CBID - Some new and some old covers of Memphis, Tennessee

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: This time I came across several covers of Memphis, Tennessee I didn't know about.

But let's start with two "new" Chuck Berry tribute songs:

A Swedish group called ENVOYS recorded in 1969 a version of Steppenwolf’s tribute song to Chuck Berry “Berry Rides Again” (1968). The group had 4 singles out from 1969-1976. In 2010 they had an album out “Hedgehog Road”, and in 2013 “Every Dog Has Its Day”.

Berry Rides Again (John Kay) (3:04) 1969

45: MNW (Music Network Corps Ltd) 02 ● Sweden, 1969 (art sleeve)

Recorded at the Music Network Studios, Vaxholm, Sweden. Pretty close to the original and I will hold a bet on that one and not this cover version. But all credits to Envoys for recording it.

AL PARK, a singer, songwriter, guitarist from New Zealand, has a tribute to Chuck titled

The Night I Played In Chuck Berry’s Band (3:23) 2024

The song, released 18 October 2024, is an outake from his 2024 album “Monkey”. There’s an official video on You Tube.

MICK ABRAHAMS (UK)

Michael Timothy Abrahams, born 1943 in Luton, Bedfordfshire. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. Original guitar player in Jethro Tull performing on their album “This Was” before leaving the band. Then he founded the band Blodwyn Pig. As a solo artist he released many albums since 1971. He died in 2025 at the age of 82.

Thirteen Question Method (2:33) 1995

CD: One [A New Day Records AND CD-7] ● UK, 1996

Very acoustic. Album recorded November/December 1995 at Audilab Studios, Buckingham.

Nadine (3:10) 2015

CD/DVD: Revived! [Gonzo Multimedia HST-277CD] ● Europe, 2015

Elliott Randall is playing the guitar solo on this. And hey! Elliott Randall played on Berry’s LP from 1975. The DVD contains an introduction by Mick and he’s talking about himself, the songs on the album, musicians and also showing segments of the band working on a.o. ”Nadine”.
NOTE: In 2016 he recorded an instrumental titled “Chuck Brick Aka Berry Drive” featured on the album “Long Long Gone” Secret Records SECDP-148. A little different kind of tribute but still has that Berry drive!

BELL AMI (West Germany)

Berlin "power rock" band (quartet), formed in 1978.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:31) 1979 (German lyrics)

LP: Berlin Bei Nacht [Pool 6.24086 AP] ● West Germany, 1979
LP: Berlin Bei Nacht [Pool 6.24461 AP] ● West Germany, 1980

Hard rock version. Actually there are not so many of those regarding this classic Berry tune.
Because of legal issues of the title song (“Berlin By Night” originally by PVC) the 1979 LP above was withdrawn. In 1980 it was re-released with a modified version of the song.

PAUL BLISSETT (Canada)

Guitarist, songwriter and producer from Ottawa, Ontario.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:53) 2012 (instr)

Digital: Luna [PMB Music] ● Canada, 2018

Unfortunately it sounds like all the other instrumentals which means like Lonnie Mack. Maybe a little more sophisticated like James Last if you get my drift (horn section). If you look at the Bandcamp site it says released in 2018 but his homepage says 2012(?)

SANTIAGO CAMPILLO & MIGUEL BAÑÓN (Spain)

Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, also known as Tito Campillo. Founder of M-Clan, but in 2001 he left the band and later joined Los Rebeldes. Miguel Bañón is a singer, guitarist and producer.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2001

CD: Yeah! [Santo Grial Records SG-163 CD] ● Spain, 2001

SANTIAGO CAMPILLO (Spain)

See above.

Johnny B. Goode (3:17) 2015

LP/CD: Carretera Sin Final [Mitik Records MTKV-003] ● Spain, 2015

ACE CANNON (USA)

Ace saxophonist, John Henry Cannon, from Grenada, Mississippi. Born 1934, died 2018, 84 years of age. He’s best known for his instrumental hit record “Tuff” in 1962. He released many, many singles and over 40 albums during his lifetime. He was also a member of The Bill Black’s Combo from 1959 to1962.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:34) 1965 (instr) (live)

33 1/3 EP: Live [Hi Records SBG-36] ● USA, 1965
Jukebox 7 inch (6 tracks) with hard cardboard cover showing LP cover on front, blank on back. Came with a sheet of jukebox strips and 3 little LP cover stickers.
LP: Live [Hi Records SHL-32025] ● USA, 1965

How come? I must say I am very surprised that this version first comes to my knowledge in February 2026. I have searched and searched for Berry covers in many, many years but this has for some strange reasons never turned up. A famous artist on a well known record company. It makes you wonder. Nevertheless, it’s finally here. The album was recorded in front of a live audience inside the Hi recording studio.

CHARLIE CLINE (USA)

Dobro player and singer, in the bluegrass tradition.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis Dobro”] (2:26) 1974 (instr)

LP: Country Dobro [Adelphi AD-2001] ● USA, 1975

Recorded at Urban Recordings, Ltd., Bethesda, Md. February 1974. On the label and cover of this album the song is credited to Charlie Cline. So Berry missed out on this one. And you can listen, it’s on You Tube.

COTTON MILL BOYS (Ireland)

Country music showband. Active from 1968 to 1985. Has released several singles and albums.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1975

LP: 25 Country Classics Vol. 2 [Hawk HALPX-137] ● Ireland, 1975

RODNEY CROWELL (USA)

Famous songwriter and singer, who’s been around for many years. He started out in the mid ‘70s working with Emmylou Harris. Married to Rosanne Cash 1979-1992.
He began recording in 1978 as a solo artist but didn’t hit it big until 1988 with “It’s Such A Small World”, duet with Rosanne. He’s also recognized as a fabulous songwriter. Therefore it is very interesting that he actually chose a Berry song to include on the album below. The musicians were: Rodney Crowell (vocals, ac. guitar), Dan Knobler (organ, el. guitar), Jake Sherman (Wurlitzer), Sam Grisman (bass), Jason Burger (drums).

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis, TN”] (2:58) 2016

Various digital: Decoration Day Vol. 5 [Mason Jar Music ] ● USA, 2016

What a pleasant surprise this was. A very laid back arrangement and here you get the lyrics out crystal clear. 9 tracks by various country acts. Songs recorded at Goosehead Palace, Nashville and Mason Jar Music in Brooklyn, NY. Album is in a series of releases, all called Decoration Day Vol. 1 – 5. Started in 2013 and the volume above was released 27 May 2016. You can download on any platforms and in any quality you should prefer.

“LITTLE” JIMMY DEMPSEY (USA)

James Clifford Dempsey. Guitarist and singer, born 1937 in Atlanta, Georgia. Died 1997. He had singles out from 1957 and released some 15 albums from 1961.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 1966 (instr)

LP: Top Hits Of The ‘60s – Guitar Style [National Recording Corp. 2871-49] ● USA, 1966

Recorded at Atlanta Sound Recording Studios Inc.

CURLEY FIELDS & THE KENTUCKIANS (USA)

Charles William Fields born 1924 in Glens Creek, Kentucky. Died 2005. The Kentuckians were a cover band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin(!) We’re talking folk and country music here. Fields also had singles out on various labels in the ‘60s.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:34) 1969 (live)

LP: Live At The Showboat Lounge [Jo-Cur Records JC-1A] ● USA, 1969

JIM HENDRICKS (USA)

James Richard Hendricks, born 1940 in Atkinson, Nebraska. Multi-instrumentalist (Guitar, mandolin, dobro, autoharp) and songwriter. He has released over 50 albums (!) of traditional American folk, mountain, gospel, and western music. He wrote “Summer Rain” for Johnny Rivers which became a Top 20 hit in 1968.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:29) 2007 (instr)

CD: California Dreamin’ [Maple Street Music 06 1315 83010 2 0] ● USA, 2007

Part of a series called ”Solid Gold – Music of the ‘60s and ‘70s”. I call it pop music.

SOLOMON HICKS (USA)

Born in Harlem, New York in 1995, also calling himself “King” Solomon Hicks. Singer, songwriter, guitarist who’s been a blues guitarist since the age of 13. His style of music varies from jazz, blues, R&B to gospel, funk, Afro-Cuban, and classic rock. So far he’s released four albums.

Johnny B. Goode (2:49) 2009

CD: Embryonic [Cotton Club Records 70790 8] ● USA, 2010

Released as Solomon Hicks & Cotton Club All Stars. Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ in December 2009. Manufactured exclusively for the Cotton Club jazz and blues club in New York, NY.  At the time he was only 14 years of age.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:46) 2026

CD: How did I Ever Get This Blue? [Provogue Records (Artone) PRD-77691] ● Netherlands, 2026

Recorded at Artys Studios, Austin Texas and After Dark Recording, Brooklyn, NY. Red vinyl.
Unfortunately it sounds a bit tame, and I have never been so fond of the Johnny Rivers arrangement regarding the opening and closing of the song.

DARREL HIGHAM (UK)

Born 1970 in Bedford. Famous cat who’s been around for many years and a big fan of Eddie Cochran especially. His first album came in 1995, "Mobile Corrosion". He’s a fabulous guitar player and was once married to English rock’n’roll singer Imelda May. He’s recorded tribute albums to Eddie and also written books about him. In 2011 he shared the lead vocal duties with May and showing his guitar skills on the Jeff Beck DVD «A Rock 'n' Roll Party». He has also released tribute albums to Gene Vincent, Ricky Nelson and the Burnette Brothers.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man ( : ) 2025
Brown Eyed Handsome Man #2 ( : ) 2025

CD: Rock Around With Holly, B. [Foot Tapping Records FT-240] ● UK, 2025

A Tribute album to Buddy Holly. Darrel is playing all the instruments. I haven’t been able to listen to these two versions but according to a review in Now Dig This magazine, there’s one fast and one slower. I am sure they sound pretty much like Holly’s version.

MUSIC CITY FIVE (USA)

Studio musicians.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:18) 1963 (instr)

45: HIT Records 72 (HIT Records 228) ● USA, 1963

This was available on both releases #72 and #228 on the same black HIT Records label. Unfortunately both labels have credits to Lonnie Mack only!
A-side is credited to one Sylvester McCord though the song “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” is actually by Rolf Harris.

ESA PULLIAINEN & MR. BREATHLESS (Finland)

Esa Pekka Pulliainen is a guitarplayer who is also known for producing and arranging for other artists. Mr. Breathless is a singer and pianist, already included in CBID Vol. 3, page 1367.

Thirty Days [as “Oi Kuuskytviis” = Forty Days] (3:03) 2020

10” EP: EP & MrB: Happy Rokkenroll Vol.1 [Etnpomono ETM-105] ● Finland, 2020

4 tracks. Produced by Esa. Based on the 1979 version by Jussi & The Boys (Jussi Raittinen).

SHADOWS OF KNIGHT (USA)

See volume 3, page 1498 for biographical info.

Carol (3:13) 1965 (live)
Memphis, Tennessee (2:00) 1965 (live)

LP/CD: Alive in ’65! [BeatRocket (Sundazed) BR-145] ● USA, 2018

Recorded live at the Cellar teen club in Arlington Heights, IL. They also do a version of “Route 66” which I am sure is arranged the Berry/Stones way.

JOHNNY SPENCE & DOCTOR’S ORDERS (UK/Finland)

See Volume 3, page 1526 for biographical info.

Let It Rock ( : ) 2016 (live)

CD: Crude And Rude [Finnish All Music & Media FAMMCD-27] ● Finland, 2021

Recorded live at Juttutupa, Helsinki, 8 October 2016.
They also recorded this Berry tune in 2015 as a studio version, already on the blog.

PAUL TOGIOKA (USA)

Hawaiian slack-key guitarist. Started as a bluegrass banjo performer. Since the mid ‘90s he has been a regular on the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Tour, and also received the Hawaii Music Award’s Best Recording by a Slack-Key Artist for his album ”Ohana ‘O Kaual Slack-Key Instrumentals”.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:01) 2018 (instr)

CD: Ta Pua Elama [Rhythm & Roots Records RR-0325] ● USA, 2018

Recorded at Rhythm and Roots Studios (Oahu & Kauai).
I didn’t know what slack-key meant, so here is what I found online:
A slack-key guitar is a style of Hawaiian music using an acoustic guitar through fingerpicking various chords. It can be played on guitars other than an acoustic guitar. It has a loosed key that makes a distinct sound compared to open chords. It contains the major chord and 7th and 6th note chords. Those chords can be altered as to the guitarist’s decision. The slacked strings produce a very flexible sound.

VESA & MASA (Finland)

Vesa Haaja, singer and guitarist & Matti Saloranta, singer and bassplayer.

You Never Can Tell [as “Niin Se Käy”] (2:52) 2021

CD EP: Kultaiset Timantit [Emsalö Music EMCD-017] ● Finland, 2021
10” EP: Kultaiset Timantit [Emsalö Music EMLP-017] ● Finland, 2021

This is based on the 1975 version by Hullujussi.

ERIC “SLIM” ZAHL & BART SZOPINSKI (Norway/Poland)

Real name Bjørn-Eric Zahl. Eric (lead vocals, guitar), Bart Szopinski (piano, hammond), Roald Brekke (bass), Tory Raugstad (drums, vocals). His 2010 CD “Daddy ‘O”, credited to Eric “Slim” Zahl & The South West Swingers, was nominated for Best Blues album in Norway. In 2016 he won the European Blues Challenge because of his swinging experience with authentic blues, jump blues, rock’n’roll and rockabilly with full force.

Run Rudolph Run (2:15) 2025

CD: This Ol’ Merry Christmas [Flower Records FCD-083] ● Poland, 2025

Recorded at Groove Gallery Studio, Kvernaland. Produced by Tory Raugstad. Interesting that the cover is credited to Berry, Marks, Brodie. Thumbs up! And it’s a rockin’ little tune with the piano in focus. You can listen on You Tube, and also the official audio video of “Frosty The Snowman” from the album. And when you are at it you can also see and hear a live version of “You Never Can Tell”.