapolis, 24 November 1978 (their final show). The original album from 1979 had 19 tracks (limited edition 1000 copies) and didn’t feature “Back In The USA”. The extended reissue above have 32 tracks and was also a limited edition of a 1000 numbered CDs.

SUICIDE KINGS (USA)

Punk rock'n'roll group from the Los Angeles area, California, active from 1984 to 1990.

Let It Rock ( : ) 1987

LP/CD: Teenage Disaster [Sympathy For The Record Industry SFTRI-437] ● USA, 1996

Previously unissued demo.

SYMPTOMS (USA)

Blues-countryrock quintet from Springfield, Missouri. D. Clinton Thompson, Jim Wunderle, Lou Whitney, Maralie Whitney, “Rongo” Gremp. The group evolved into The Morells, The Skeletons and has also played with Bo Diddley, Dave Alvin and Jonathan Richman. Interesting that all these people are featured in the Berry Covers Songbook!

No Money Down (4:20) 1978 (live)
Too Much Monkey Business (2:51) 1978 (live)

CD: Always Heed The Symptoms – Live in ’78 [Almeron Records 1003] ● USA, 2008

Recorded live in 1978 at Mississippi Nights, St. Louis, Missouri

SYNKOPY 61 (Czech Republic)

Rock group from Brno. Formed way back in 1960 by Petr Smӗja which evolved into Synkopy in 1981, and by 2017 they were still performing.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:52) 2011 (live)

CD: Live [FT Records FT0149-2] ● Czech Republic, 2021

Pretty ordinary rock version without any highlights.

ALAN TAYLOR (UK)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1945 in Brighton. Has released many albums since 1971.

Nadine (5:00) 2000

2-CD: Collector’s Set: Colour To The Moon/Behind The Mix [Stockfisch Records SFR-333.9001.2-1/2] ● Germany, 2000
CD: Behind The Mix [Stockfisch Records SFR 357.9001.2] ● Germany, 2017

According to Taylor himself the album “Behind The Mix” began as a bonus CD to accompany the “Colour To The Moon” special wooden box set edition. By popular demand the bonus CD was finally reissued in 2017. Very good acoustic version recorded live in the studio, where he even addresses Chuck Berry in the opening riffs. Featuring Chris Jones on twelve string guitar and Grischka Zepf on bass.

TEXAS CHAINSAW BAND (USA)

Back In The USA (4:43) early 1980s (live)

Various LP: Town House “Live” [Rail records Rail-103] ● USA, 1984

Live recording from the Town House Club in Emeryville, Northern California (East Bay).

GEORGE THOROGOOD (USA)

See volume 3, page 1558-1561 for biographical info and a lot of other Berry covers.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( 3:43) 2011

2-LP: 2120 South Michigan Ave. [Capitol 50999029338-18] ● USA, 2011

Sorry, but this slipt my mind when the album came out. Nobody told me the LPset had a bonus track, namely the Berry one above. AND we can now add even another Berry cover to the Thorogood Sings Chuck Berry series. 16 songs altogether. You can find live clips of him on You Tube doing this song both in 2011 and 2012.

BILLY THORPE & THE AZTECS (Australia)

Rock/beat quintet. Many changes throughout the first years but Billy Thorpe was the sole leader. They developed into the ‘70s as a popular hard rock band, however, in 1975 it was all over. Though Thorpe continued as a solo act and released several records. He moved to the USA in 1976 but returned in the mid ‘90s.

I’m Talking About You (2:24) 1965

LP: Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs [Parlophone PMCO-7525] ● Australia, 1965
LP: 20 Greatest Hits ’64 – ‘75 [Axis AX.701374] ● Australia, 1988

ROGER THWAITES (Australia)

Country singer, songwriter. His first album, “North By North West”, came in 1970.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:16) 1981

LP: Bound For Glory [Aussi-Tal AT-01] ● Australia, 1981

TIN MEN (USA)

They call themselves Americas premier sousaphone, washboard and guitar trio, from New Orleans. Formed in 2002.
Washboard Chaz (vocals, percussions), Alex McMurray (vocals, guitar), Matt Perrine (sousaphone).

Maybellene (2:39) 2013

CD: Avocado Woo Woo [Threadhead Records 93381] ● USA, 2013

Interesting to hear this rocker performed this way. It goes to show that you don’t need many people to make it swing. Check it out on You Tube.

LESLIE TOM (USA)

Pure country singer/songwriter, born and bred in the heart of Texas, now based in Denver, Colorado. She grew up listening to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Bob Wills.

You Never Can Tell (C'est La Vie) (3:21) 2012

CD EP: The Second Act [3L&D Productions 64602 8 ] ● USA, 2012

6 tracks. Pretty ordinary straight forward country version, but she sings good and you get the lyrics crystal clear.

GREG TOPPER (USA)

Singer, producer, pianist. I’ve seen a clip of him on You Tube and he sounds like Jerry Lee.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1978

LP: Breaking Out [Mad Dog Records MDR-001] ● USA, 1978

TRIP DADDYS (USA)

See volume 3, page 1574 for biographical info, plus there are already two entries on this blog.

Carol (3:35) 2007

CD: Too Much, Too Fast [Trip Daddys] ● USA, 2007

TRUST (Switzerland)

Ruedi Lehmann (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Larry Schmuki (vocals, lead guitar), Bruno Hõltschi (bass), and Speedy Bösch (drums). They also released an album in 1994 titled “Rhythm ‘N’ Blues”. No Berry though.

Carol ( : ) 1991

CD: Trust [Trust Music 29390-602-OGA] ● Switzerland, 1991

Of the eleven tracks there are 2 covers, the Berry one and “Dust My Blues” by Elmore James. The rest were written by Lehmann/Schmuki.
On page 1575 (Vol.3) there is a French heavy rock band called the same, but there is no connection.

TÛZKERÉK (Hungary)

Rock band founded in 1970 by guitarist Radics Béla. But cultural problems were ahead and they disbanded in 1971. Radics revived the band around 1975. He had other projects in the years to come with different line-ups. He died in 1982.

Johnny B. Goode (4:39) 1978 (live)

CD: Tûzkerék ’78 Koncertfelvétel Iváncsa [Grund Records GR-027] ● Hungary, 2014

Recorded live in Ivãncsa 25 june 1978. Previously unissued. He’s also doing a title called “Guitar Boogie” which turns out to be Shadoogie from The Shadows.

Johnny B. Goode (1:45) 1978 (instr) (live)

Recorded live in Budapest, March 1978.

Johnny B. Goode (5:00) 1979 (live)

Recorded live in Gyôr, May 1979.

CD: Zôld Csillag [Radics Béla RB Emjéktársaság RBCD-011 003] ● Hungary, 2004

UFO (UK)

Heavy metal band formed in 1969. Their first album came out in 1970 “UFO 1”. As far as I can tell the line-up on the live recording below were: Phil Mogg (vocals), Larry Wallis (guitar), Paul Chapman (guitar), Pete Way (bass) and Andy Parker (drums). Mogg and Parket were still members of UFO in 2019.

Back In The USA ( : ) 1972 (live)
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1972 (live)

4-CD: Live Sightings [Cleopatra CLP-2345] ● UK, 2015 (limited edition)

This CD set includes a bonus LP containing previously unissued live tracks. The above was done at The Marquee, London 31 May, 1972.

UNDER THE STREETLAMP (USA)

4 piece acappella group consisting of Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley.

Run Rudolph Run (2:11) 2018

CD: Hip To The Holidays [RetroRecords UTSCD-018] ● USA, 2018

David is singing lead on this Berry classic. It’s rockin’ but goes a little too fast and becomes a bit annoying.

JOHN VERITY BAND (UK)

Already on this blog.

Run Rudolph Run (1:52) 2014

CD EP: Got The Blues For Xmas [Vavoom Records VVJVX] ● USA, 2014

I like this, very Berrysh with the rhythm and guitar.

VIENNA TANZORCHESTER (Austria)

Memphis, Tennessee (2:14) 1989

45: Gloria VS 2001 ● Austria, 1989 (PS)

”Europameisterschaft der Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik der Amateure 1989 Wiener Stadthalle 11. XI 1989”. This is what’s printed in German on the label. Instead of translating I think you understand the message. The flip side was titled “Dr. Rock”.

VOX (Finland)

See Volume 3, page 1591 for biographical info.
The cover below is actually mentioned on this page but at the time I had no info available.

Run Rudolph Run (2:22) 1979

Various LP: Pokorock 1979 [Poko Records POKOLO 1] ● Finland, 1979

To add a little to the entry in the book on page 1591. The timing for “Little Queenie” is (3:31) and the cover was also released on a 45: Love Records LRS-2187 (1977).

RICH WAMIL And COPPERPENNY (Canada)

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Kitchener, Ontario. Co-founder of the group Copperpenny, formed in 1965.

Run Rudolph Run (2:20) 1975

45: Capitol Records 72765 ● Canada, 1975

Ok version and very ‘70s rock’n’roll.

CHRIS WATSON (Belgium)

Rock’n’Roll and boogie-woogie pianist, singer, songwriter, born in Liege. Very influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis (of course).

Little Queenie (3:31) 2012
Promised Land (2:56) 2012
Too Much Monkey Business (2:26) 2012

CD: Authentic [L.D.R. LDR-00005] Belgium, 2012

JOHN WETTON & RICHARD PALMER-JAMES (UK)

John Wetton born in 1949, died 2017. Singer, guitarplayer, bass and keyboards. He’s played in various bands throughout the years like Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash and more.
Richard Palmer-James, guitarist and songwriter, born 1947. Has also played in various bands and was the founding member of Supertramp in 1969.

Too Much Monkey Business ( 2:29) ?

CD: Monkey Business 1972-1997 [Blueprint BP-295-CD] ● UK, 1998

Recorded at various studios in England. But nothing is mentioned on the cover where or when this particular Berry cover was recorded.

WHISKEY RIVER (UK)

Cajun and zydeco styles of music. Eight people are listed under musicians, there are two different bass players and two different on drums. The album below was produced by Dave Wood and Martin Blake who are both in the line-up. I have only found this album by the group, so maybe this was just a studio project?

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (4:06) 2003

CD: Tales From The Swamp [Pump Row Records PRC-208] ● UK, 2003

Tracks recorded at Broad Oak Studios, Herefordshire in 2003, except three recorded in 2001.

WHITEHORSE (Canada)

Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland from Toronto, active since 2011. Reading a little of what music they are playing you get some of the following: Ethereal folk, space cowboy twang, psychedelic western, intergalactic blues grooves, pop noir. It makes me a little confused to be honest. They have released 8 albums so far, 2011-2021, and many singles.

Nadine (5:37) 2016

CD: The Northern South Vol. 1 [Six Shooter Records SIX-098] ● Canada, 2016

Distributed by Universal Records. This is very slow almost a little heavy techno performance. Unusual and quite different but for some strange reason I like it (!) Seems like they are playing several instruments, and both take turns to sing the verses and do harmony on the refrain. You can see them on you tube both in the studio and live doing “Nadine”.

WIDESPREAD PANIC (USA)

Southern rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1986. On the album below the band consisted of: John Bell (vocals, guitar), Michael Houser (guitar, vocals), John Hermann (keyboards, vocals), David Schools (bass, vocals),Domingo S. Ortiz (percussion), Todd Nance (drums).

Let It Rock (7:09) 2001 (live)

3-CD: Oak Mountain 2001 #1 [Widespread Records WR-0122] ● USA, 2013

“Widespread Panic Archives – Release #8-1”. Recorded live at Oak Mountain Amphtitheatre, Pelham, Alabama, 27 July 2001. I’ve seen this on You Tube and the sound is so and so and the musical result is not much better.

A. FRANK WILLIS (Canada)

Singer, songwriter from Newfoundland.

Nadine (3:08) 1976

LP: Any Kinda Music! [Periwinkle Records PER-7335] ● Canada, 1976

WINNERS (Sweden)

See page 1610 in Vol.3, however, at the time I had no info regarding these two covers. But here they are:
Five-piece dance-band, Bertil Stenkilsson, Carl-Axel Hanson, Claes Olofsson, Kaj Fromark and Per Svensson. I’ve found three albums from the years 1968-1976.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) (part of rock medley) 1968

LP: Winners [Hendrix Music Production NSLP-55] ● Sweden, 1968

Roll Over Beethoven (2:05) 1976

LP: Vinnande Nummer [EMI 4E 062-35294] ● Sweden, 1976

EDGAR WINTER (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1610 for biographical info, and 1610-1611 for Johnny Winter.

Johnny B. Goode (3:24) 2021

CD: Brother Johnny [Quarto Valley Records QVR-0149] ● USA, 2022

Featuring Joe Walsh (vocals), David Grissom (guitars), Edgar Winter (piano, saxophone, vocals) Bob Glaub (bass), Gregg Bissonette (drums). This is Edgar’s tribute album to his brother Johnny, who died in 2014.

AL “PORKY” WITHEROW (USA)

Born 1935 in York, Pennsylvania. Died in 2004. Traditional country singer who had five singles out from the late ‘60s and up and five albums on Arctic Records in the ‘80s, as far as I can tell. There is absolutely no info on release year on any of his albums. How come?

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:01) 1983

LP: Everybody’s Favorites [Arctic Records CLPS-1001] ● USA, 1983

Album recorded at Atwell Studios, Lafayette, Tennessee. Produced by Al Witherow. Arctic Records = A division of Al Witherow Productions. Then you have full control(!)

CAROLYN WONDERLAND & GUY FORSYTH (USA)

Carolyn Bradford is an Austin, Texas based blues singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Houston, Texas where she was born in 1972. She has won several Texas Awards since 1996, starting with Best Blues Band – 1996 Public News Music Awards.
Guy Forsyth is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonicaplayer, born in Denver, Colorado in 1968 but now based in Austin, Texas.

Run Rudolph Run (4:05) 2010 (live)

CD: Fireside Songs For The Soul [Bismeaux Records BR1-306] ● USA, 2010

Now what a very good rockin’ bluesy rendition by the two. They are also both singing verses, and here the girl gets an amplifier instead of a doll.

TOM WU (Germany)

Thomas Wuhr from Munich. New wave and synth pop drummer.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:06) 2018

LP/CD: All You Want [Cut Surface CS-013 / Echokammer EK-082] ● Germany, 2018

Very electronic version, featuring Dizzy Errol aka Erol Dizdar on vocals and guitar.

ZIPPY KID (Ukraine)

Real name: Rusian Troknyuk. Born 1981. Electronic music. It seems like he’s produced and recorded songs since around 2005.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:13) 2015

File, AAC, single: MARS label (self released) ● 2015 (PS)

Yes, I know, perhaps it shouldn’t be here since it’s not an ordinary commercial release, but he’s from Ukraine and has actually a whole bunch of similar releases (and I mean many) and being from Ukraine in these troubled times (Spring 2022) I think he’s in for the treat. However, this is very electronic and his voice is pretty low in the mix so I don’t know exactly what to say.

ZITHER-MANÄ (Germany)

German folk-rock band using a zither, sort of a harpe, and electronic guitars. It was founded in 1980 by Manfred Zick.

You Never Can Tell [as “Lago di Bonzo”] (4:51) 1984

LP: Zither Manä 2 – Rock Blues Boogie [Bogner Records LP-190885] ● Germany, 1985
CD: Zither Manä 2 – Rock Blues Boogie [Bogner Records CD-3519] ● Germany, 1993

It seems the Berry cover must have been a favourite as the sticker on the CD says incl. Lago de Bonzo.

MIKE ZITO (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri, now based in Nederland, Texas.
See also the album “Rock’n’Roll – A Tribute To Chuck Berry” from 2019 on this blog.

Johnny B. Goode (4:20) 2021 (live)

2-CD: Blues For The Southside [Gulf Coast Records 661558942725] ● USA, 2022

Seventeen tracks, recorded live on 26 November, 2021 at the Old Rock House in St. Louis and produced by Mike Zito.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This list even includes a Berry number sung in Occitan [continued]

CHRISTIAN ALMERGE & Test (France)

Singer, songwriter. In the early ‘80s and ‘90s he was a member of the band Test who released two singles and five albums including a compilation. In 2004 he released his first solo album (the one below) but using Test as backing band, and several albums followed. In October 2022 he had a completely new album out. All sung in Occitan, an ancient French language.

Carol [as “Caròl] (2:45) 2004

CD: On Dirait Le Sud [Agorila AGCD-369] ● France, 2004

A variety of covers ranging from Chuck to Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Brigitte Bardot, James Booker, The Weavers, Serge Gainsbourg and more. All translated to his own language by Almerge himself.
See also Test below.

AUTOMATIC CITY (France)

Psychedelic rhythm & blues quartet from Lyon, formed in 2015.

Havana Moon (3:44) 2017

CD: Bongoes & Tremeloes [Stag-O-Lee STAG-O 105] ● France, 2017

Pretty ordinary rendition.

ANDY CHRISTIAN & THE SUNLIGHTS (Austria)

Probably a dance/pop quintet.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) mid 1970s

45: Berton Records 8752 ● Austria, mid ‘70s

The Berry cover was the flip-side. The A-side was titled “Dance To The Music”, which seems like an original song from the band.

D.J. BLUES BAND (UK)

Sue Noel (vocals), Ray Deefholts (guitar), Jim Pitts (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Derek Dailey (organ, keyboards), Norman Leppard (tenor saxophone), Geoff Hoare (trumpet), John Bradford (bass), Derek Middleton (drums).

I still Got The Blues (2:56) 1965 (?)

Various artists 4-CD set: Something Inside Of Me [Wienerworld Presentation WNRCD-5114] ● UK, 2021

“Unreleased Masters & Demos from the British Blues Years 1963-1976”. I don’t have the actual album set so I have no more info. But it’s Berry’s and another track to add to the already huge amount of Berry songs that’s been covered.
I think that this is a Berry song (it’s a good blues tune) that would have captured several cover versions had it been released on a proper studio album back in the day instead on the infamous “On Stage” LP with the faked audience and all.

ESTEFAN FAMILY (USA)

Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo Garcia Estefan and her daughter Emily Estefan and her grandson Sasha Estefan-Coppola, plus other family members. Gloria is a Cuban/American singer, songwriter and actress, born 1957 in Havana,Cuba, raised in Miami, Florida. First million seller in 1985-86 with “Conga” as Miami Sound Machine which included her husband Emilio on keyboards. In 1989 she was just Gloria Estefan and had several hits during the ‘90s.

Run Rudolph Run (medley titled “Run, Little St. Nick”) (3:33) 2022

CD: Estefan Family Christmas [Sonic Music Latin 19658778982] ● USA, 2022

On page 752 (Vol.2) you’ll find a song mentioned by The Beach Boys titled “Little Saint Nick” (Songs with similar lyrics to Chuck Berry songs). So here Estefan has combined the Berry classic with this Brian Wilson composition which works very well indeed.

CHRIS ISAAK (USA)

Now finally we have Christopher Joseph Isaak on this list of Berry covers. Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor who was born in Stockton, California on 26 June 1956. In 1984 he released his debut Warner Bros. album titled “Silvertone”. His album “Heart Shaped World” sold two million copies in 1989-1990. His next albums also sold really well, two gold and one platinum. His biggest hit being “Wicked Game” from 1990.

Run Rudolph Run (3:18) 2022

CD: Everybody Knows It’s Christmas [SUN 8017/27558017 27] ● USA, 2022

Recorded at RCA Studio A, Nashville. In the beginning it sounds very ordinary, but later we get an exciting guitar solo which also ends the song.

EARL JACKSON (UK)

He was born in Lambeth in 1964 by Jamaican parents. Very influenced by gospel music, however, it seems that he started an interest for rock’n’roll as he joined a rock’n’roll band in the mid ‘80s and later on took an interest in the music of Chuck Berry. Nowadays he appears regurlary at various venues with his Tribute to Chuck Berry, often wearing that silly captain cap. You can watch several clips on You Tube.

Little Queenie ( : ) 2020
You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2020

CD: Earl Jackson & The Savoys Explains… [Tombstone Records TOMBCD 30-13] ● UK, 2020

Album recorded in Eindhoven, Netherlands with cc Jerome & The Savoys.

JOE And THE JAGUARS (USA)

Aka Joe Bennett of Joe Bennett & The Sparkeltones fame (“Black Slacks” and “Penny Loafers And Bobby Socks” 1957). Singer, songwriter, guitarist born 1940 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Died in 2015 at the age of 75. However, this Berry cover below was recorded when he was stationed in Spain with the Air Force. It was released on a Hispavox EP in 1964 credited to Joe And The Jaguars.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:00) 1964 (instr)

EP: Si Tuviera Un Martillo [Hispavox HH 17-274] ● Spain, 1964
LP: Historia De La Musica Pop Española No.74 [Alligator Records 560374] ● Spain, 1988
CD: What The Heck! The Complete Joe Bennett & The Sparkeltones [Bear Family BCD-17632] ● Germany, 2022

NEATBEATS (Japan)

Garage rock/beat quartet who was formed in 1997 and had their first single and album released in 1998. The original line-up was Manabe Nakashi (vocals, guitar), Tosa Kazube (vocals, guitar), Ura Dai (bass, vocals), Kusube Shinya (drums, vocals). VERY popular in Japan and has released a vast numbers of singles/EPs and albums. They're good musicians with the right feeling but their English pronounciation is pretty bad.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (2:31) 1999

CD: Mercurial… [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-003] ● Japan, 1999
CD: Mercurial… [Get Hip Recordings GH-1088] ● USA, 1999

Little Queenie ( : ) 2001 (live)

EP: Top Beat Live EP [Majestic Sound Records MSEP-014] ● Japan, 2002
2-CD: Beat At Majestic Sound 1998-2009 [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-046/7] ● Japan, 2010

Beautiful Delilah (2:15) 2001

CD: The Neatbeats [Deckrec/UK Project DCRC-0026] ● Japan, 2001
EP: The Neatbeats [Deckrec/UK Project DCRC-0027] ● Japan, 2001
EP: The Neatbeats [Majestic Sound Records MSEP-061] ● Japan, 2016
CD: Beat At Deckrec 2000-2001 [Deckrec /UK Project DCRC-0088] ● Japan, 2017

Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( : ) 2004

CD: Big Red Partner [Beatex BTXSCD-020] ● Japan, 2004
45: Big Red Partner [Clap Label CL-726] ● USA, 2004

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2006

LP: Rock’N’Roll Christmas [Majestic Sound Records MSLP-035] ● Japan, 2006

I’m Talking About You (2:05) 2009

CD: Beat Side Hits [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-042] ● Japan, 2009

There’s an interesting clip on You Tube from a Halloween Ball in 2016 where the boys are performing this cover dressed in almost full Berry outfits like shiny shirts (different colors) and each with the silly white Berry cap. Great tribute though.

Around And Around ( : ) 2011 (live)

CD: Like The Cavern Live! Reel No.1 [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-051] ● Japan, 2011

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 2011 (live)

CD: Like The Cavern Live! Reel No.2 [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-052] ● Japan, 2011

I’m Talking About You ( : ) 2016 (live)

CD: Like The Cavern Live! Lost Reel [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-089] ● Japan, 2017

I Want To Be Your Driver ( : ) 2018 (live)
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2018 (live) with The Mackshow

CD: Live At Bigcat Coliseum ’18 [Majestic Sound Records MSDVDCD-002] ● Japan, 2019

This seems to have been released as a complete set with a DVD (limited edition).

Keeping up with the releases here by The Neatbeats are not easy. There are so many albums and 45s which indicates the popularity of the group. And not any of the albums have any timing on them. I found a complete show on You Tube titled Live At The Red Cloth – Back To The Cavern! 2011 where they perform “Beautiful Delilah” (2:00) and “Around Around” (1:40). Don’t know if this was available on any CD?

NOI TRE (Italy)

A blues-rock/R&B trio, Paolo Tofani (vocals, guitar), Agostino Nobile (vocals, bass),Giuseppe Pini (vocals, drums).

Too Much Monkey Business (2:33) 1968 (live)

LP: Compendium [Habla Label HBL-20403] ● Italy, 1989
CD: Compendium [Get Back GET-1] ● Italy, 1995

Recorded live in Sesto Fiorentino, Florence in December 1968. They also do a version of “Don’t You Lie To Me” credited to Berry. Unfortunately, this was very common in the ‘60s but should have been corrected in 1989 to Hudson Whittaker (Tampa Red). The CD has additional tracks from various sources which are not from the ’68 concert.

DICK NOLAN (Canada)

As the cover proclaims: Dick Nolan and Marlene Beaudry present an album of today’s country hits. I am sure the cover below sounds like Waylon Jennings’ version as that one entered the Billboard charts in November ’69.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:15) 1969

LP: Marlene Beaudry & Dick Nolan - Country Hits [Arc records AS-819] ● USA, 1969

The two artists sing five songs each. Recorded at Bay Studios, Toronto, Ontario.

NOMADDS (USA)

1960s rock-beat quintet from Chicago. Dean Kuehl (vocals, harmonica), Lee Garner (lead guitar), Greg Johnson (rhythm guitar, vocals), Denny Kuhl (bass), Tony Cannova (drums).

Roll Over Beethoven (2:50) 1965

LP: Nomadd Originals Plus [Radex Recording Studios MLP-6521] ● USA, 1965
CD: Nomadd Originals Plus [Way Back Records MMCD-66036] ● Germany, 2009

OGI & THE FLINTSTONES (UK)

An obscure beat group from Liverpool, active during the early and mid ‘60s.

Around And Around ( : ) 1961 (live)

Various CD: Beat Waves ‘Cross The Mersey Vol.3 [Merseyside Records ME-1003] ● UK, 2013

“Around And Around” live in 1961 is very early and somewhat strange(!) If true it will be the very first cover of this Berry classic.

OHAŘI (Czechoslovakia)

Country band formed in 1971 and it seems like they were still playing in 2021!

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Újezd Nad Lesy”] ( : ) 1979

45: Supraphone 1143 2265 ● Czechoslovakia, 1979

OIL CAN CHRISTMAS BAND (USA)

From Moline, Illinois, lead by guitarist Jerry Lee Wright.

Run Rudolph Run (2:46) 1994

Various CD: Run Run Rudolph: The Oil Christmas Compilation [Oil Music OIL-01] ● USA, 1995

Credited to Chuck Berry. The recording of the Berry song took place too late (11 December 1994) for a proper Christmas launch in ’94 so it was shelved and released in time for Christmas ’95 together with 12 more spirit of Christmas songs into a full-fledged CD. Now this is a very good rendition of this Berry Xmas classic. There are many players and singers on this one and if you want to hear and see go to You Tube and have fun.

OLD SCHOOL BASTERDS (Austria)

Rock’n’roll quintet. Stanley (vocals), Johnny (guitar), Jerry Lee (piano),Vincenzo (bass), Charlie (drums). They have several self-released albums since 2011. And there’s a Chuck Berry medley on You Tube you can watch.

Johnny B. Goode (2:35) 2011
Maybellene (2:09) 2011

CD: No. 1 [OSB self-released] ● Austria, 2011

No Particular Place To Go (2:15) 2019

CD: Dance Potion No. 5 [screamingPIGrecords SPR-020] ● Austria, 2019

ORIGINAL BATTERSEE HEROES (Australia)

Rock group founded in 1963. Members: Bob McGrowan, Dennis Burke, Peter Nehill, Terry Darmody, Tony Burkys.

Johnny B. Goode (4:26) 1972
Roll Over Beethoven (3:45) 1972

LP: Rock ‘n’ Roll With [Violets Holiday SVHL-934390] ● Australia, 1972
CD: Rock ‘n’ Roll With [Violets Holiday/Du Monde VHCD BH-1] ● Australia, 2010

OUTLAW LYNN (USA)

Country-rock band from Houston, Texas led by Lynn Lewis.

Maybellene (4:01) 2012

CD: Jus Drinkin’ [Double L Squared Records 1290] ● USA, 2012

Opens with a 30 seconds drum solo and has a little Diddley sound in the verses and very country like in the chorus, and the guitar solo is very heavy and follows with a rolling piano. Unusual arrangement but I like it. You can listen to it on You Tube. And by the way, there’s a song titled “Texas Comin’ Home” on You Tube which is a very good country-rock ballad from the band, just wanted you to know.

P-51 AIRPLANES (Italy)

On the album below they are a rock’n’roll sextet, hailing from the Northern parts of Italy, led by Mauro Tognin aka Jim Singer on vocals and guitar. They have a video on You Tube titled “Ten Years Of Rockin’ “ from around 2013. It really swings and the guys are very good at what they do, but here they are a quartet, though, and sounds more like a rockabilly band.

You Never Can Tell (3:00) 2020

CD: 23 Flying Hits [Part Records  PART-CD 679.006] ● Germany, 2021

Recorded August-September 2020. They also do a version of “Surfin’ USA” which is credited to Berry only (!) It should have been Berry/Brian Wilson. There’s a bonus track on the CD, which makes it 24.

PACIFICS (Ireland)

Beat/garage quartet from Dublin.
The first song has been listed here before, but now comes with the correct running time. The three songs from 2012 are to be added.

I’m Talking About You (1:38) 2011

45 EP: Play Favourites [Bachelor BR-51] ● Ireland, 2011

Carol (2:51) 2012
Maybellene (2:11) 2012
Too Much Monkey Business (2:06) 2012

LP: Pacifically… [Blood Red Vinyl & Discs BRLP-12018] ● Ireland, 2012

JOEP PEETERS & The Terrific Ten (Netherlands)

From Breda, born 1949. Singer, playing piano, sax and vibes. He’s been part of the Jazz music scene since the mid ‘60s.

Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2009
Roll Over Beethoven (2:59) 2009

CD: Elvis Anders [HKM 42681] ● Belgium, 2009

A tribute album to Elvis, although some of the 16 tracks have nothing to do with Elvis at all. Dennis Kolen (singer, songwriter, guitarist from Rotterdam) is doing the vocals on both Berry covers, he was at the time part of the Terrific Ten. Peeters is playing alto.sax and piano and also doing the vocals on several other songs.

BEV PEGG (UK)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist who plays all sort of music (and instruments too), rock’n’roll, country, pop, folk… He’s been around for a long time and has had several various outfits, like Bev Pegg & His Rock’n’Roll Band, Bev Pegg And His Good Time Jazz Gang, Bev Pegg & His Railroad Skiffle Group, Bev Pegg And His Cowboy Band. This should give you an idea. He’s released many albums on the Beaujangle label.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1993

MC: The Bev Pegg Band – Live Gigs 1992-1995 [Beaujangle DB-0012] ● UK, 1990s

Promised Land (3:04) 2008
You Never Can Tell (3:54) 2008

CD: All Sorts Of Stuff From Bev Pegg [Beaujangle DB-0022] ● UK, 2008

This album was re-released in 2013 because Bev was never satisfied with the mix, and is said to have been re-recorded which should mean there are two different recordings, but since I haven’t heard any we settle for the original above.

AL PERKINS (USA)

Multi-instrumentalist Perkins can look back at some incredible projects. Steel-guitarist. He’s played with who’s who in the bluegrass and country/country-rock genres. Flying Burrito Brothers is one group he was a member of. The Nash Ramblers (Emmylou Harris) another. His steel-guitar work can be heard on 100s of records. He was born 1944 in De Kalb, Texas.
The album below is a compilation of various sessions that Al’s been involved in since the ‘70s.

You Can’t Catch Me ( : ) 1987 (demo) featuring Gary Walker (vocals)

CD: Snapshots [Klear Tone Records KLR-0016] ● USA, 2002

I was pretty amazed when I spotted this. Again it shows Berry’s importance as a songwriter. The song was included on an album project for Gary Walker, produced by Al after a request from Pete Anderson. The album was never released, though, but since Al produced and played on it, the song above fitted this compilation of Al’s work.

ALEXANDROS PERROS & The Lone Stars (Greece)

Rock'n'roll/rockabilly band formed in 1987 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Nice to finally have a rockabilly unit from Greece doing Berry. The line-up on the album below: Alexandros Perros (vocals, guitar), Kostas Hasiotis (bass) and Chris Koutsouris (drums). They have several albums out from 1988. They write most of their material and includes a cover now and then.

You Never Can Tell (3:16) 2019

CD: Still Alive And Driving Faster [On Stage Records OSR-033] ● Greece, 2019

The Berry cover is one of two bonus tracks on the CD.

JOE PERRY (USA)

Joseph Anthony Pereira was born 1950 in Lawrence Massachusetts, and grew up on Hopedale, singer, songwriter, guitarist. Founding member of rock band Aerosmith in 1970. He’s also released several solo albums, The Joe Perry Project.

Run Rudolph Run (2:59) 2014

CD EP: Joe Perry’s Merry Christmas [Unison Music UM-64] ● USA, 2014

Ordinary mid-tempo rockin’ version. Joe Perry (vocals, guitar), Ron Dziubla (tenor & baritone saxophones), Lee Thornburg (trumpet, trombone). Bruce Witkin (bass), Dan Potruch (drums), Kristle Murden, Linda McCrary (backing vocals).

TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1415 for biographical info. Except that he unfortunately died 2 October 2017 at the age of 66, and the world lost a great artist.
The releases below (58 tracks) were taken from his extended 20 show run at the Fillmore West (San Francisco) from 10 January to 7 February 1997. As he told the audience at one of his shows: We’re the house band here at Fillmore. And what a band!!!

Around And Around (2:26) 1997 (live)
Bye Bye Johnny-Johnny B. Goode (3:49) 1997 (live)

4-CD box set: Live At Fillmore - 1997 [Warner Records 093624879633] ● UK/Europe, 2022
6-LP box set: Live At Fillmore - 1997 [Warner Records 093624882572] ● USA, 2022

Now these are very good, rockin’ versions with great guitar picking. It only says “Bye Bye Johnny” on the album, but he never uses the refrain Bye Bye only Go Johnny Go. The verses are first taken from Johnny B. and then he sings some of the Bye Bye verses with a couple of variations.

PHINEAS & FERB (USA)

An American animated musical and comedy television series created by Dan Povenmire (Phineas) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsch (Ferb). It had a one-episode preview in August 2007 but run officially on the Disney channel from February 2008 until June 2015.

Run Rudolph Run (2:41) 2010

CD: Holiday Favorites [Walt Disney Records D-000652592] ● USA, 2010

Dan Povenmire is doing the vocals on this Berry number and it’s a hard rockin’ version.

TOMMY RIVERS (USA)

Rock singer who was a member of The Desperate Angels in the late ‘70s, and Tommy Rivers & The Raw Ramps who had an album out in 1998 and more in the 2000s.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 1992

Various CD: Christmas Present 1992 [Sister Ruby SIS-004] ● USA, 1992

Limited edition of a 1000 copies.

DAVID SINCLAIR (UK)

Singer, songwriter, music journalist from London, born 1952. As a music journalist he’s been involved with The Times of London, Rollin’ Stone and Billboard. His group called David Sinclair Four, or rather DS4, was formed in 2013. So far they have six albums out.
He was also involved with a BBC TV series in the ‘80s called “The Rock ‘N’ Roll Years”, and the album (LP) “1956-1959” didn’t include Chuck, Elvis or Carl Perkins. Although not participating in the production of the programme, it’s still a big question mark when you include people like Lonnie Donegan, The Kalin Twins and Jerry Keller instead. That’s a history falsification.

Bye Bye Johnny (4:03) 2022

CD: Apropos Blues [Critical Discs CDISCS-006] ● UK, 2022

A pretty good rockin’ version enhanced by a horn section.

SLINGSBY HORNETS (UK)

Seems like this is a one man’s job, Jon Paul Allen performed and recorded all the instruments and vocals.

Run Rudolph Run (2:46) 2019

CD Single: Christmas Past [Expedition HotDog Records XM-08] ● UK, 2019

Mr. Allen did a good job on this hard rockin’ version.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER (USA)

Ten piece acappella group (at least when the song below was recorded). It was founded in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. I won’t mention any names here as obviously there’s been a lot of changes in the lineup.

Run Rudolph Run (2:05) 2016

CD: I’ll Have Another…Christmas Album [Atlantic, ATCO Records 555752-2] ● USA, 2016

Also released as LP. Don’t know what to say, it’s good but runs a little too fast and you get the feelin’ let’s do it but hurry up so we can sing another … Maybe I’m getting paranoid by listening to so many Rudolph versions lately?

TEST (France)

See page 1554 for more info, however, I didn’t know much at the time. Among other things, the year of recording/release was totally wrong. Test was a parodic hard rock band from Carcassone, France. The group started in 1982. They had a couple of singles out and a few albums.
In addition to the previous text, I discovered that the singer was Christian Almerge who seems to have a name for himself as there are more records by him under his own name. Also a new recording of this Berry classic.
Here is an update of the entry on page 1554:

Carol [as “O Carole”] (2:40) 1984 (live)

45: Polygone Studios PS-5076 ● France, 1984 (picture sleeve)

Their first release.

Carol [as “Escota-me Caròl”] ( : ) 1994

CD: Sea, Sex And Sòm [Revolum 199702] ● France, 1994
MC: Sea, Sex And Sòm [Revolum 199704] ● France, 1994

See also Christian Almerge at the beginning of this blog post.

RVW Live ’98 [RVW Hardstudios HS-98481 (Matrix no)] ● Switzerland, 1998

17 tracks. Recorded live at Winterthurer Musikfestwochen, Steinberggasse-Bühne, Sunday 6 September ’98.
Yeah, this is a self-released album, but it has an informative booklet and you can see that they have made the best efforts to get it as presentable as possible. And they do several Berry soundalikes also: “Natural Born Woman”, “Brown Sugar”, “Back In The USSR”, “Route 66” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”. Not a bad rockin’ album to have in your collection.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info.

Around And Around (3:53) 1977 (live)

2-CD: El Mocambo 1977 [Rolling Stones Records (Polydor) 4549589] ● UK-USA, 2022

Recorded live at the El Mocambo Tavern in Toronto, Canada on 5 March 1977 in front of 300 people. It’s the full concert (previously unissued) from 5 March ‘77 and three bonus tracks from the 4 March performance. In addition to the Berry number they also perform soundalikes like “Route 66”, “Star Star”, “It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (But I Like It)”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”. There is also a 4-LP box set available.

LEON RUSSELL (USA)

See volume 3, page 1484 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:10) 2011 (live)

LP: The Montreux Session [Edel: Content  0208394CTT] ● Germany, 2013

Recorded at Miles Davis Hall in Montreux, 6 July 2011, during Festival De Jazz De Montreux 2011.

SALEBARBES (Canada)

Cajun quintet. Singing in French.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:03) 2021

CD: Gin À L’Eau Salée [L-Abe LABECD-21001] ● Canada, 2021

Pretty good swingin’ cajun version in French which makes it more authentic despite not being from Louisiana.

SEACRUISERS (Finland)

Rock’n’roll band from Helsinki.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (3:36) 2020

CD: The Seacruisers [Turenki Records/Pressworks Music cat no? ] ● Finland, 2020

Good rockin’ version.

SEB’S MUSIC SHOP (Canada)

Sébastien Plante, one man band.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 2019

LP: Blues Volume 1 [Seb’s Music Shop no cat no] ● Canada, 2019

I haven’t been able to find this Berry cover on You Tube but he has a complete sound despite being on his own.

SECRET SERVICE (USA)

Garage rock quartet from New York City. Wayne Manor (vocals), Rob Normandin (guitar), Jim Gange (bass), Steve Peper (drums).

Too Much Monkey Business (2:29) (live)

CD: Power And Volume ! [Snap, Crackle & Pop FUNCD-007] ● Spain, 1998

This is a compilation album from different sources. Berry track recorded live at CBGB, New York, NY, 28 May 1987. They also did “I Got To Find My Baby” the same year (different venue) credited to Berry which is wrong. Written by Willie Dixon and originaly recorded by Little Walter for Checker in 1954.

JAY SEWALL (Canada)

Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Boston, but grew up in Montreal. He played in Chicago during the seventies and the eighties. Based in Quebec over the past twenty years and he is today a legend in Canadian blues.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:37) 2018

CD: Payin’ My Dues – 50 Years Of Blues [Mack Records  JS2-4788] ● Canada, 2018

SHINDIGGERS (Australia)

Garage rock quartet from Melbourne. Members on the Berry cover below are: Bill Leggett (vocals), Pete Andrews (guitar), Steve Agar (bass) and Spud Wildman (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking About You”] (2:22) 1984

EP: The Shindiggers [Preston Records 13673] ● Australia, 1985

Recorded September 1984 in Pete’s Lounge Room.

2-CD: Maximum Beat [Off The Hip OTH-7056] ● Australia, 2008

The 2-CD set is a remastered compilation of all their recordings from 1984 to 2000.

SHUSHA (UK)

See page 1505 in Volume 3. The entry below is already in the survey, however, I didn’t know anything about this lady back then. But her life story is kinda interesting. Shamsi Assãr, a very versatile lady, was born 1935 in Tehran, Iran and was an author, editor, actress, singer, songwriter who recorded under the name of Shusha, performing Persian and Western folk-songs. She was a student in France in the late ‘50s and moved to London, England in the early ’60s. Shusha was also a talented amateur documentary filmmaker and was even nominated for an Oscar back in 1976 for her feature documentary “People Of The Wind” which was also narrated by famous actor James Mason. She released 13 albums altogether, 1971-1995. She died in 2008.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 1974

LP: This Is The Day [United Artists UAS-29684] ● UK, 1974
CD: Shusha / This Is The Day [BGO Records CD-531] UK, 2001

This is one of those unusual entries. Much the same as Marianne Faithful and her version of “Sweet Little Sixteen” in 1976. Shusha was a folk singer, sounding like Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell (sort of), and it’s pretty peculiar that she included this Berry title to cover together with songs from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Cole Porter, Van Morrison, Jacques Brel, Bob Dylan and others. The result is a little doubtful, but at least it’s quite different from all other versions!

SILENCE (UK)

Rock/Beat quintet from Herefordshire. Patrick Brooke (lead vocals, harmonica), Overend Watts (guitar, vocals), Paul Jeffery (rhythm guitar, vocals), Robert Fisher (bass, vocals), Dale Griffin (drums).

I’m Talking About You (2:40) 1990
Let It Rock (2:30) 1990

2 CD: Doc Thomas Group: Italian Job / The Silence: Shotgun Eyes [Angel Air Records SJPCD-278] ● UK, 1998

The Silence tracks recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, October 1990. They also did “Route 66” which I am certain sounds like Stones/Berry.

SKY HIGH (Sweden)

Blues-rock band formed 1978 in Gothenburg by guitarist Clas Yngström.

Too Much Monkey Business (3:52) 2004 (live)

CD: Soul Survivor [Virgin 7243 473524 2 3] ● Sweden, 2004

14 tracks recorded live at Fasching, Stockholm, between 9 and 11 March 2004.

SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS (UK)

See Volume 4, page 1890 (Soundalikes) for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (3:39) 2015

Various CD: Punk Rock Christmas [Cleopatra CLO-0091] ● USA, 2015

Heavy rockin’ version. This album was reissued both in 2017 and 2021.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. [continued]

JEAN-LUC ATTARD & Orchestra (France)

Rock And Roll Music (2:10) 1966 (instr)

LP: Guitar Boogie Vol. 2 [Discara 138] ● France, 1966

BERLIN BRATS (USA)

Punk-rock quintet led by vocalist Rick Wilder.

Bye Bye Johnny (1:31) 1976 (live)

CD: Believe It Or Not 1973-1976 [Ratchet Blade Records RBR-714] ● USA, 2010

I haven’t heard this and the time of 1:31 is pretty short(?) I haven’t found any original release details of this Berry cover so it might be previously unissued?

CARBONAS (Spain)

Rock’n’roll band from Madrid, formed in 1998.

Nadine ( : ) 2001

CD: Rock ‘n’ Roll Romance [Garage Sónico Records GSR-001] ● Spain, 2001

Recorded in August 2001.

PETER CASE (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1954 in Buffalo, New York. He’s been into various musical styles, new wave, folk-rock and plain acoustic solo performances. Had his first records out in 1986, and I was amazed of how many singles and albums he’s released!

Nadine ( : ) 2010

45: Live At Euclid [Euclid Records EISS-011] ● USA, 2010 (PS)

Recorded 23 July 2010 at Euclid Records, St. Louis, Missouri. Limited edition of 300 copies.

DECADES (USA)

Very popular pop-rock quintet from California. They do covers of songs from each of the decades, the ‘40s and up. On the album below they were: Samantha Francis (vocals), Ben Ruttenburg (vocals, keyboards), Will Watje (guitar, saxophone), Tobias Brooks (bass), Billy DiBono (drums). So far the band has 3 albums out.

School Day (2:47) 2013

CD: Take Me Back [Decades Music no cat #] ● USA, 2013

Recorded June 2013 at Loud Palace Studios, Weed, California, by Grammy-nominated producer Sylvia Massey.

DELTA MUDD (Canada)

Blues duo from Kingston, Ontario. Rick Anglin (vocals, guitar) and Tom Harpell (harmonica)

No Money Down (3:26) 2000

CD: Playin’ In The Mudd [Summit Sound Inc. SCD-5397] ● Canada, 2000

Recorded at The Toucan, Kingston, Ontario, 14 October, 2000.

MICKY DOLENZ (USA)

Originally a founding member of the ‘60s super group The Monkees. He was also a member of the ‘70s group Starship (see page 1531). See also The Monkees on page 1372. Rumour has it that Johnny B. was the song he auditioned for The Monkees.

Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2012

CD: Remember [Robo Records RRMD-0001] ● USA, 2012

Acoustic light version but very effective. The album comes as a six panel digipak and a 20 page booklet. Interesting to see that he includes this classic as late as 2012. He’s also done it live together with a cover of “Too Much Monkey Business”. Not included here as they were not official releases.

DUISBURG CITY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STARS (Germany)

Leader Herbert Pelikan aka A.S.H. Pelikan was born 1953 in Duisburg. Singer, songwriter, guitarist.

No Money Down ( : ) 1988 (live)
Sweet Little Sixteen (4:52) 1988 (live)

CD: Showtime Im Neumühl [OTZ Musik Production Ausflug #3] ● Germany, 2010

Recorded live at Bürgerhaus Neumühl, Duisburg, 27 August 1988.

EXPRESS (Finland)

Rock quintet from Oulu, Finland. It was formed in the late ‘60s and was most active in the 1970s.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (3:27) 1997

CD: XXX Since 1967 [EXM CD-2] ● Finland, 1997

This is a cover of a cover, namely Raul “Badding” Somerjoki’s original Finnish hit version from 1973 (see page 1521).

FLASHBACK Best Of The 50’s (USA)

1950s cover band (sextet) from Connecticut.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:37) 1986

LP: Now & Then [FEE Records WRA1-308] ● USA, 1986

It’s printed June ’56 besides the Berry title which is probably referring to the month Berry’s original entered the Billboard Hot 100, 30 June ’56. Anyway, I can’t find any other releases by the group except the album above.

GATHERS (Japan)

Rock quartet.

Let It Rock (2:23) 1996

CD: The Gathers [Nutmeg NC-2069] ● Japan, 1996

GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1211 for biographical info.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 1965 (live)

CD: Live At The BBC [Parlophone  0190295636319] ● UK, 2018

Previously unreleased. Recorded for Saturday Club, 27 July 1965.

JOHN GOTTING (UK)

Singer, songwriter, also known as Johnny G.

Nadine (5:42) 1994 (live)

2-CD: A Month Of Sundays + The Best Of Johnny G [John Gotting JGCD-1+2] ● UK, 1994

A self-released double CD. The live set “A Month Of Sundays” was recorded at The Best Inn, Bath, February 1994.

GIBBY (Jamaica)

Leebert “Gibby” Morrison, singer, songwriter, guitarist.

Johnny B. Goode (3:42) 2001

CD: I’m Just Electrified [High Voltage LM-001] ● Jamaica, 2001

HARD WORKING AMERICANS (USA)

American rock group with members from various Americana and rock bands, formed in 2013. Todd Snider (lead vocals), Neal Casal (guitar), Jesse Aycock (guitars), Chad Staehly (keyboards), David Schools (bass), Duane Trucks (drums). From 2014-2017 they released four albums and a couple of singles.

School Day (3:54) 2017 (live)

LP: CD: We’re All In This Together [Thirty Tigers MEL-005] ● USA, 2017
2-LP: We’re All In This Together [Melvin Records MEL-005-1] ● USA, 2017/2018

Pretty good rock version. They even released a video of this, and also various live clips, check You Tube.