Friday, April 12. 2024Peter O’Neil’s So-Called Disorder
If you’re following this Chuck Berry blog, you will certainly also know Peter O’Neil’s blog “GoHeadOn“ (https://goheadon.blogspot.com). While here we concentrate on the music of Chuck Berry, Peter has written lots of posts about his personal experiences seeing Chuck, about Chuck’s life, about other Berry fans and more.
For some years Peter has promised to publish his long and well-written articles on Chuck Berry as chapters in form of a book. And now Peter indeed published a book, though not the one we expected. Peter is not only one of the greatest Chuck Berry fans, he also is a successful product liability attorney. And, as he recently found out, Peter is autistic. According to him, his diagnosis at the age of 65 years came as a surprise but concurrently explained a lot in his life. So Peter decided to look back at his life and tell his readers about where his so-called “disorder” affected him, as seen from today’s perspective. Peter’s book “My So-Called Disorder” (available at amazon) is a kind of memoir, though from a very specific point-of-view. It’s an insider’s view at autism and thus an extremely interesting read for both other people on the autistic spectrum and for people who haven’t been diagnosed as such (yet) – and for those who simply are interested in this topic. Peter explains how autism hindered him to take part in “normal” social life, even though he managed to get married (twice) and to have children. But on the other hand he explains how his autistic ability to focus on details, to think out-of-the-box, and to notice oddities which others overlook helped him to become a successful lawyer. Due to partners and co-workers who might not have understood neurodiversity, but who understood that Peter needed a special environment to produce good work, he was able to fight huge companies on their defective products. A large part of this book explains the various trials, e.g. about exploding pick-up trucks and non-breakable scooters. For non-Americans this legalese is sometimes hard to understand – as the US legal system is as a whole. But forty years of demonstrating complex relations to juries and courts – as well as an autistic ability to explain topics clearly without getting lost in too much context – help the reader to fully understand Peter’s points. There isn’t much Chuck Berry in this book except for some reports of concerts Peter visited. But besides bird watching and astronomy, the topic of Chuck Berry is clearly shown as one of the “special interests” which people on the autistic spectrum are said to have. However, if trying to know everything about Chuck Berry is a sign of autism, then I know of other “disordered” collectors. If you are interested to learn more about autism, this book is a very good item to start with. Highly recommended! Wednesday, April 10. 2024The Chuck Berry Sound according to Atomicat
This site is about the music of Chuck Berry, i.e. his songs, his lyrics, his guitar playing, his singing, his arrangements. To define this Chuck Berry Sound is difficult because he used a multitude of styles from blues to ballads to pop and of course rock’n’roll. But you also find instrumentals, poetry, nonsense lyrics, multi-tracked harmonies, and experimental rock in Berry’s oeuvre.
Thus when Atomicat Records recently released a CD titled „The Chuck Berry Sound“, it was interesting to learn how they would define the sound that comes from Berry’s music. Well, they couldn’t concentrate either. At first they took the easy route: cover versions. Eight of the tracks are written by Berry himself and thus obviously close to his sound. However, Atomicat selected cover version you probably have never heard of before, even though all songs on this CD are from the 1950s and early 1960s. Hear you can listen to one of the earliest female singers working with Berry material: Margaret Lewis singing Roll Over Beethoven. Another very early cover version from 1956, and a funny one, is Too Much Monkey Business by The Gadabouts supported by Carl Steven’s Orchestra. Several of the cover versions are very different from Berry’s own, especially Betty Jean by Terry Gale, Brown Eyed Handsome Man by Scotty McKay, Carol by Jim Miller, and Rock'n'Roll Music by Jimmy Breedlove. Further cover versions included are Johnny B. Goode by Gootch Jackson with Herbie Layne's Orchestra and Thirty Days by Wes Reynolds, though titled Forty Days like the Ronnie Hawkins version. A second set of tracks on this CD contains recordings which sound like Chuck Berry hits. Both Brownie McGhee’s Anna Mae, Rayvon Darnell’s Don't Want You Maybellene, and Buddy Lucas’ Oh Mary Ann were recorded in late 1955 and sound very much like Berry’s then hit Maybellene. Further soundalikes are Rhythm Feet by Carroll (Wild Red) Pegues which is similar to Around And Around, School Day Blues by Johnny And The Jammers (close to Brown Eyed Handsome Man), Pony Tail Girl by Glenn Garrison (Sweet Little Sixteen), and Knockin' On Your Door by Jimmy King (School Day). Two songs use the melody and pattern of Reelin’ And Rockin’: Tiny Morrie’s Everybody Rocks and the non-twisting Mother Goose Twist by Oliver And The Twisters which by the way at 2:44 minutes is the longest of all the short songs on this album. Most people will list Berry’s guitar playing as one or as the main element of “The Chuck Berry Sound”, ignoring that Berry reused guitar playing well-known before in Blues and Jazz. Anyway Atomicat identified guitar-oriented songs from the late 1950s and early 1960s on which the guitar players do not hide that they found these riffs on Berry records. Even though Atomicat tried to find the names of these guitarists, they did not succeed with every song. Some of the probably session musicians will remain anonymous. Berry-inspired guitar solos can be found in Dee Clark’s Dance On Little Girl (guitar: Phil Upchurch) and The New Blockbusters’ Rock & Roll Guitar Part 1 (guitar: Paul Buskirk). On Ray Sharpe’s Justine, Tony Casanova’s (i.e. Jutillo Perez’) Showdown and Billy Peek’s Rock To The Top the main artists both sing and play the Berry guitar. Unknown guitarist provide Berry-like guitar playing on Buddy Howard’s Take Your Hands Off Me Baby, Jerry Hawkins’ Swing Daddy Swing, and The Jet Tones’ Henry. If you want to count Caveman by Tommy Roe and The Satins as a Berry soundalike is doubtful, though, at least to me. And to accept Eddie Clearwater’s I Was Gone here requires you to know that Edward Harrington (his real name) was not only a Berry soundalike (with many other recordings and cover versions) but also a Berry lookalike in his 1960s shows. The remaining three songs from this 30-track CD are tribute songs to Chuck Berry himself or to his best-known protagonist. The Dusters sing about a show with both Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis (Rock At The Hop, 1961). Leonard Douglas Drake under his alias Big Daddy G in 1963 recorded a tribute song called Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) in which he combines Berry song titles. Finally Eddy Bell and the Bel-Aires from 1961 continue the Johnny B. Goode saga with Johnny Be-Goode Is In Hollywood. All in all “The Chuck Berry Sound” (Atomicat Records ACCD162) is an interesting selection of recordings which show Berry’s influence on other musicians. All these were released long before the Beat craze when all the successful bands listed Berry as one of their main influencers. The latest recording on this set is from 1963. while the earliest start close after Berry’s first chart hit. This is not a CD you will play over and over, but it’s a rare chance to listen to fairly old and hard to find Berry-inspired music. Wednesday, April 3. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 6
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here. BILL MADISON (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist now living in Lehigh Acres, Florida. He was part of the folk music venues in Boston, New York City and Montreal during the ‘60s. His career spans more than 60 years, and his first album came out in 1973 titled “Sunday Mornin’ Hayride”, an album which has been re-issued a couple of times. In the ‘80s and ‘90s he played the ski resorts and honky tonks of Northern New England. His music is available on various streaming sites. Roll Over Beethoven (3:58) 2016 (live) CD: Here’s To Ya! [Saloon Records ] ● USA, 2016 Live from Bill’s Happy Hour at Street Jelly Bar & Grill. 15 tracks with a variety of cover songs from the ‘50s and up. Released 15 June 2016. MALAVENTURA (Spain) Country-folk duo from Murcia who got together in 1992. Fernando Rubio (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Joaquín Talismán (vocals, guitar, banjo). They can really play a guitar!!! Memphis, Tennessee (2:45) 2017 CD: Malaventura [Perdicion PER-1801] ● Spain, 2017 Released 26 December 2017. They have approached this cover closer to Berry’s own. Good to hear. MARTIN CIRCUS (France) Band (sextet) formed in 1969 playing psychedelic and progressive rock, but changed their style in the early ‘70s to pop and later on to disco and new wave. Have released many singles and albums since 1969/1970. Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (3:21) 1977 45: Vogue 45. V. 140.323 ● France, 1977 Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (5:47) 1977 LP: Rock’n’Roll Circus [Vogue LDA-20 294] ● France, 1977 Oh dear, this sounds like a disco version with absolutely no feeling or whatever. And almost 6 minutes on the album. Forget it. MASHUUN (Austria) A progressive rock band from Styria, active between 1972 and 1974. They won a band competition organized by Fono Forum and BASF but the group got a short life. Sweet Little Sixteen (5:08) 1973 Various LP: Mashuun/Magic 69 [Rex Records Austria REX RRL-008] ● Austria, 1973 Very strange version indeed. The Rex album was a promo and never released officially. Finally in 2016 the Golden Pavilion one was a remastered album set pressed in 400 copies. The two groups featured were Mashuun and Magic 69. DENIS MAZHUKOV & OFF BEAT (Russia) Singer and pianist Denis Mazhukov, who is by the way regarded as the king of rock’n’roll in Russia (pretty late don’t you think since he was born in 1973). But good for him as he’s really got it when it comes to 50s and 60s music. I am sure that Jerry Lee Lewis is one of his favorites, if not his ‘mentor’. Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 1995 CD: Off Beat [SNC Records SNC-5034] ● Russia, 1995 Fast swinging rendition. Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2006 featuring Maxim Leonidov Digital album: Rockin’ At The Top [DM Self-released ] ● Russia, 2007 Released 1 January 2007. The music is good but the vocals are uninspired. Sweet Little Sixteen (3:16) 2012 CD: Rockin’ All Day And Night [DM 3923U Self-released ] ● Russia, 2012 On Bandcamp the album contains 8 tracks but on discogs there are 11 tracks (?) MERŪNAS (Lithuania) Pop singer. Real name: Merūnas Vitulskis, born in 1983. You Never Can Tell [as "Pažiūresim, Kas Nutiks Vėliau”] (3:03) 2007 CD: Merūnas [Hitas HITCD-007] ● Lithuania, 2007 Ordinary standard version. But nice to finally have someone from Lithuania doing Berry. MINX (Canada) Hard rock band (quintet) from Kamloops, British Columbia. They have four albums on bandcamp. Johnny B. Goode (2:52) 2018 Digital album: Minx [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2018 Released 24 April 2018. Seven tracks, six written by the band. Hard rock version. LOGAN MIZE (USA) Country singer who grew up in Kansas. Has been a long-time Music Row staff songwriter in Nashville. He released his 5th album called “Welcome To Prairieville” in 2021. Run Rudolph Run (2:44) 2022 with Jenna Paulette CD EP: Merry Christmas From Logan Mize [Big Yellow Dog Music 08 5004 03773 4 7] ● USA, 2022 This was reissued in 2023. Okay version but that’s all. M&J BLUES (UK) Father & son duo from Sheffield, Mark Lyall (el.guitar) and.Jeff Lyall (vocals, ac.guitar). You Never Can Tell (3:44) 2016 (live) 2-CD: In The Presence Of Friends [M&J Self-released] ● UK Recorded live 7 August 2016 at the Honey Bee blues club session at the Porter Cottage, Sheffield. The Berry track was part of the encore. Released 6 November 2016. SONNY MOORMAN (USA) Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist from Hamilton, Ohio. Maybellene (5:51) 2015 CD: You Made All My Blues Come True [Atlas Records ATLAS-0014] ● USA, 2015 Acoustic treatment of these two classics. Featuring Moorman on vocals, guitar and porchboard. The album was released digitally in June 2022. Instead of me saying anything, you can listen to them on Bandcamp. VAN MORRISON (UK) Van Morrison, OBE (Order of the British Empire), born 1945 in Belfast. He’s a Grammy Award-winning Northern Irish singer, songwriter, author, poet and multi-instrumentalist. He was the lead singer in the Northern Irish band Them who had several hits in the mid ‘60s like “Gloria” and “Here Comes The Night”. Later he left for a successful solo career. Bye Bye Johnny (2:58) 2023 CD: Accentuate The Positive [Exile 3369580] ● Europe, 2023 A genuine rock’n’roll album from Van Morrison. It was a surprise for me, in 2023. 19 tracks, and I do like the album title, to accentuate the positive about the past music. And he picked some obscure tracks to record also. MOTHER McCREE’S UPTOWN JUG CHAMPIONS (USA) Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. Grateful Dead related. With the help of Mike Garbett, Tom Stone and Dave Parker on various acoustic instruments. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:26) 1964 (live) CD: Live at the Top of the Tangent, 1964 [Grateful Dead Records GDCD-4064] ● USA, 1999 Jerry Garcia is doing the vocals on this one. Don’t know what to think. It’s okay, acoustic but lack feelings. The album was recorded in July 1964 at the Top Of The Tangent, Palo Alto, California. JOE MULLINS And THE RADIO RAMBLERS (USA) William Joseph Mullins, born 1965 in Xenia, Ohio. Bluegrass and gospel singer, banjoist, bandleader and radio broadcaster. Run Rudolph Run (3:57) 2023 CD: Because It’s Christmas Time [Billy Blue Records BBR-0243 CD] ● USA, 2023 Nice to finally have a genuine bluegrass version. Really good, swings. I get this Jim & Jesse vibes here, the song they didn’t record. MYSTIC EYES (Germany) Beat band from Regensburg; active in the late ‘60s but reunited in 1997. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2000 CD: Flashback [GVR Records CD-006] ● Germany, 2001 GÜNTHER NEEFS (Belgium) Pop singer, born 1965 in Mechelen. Has released several albums since 1992. He’s the son of Louis Neefs. You Never Can Tell (2:47) 2019 CD: Roots 66 – Music From Chicago To L. A. [KMK Muziek KMK-65018] ● Belgium, 2019 Released as both CD and LP, plus DVD. NERVOUS EATERS (USA) Punk rock band (quartet) from Boston, Massachusetts. Beautiful Delilah (3:21) Mid ‘70s LP: Eaterville #1 [Penniman Records PENNLP-002] ● Spain, 2004 It sounds like the Rolling Stones! One of the longer versions of this Berry track. They usually clock in at around 2 minutes. Previously unissued. CHET NICHOLS (USA) Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer from Chicago where he grew up. In the ‘60s he was part of the musical revolution in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has a farm in Kansas, and is inducteed into The Kansas Music Hall Of Fame. Johnny B. Goode (2:27) 1965 as Chet Nichols & The Chosen Few Digital album: Raw & Roll [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021 Released April 2021. The Chosen Few were a trio from Chicago and they were all around 15 years old at the time of recording. Chet Nichols has also recorded a song titled “Rock & Roll Music” (1972) which turns out to be his own composition. NIGHTBREAKERS (Netherlands) 8 piece country-rock group. You Never Can Tell [as “C’est la Vie”] (3:39) 2001 CD: In The Mission [Rarity Records C-192649] ● Netherlands, 2001 Sounds a bit like Emmylou Harris’ version but with a sax solo and a piano solo without the original melody. DON NORMAN (Canada) Born in Ottawa 1944. In the ‘60s he recorded for Capitol Records of Canada. Living in Kingston, Ontario since 1970. Maybellene (2:27) 2017 Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2017 Pretty cool country version, a little slower than usual. Don Norman (vocals, guitars, harp, percussion), Jack Pearson (solo guitar), Chris Nole (keyboards), Dave Francis (bass), Shannon Forrest (drums). Here is what Don Norman says on Bandcamp about recording this track: “ ‘Maybellene’ was Chuck Berry’s 1955 breakout hit for Chess Records in Chicago. The record sold over a million copies but more importantly it stands as the original road map for guitar based rock’n’roll music. As a young, pre-teen I was brought to tears by the emotions Chuck’s singing and guitar playing aroused in me. Thanks for changing my world Chuck”. You Never Can Tell (2:48) 2018 Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2023 This was recorded in 2018, but remastered and released 14 October 2023. Unfortunately pretty ordinary version. NOT FADE AWAY (USA) Rock’n’roll quintet from Phoenix, Arizona. Jared Mancuso (vocals, guitar), Nick Gallardo (vocals, guitar), Ian LeSage (vocals, guitar), Allison Kelly (vocals, bass), Andrew Torres (only drums). Very much a Buddy Holly tribute band, but they also play others like Ritchie Valens, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Shirley Ellis and more. They have this album below and a single on Bandcamp and they make great covers, also sleeves. Johnny B. Goode (3:24) 2020 Digital album: Rock’n’Roll Reignited [Self-released ] ● USA, 2020 Released 3 February 2020. Recorded at Studio Crash in Philadelphia, PA. Rockin’ version and Allison does a very good job. STEFAN NYKVIST (Sweden) Lars Erik Stefan Nykvist, born 1976 in Ãlvdalen, Dalarna. Singer, organist, accordionist and was the founder of the danceband Larz Kristerz in 2001. He left the band in 2014 for solo work. Oh What A Thrill [as “Nej, Inte Jag”] (2:28) 2020 CD: Stefan Nykvist [Enviken Records ENREC-182] ● Sweden, 2020 This is a cover of the Eddie Meduza version from 1982. FINN NØRBYGÅRD (Denmark) Comedian, singer and actor, born 1952 in Esbjerg. Well, he was originally a school teacher but did success on national TV in the ‘80s with Jacob Haugaard in a Saturday Night comedy show, and in the ‘90s a successful comedy/musical show with Jette Torp. Johnny B. Goode (2:34) 1997 CD: 21 Sange Og Monologer Fra Showet: Mig & Elvis [National Records CD-81664] ● Denmark, 1997 Produced by Danmarks Radio for RMT Productions. Taken from a musical show, “Me & Elvis”, that Nørbygård travelled around with in Denmark during 1996/97, 132 shows altogether with 21 songs and monologues. But I don’t understand the title here, as there is only one track an Elvis medley, the rest are songs from the likes of Berry, Tommy Steele, Percy Sledge, Chubby Checker, Beatles, Willie Nelson etc. Well, there’s also a Danish cover of “Fever” which Elvis did record back in time, but still… OFF BEAT (Russia) See DENIS MAZHUKOV BERT PAQUETTE & The New Gamblers (Canada) Rock and country singer and guitarist. Maybellene ( : ) 1981 LP: Bert Paquette & The New Gamblers [Black Rose Records LP-1001] ● Canada, 1981 Covers on the album are from the likes of Freddy King, Hank Williams, Elvis, Jimmie Rodgers … COLIN PAUL (UK) Elvis impersonator. See Volume 3, page 1406 for biographical info. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009 CD: Home For Christmas [CP Self-released CD-01 2801 66916 7 5] ● UK, 2009 Okay version. I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:22) 2014 CD: Child Of The Sixties [JaG Records 146 5] ● UK, 2014 A pretty good version. Interesting to hear an Elvis soundalike doing Berry numbers that Elvis never did. MAURICIO PEDROSA BLUES QUARTET (Brazil) Singer, pianoplayer from São Paulo. Memphis, Tennessee (3:46) 2013 Digital album: On The Road Again [Self-released ] ● Brazil, 2013 I especially enjoyed “Memphis” since he’s not followed the Mack/Rivers arrangements. MIKE V. PHELAN (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Antonio, Texas. I am not sure if the songs below were recorded in 2016, because all of his 7 albums were released on Bandcamp in the summer of 2016, so…? Johnny B. Goode (2:35) 2016 (?) Digital album: Mike Rocks [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016 Released 29 June 2016. 16 tracks. Rocks? Well, the singing is more pop oriented. Maybellene (2:09) 2016 (?) Digital album: Beyond The ’70s [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016 Released 25 May 2016. 20 tracks. PENTTI-OSKARI KANKAAN 7-SEINÄHULLUA VELJESTÄ (Finland) A musical humour band founded in 1966 by Pentti Oskari Kangas. It’s a difficult band name to pronounce, and to speak for that matter. If you’re not from Finland, that is. Rock And Roll Music (3:11) 2009 (?) 2-CD: Tuplat Vaakahuoneella [Fifty-Fifty FFCD-1061] ● Finland, 2009 The Berry cover is one of many bonus tracks (previously unreleased) so I don’t know when it was recorded actually. PHILADELPHIA JUG BAND (USA) Jug band (originally a quartet) formed in 1962 (!) by students at the Council Rock High in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m amazed that they are still doing their thing, however, I don’t know if there are any original members left or whatever. Sweet Little Sixteen (4:12) 2012 CD: Always Fresh! [Self-released GKMZ-002] ● USA, 2012 Nice to hear a jug/string band version of this classic. Saturday, March 16. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 5
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here. JOECEPHUS AND THE GEORGE JONESTOWN MASSACRE (USA) Rock band (quintet) from Memphis, Tennessee. They mix outlaw country and rockabilly with hardcore punk and metal. Joecephus is guitarist Joey Killingsworth. Back In The USA (2:18) 2023 2-LP: Call Me Animal - A Tribute To The MC5 [Saustex Records SEX-2306] ● USA, 2023 JUSTIN JOHNSON (USA) Slide guitarist using handmade instruments, a.o. a cigar-box guitar (!) He founded the Roots Music School in Nashville, Tennessee. Good for him and all the students who can then learn the truth. I found some 8 albums by him, the first being “Smoke & Mirrors”, a 2-CD set from 2014. Johnny B. Goode (4:14) 2017 2-CD: Drivin’ It Down [JJ CD-14541 2] ● USA, 2017 Also released as a 2-LP set. This is a drivin’ goode version, stretched out to over 4 minutes. Even though this is a self-released album set it looks like a professional issue with a booklet and all. Recorded and mixed by Chuck Turner at Cash Cabin Studio, Hendersonville, Tennessee. Down Bound Train (6:18) 2020 CD/Digital album: Rough Edges [JJ Self-released ] ● USA, 2020 When I searched the internet for this cover, Bruce Springsteen’s own song popped up as the original. However, Justin is covering the Berry song (a bit noisy though). So who can you trust? You have to search and search and try to listen if possible. It’s not easy to be a Berry cover nerd. CARVIN JONES BAND (USA) Blues singer, guitarist from Texas. His playing is pretty raw. No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 1998 CD: Unleashed - Burnin’ Up The Blues [Tee Records TR-69732] ● USA, 1998 Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2003 (live) CD: Live In Rome, Italy [Tee Records no cat no] ● USA, 2003 There’s a live performance on YouTube of Carvin from a festival in Spain doing this classic. KATMEN (UK/USA) Originally a rockabilly duo, formed in 2007, by guitar genius Darrell Higham (see Vol.4 page 1821) and drummer Slim Jim Phantom (see Stray Cats Vol.3 page 1538). In 2012 they were joined by bassist Al Gare. Too Much Monkey Business (2:42) 2022 CD: Katmen Are Back [Foot Tapping Records FT-208] ● UK, 2023 This is a cross between Elvis and Chuck. It’s rockin’ although a little more laid back than Chuck’s. JIMMY KEITH & HIS SHOCKY HORRORS (Germany) Punk band (quartet) from Duisburg, formed in 1988. Maybellene (3:03) 1995 CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Tug Records LC-7376] ● Germany, 1995 Cover songs from the likes of Mink DeVille, Rockin’ Sidney, Dr. Feelgood, Ben E. King a.o. ANSSI KELA (Finland) A popular singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in 1972. Has released many albums and singles since 2000. Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (3:43) 2017 Various CD: Anssi Kela & Isot Biisit [Warner Music Finland 50 5419 76872 2 8] ● Finland, 2017 This is again a cover of the Finnish hit version by Rauli “Badding” Somerjoki (page 1521) from 1973. But the story around this version is a little bit different. Translated, the album title means Anssi Kela And The Big Songs. It was a music entertainment program led by Anssi Kela. It started in February 2017 and in each of the 10 episodes a guest challenged Kela to cover an old Finnish hit song. It tells the story of the background of the song and introduces the song’s original performer or a special person associated with it. But according to Ari Niskanen in Finland it was more about Somerjoki not Berry. JAMIE AARON KELLEY & THE DEMPSEYS (USA) Award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer. But most of all he’s an Elvis impersonator. However, there’s not much Elvis stuff on the album below. Maybellene ( : ) 2006 CD: The Sun Also Rises, Vol.2 – Memphis Fire [Cool K Records 08 3710 12723 2 2] ● USA, 2006 14 rock’n’roll, blues and country covers. RICKY KING (West Germany) Guitarist Hans Lingenfelder, born 1946 in Rastatt. Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 1984 (instr) LP: Ricky King’s Rock’n’Roll Party [Epic EPC-26158] ● West-Germany, 1984 Johnny B. Goode and Rock And Roll Music sound very good and solid. But Memphis is in the Lonnie Mack arrangement and therefore not in the same league. ROBERT LEE KOLB & LOCAL HEROES (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist. I saw an article from a Dallas magazine (Dec. 1976) where he says he’s going to be the new Elvis Presley of the 1980s. Excuse me. Why on earth would he say that in December 1976 when Elvis himself was still alive??? It makes no sense. And he sounded more rock and rhythm & blues. Maybellene [as “Mabelline”] (4:40) 1985 LP: Robert Lee Kolb & Local Heroes [Rock Eye Records 44144A] ● USA, 1985 KRAYOLAS (USA) Garage rock band (quartet) from San Antonio, Texas. They have released several singles from 1978 and albums from 1982. Run Rudolph Run (3:19) 2010 CD: Tipsy Topsy Torvy [Box Records B-63052] ● USA, 2010 Cool rock version with plenty of guitar and piano. MIKE KRÜGER (Germany) Michael Friedrich Wilhelm Krüger, born 1951. Singer, guitarist and comedian. Roll Over Beethoven [as “Schuss In Den Ofen”] (2:47) 1977 (live) LP: Auf Der Autobahn Nachts Um Halb Eins [Philips 6305 330] ● West-Germany, 1977 Mike Krüger wrote the German lyrics. DENYS LABLE (France) Singer, guitarist, born 1947 in Auxerre. He’s a studio musician and has also played live with several French singers, like France Gall and Dick Rivers a.o. Wee Wee Hours (6:22) 2003 Various CD: Autour du Blues Vol.2 [Créon Music 5928552] ● France, 2003 Pretty good and long version. LARADOS (USA) Rock and soul quintet from Dearborn, Missouri, probably? This is a little difficult, because it seems that they had a single out in 1958 and another in 1980. However, the album below is clearly of a newer date and it’s self-released. Are we talking about the same outfit? Not sure. In case they have been around for over 55 years when the album below was released. Nadine (4:51) 2013 CD: Dance Party [LaRaDos CD-08 8829 50360 0 9] ● USA, 2013 14 covers from the ‘50s and ‘60s. KIM LARSEN & KJUKKEN (Denmark) See Volume 3, page 1308 for biographical info. He died in 2018 at the age of 72. Havana Moon [as “Soloppgang Til Måneskinspriser”] (3:01) 2012 CD: Du Glade Verden [Medley Records EMI-5820505] ● Denmark, 2012 Strange, but I didn’t know that Kim had done a Danish version of this Berry classic that he first covered in its original form in 1977. LAST ONE STANDING (Mexico) Melodic hardcore / skate punk quintet from Ciudad Nezahualcóyoti, Mexico. Johnny B. Goode (2:42) 2014 CD promo: Last One Standing [Promo 2014] ● Mexico, 2014 The album track opens with the intro from Marty McFly in “Back To The Future”, It’s an oldie - Well, it’s an oldie where I come from. (!) MIKE LAWSON & FRIENDS (USA) Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Nashville, Tennessee. He has several albums on Bandcamp. On his site he has this to say about himself: “Musician, songwriter, author, music mag/book publisher, husband, autism dad, music edu advocate, guitar hoarder, audio engineer, no particular order”. On the album below he sings and plays various instruments, however, on the Berry track Lawson sings and plays piano plus the following friends participate: Rich Mahan (guitar), Fred Bogert (acordion), Travis Collinsworth (bass), Sam Skorik (drums), Sarah and Rachel Hambridge (background vocals). Produced by Mike Lawson at AP Studios, Fairview, Tennessee. However, there’s a fiddle in there but who’s playing? It could be Michael Cleveland who plays fiddle on another track on the album. You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2020 Digital album: More Wonders Of The Visible World [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021 Released 1 January 2021. There’s also a video to this track on Bandcamp. Pretty nice! DANIELLE LeBLANC, HALEY BIRNIE, BRIAND MELANSON (Canada) From Toronto. Danielle (lead vocals), Haley (lead vocals), Briand Melanson (guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, backing vocals), and on the Berry number Rich Trevor (electric guitar). I couldn’t find anything else by this trio. Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2015 CD: Coast To Coast Christmas [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2015 Good Yuletide music on this album, ten covers and two originals. A little different approach. Released on Bandcamp 1 November 2015. Mixed and produced by Briand Melanson. LEG BENDERS (USA) Rock band (quartet) from Albany, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Madden Studios in Clarksville, Indiana by Clifford Madden. Daniel Hartman (vocals, guitar), Zach Coffey (guitar), Tyler Zoller (bass), Clifford Madden (drums). They also call themselves Jimmy & The Two Toned Leg Benders. Well then, who’s Jimmy? Run Rudolph Run (2:50) 2015 Digital: Run Rudolph Run: A Jimmy Christmas Cover [Self-released ] ● USA, 2015 Really heavy rockin’ version. The main reason for including this, the band will tell you themselves: MATTHIAS LENS (Belgium) Accordion player and singer born 1986 in Turnhout. You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:40) 2015 CD: Samen Uit, Samen Thuis [ECV Records ECV-0187544] ● Belgium, 2015 Good rock version. RONAN LEONARD (Ireland) Singer, songwriter in the country, folk genre. Too Much Monkey Business (3:33) 2005 CD: Roomful Of Dreamers [Ronan Leonard Prod. RLPCD-001] ● Ireland, 2005 Really cool version! Dave Keary on guitar and Garvan Gallagher on bass should be complimented for their contribution. Interesting that all the other 10 songs on the album were written by Leonard. LES FORBANS (France) When they started in the late ‘70s they were a rock’n’roll sextet. However, around 1990 they became a quartet. Have released several albums since 1981. Johnny B. Goode in a Rock’n’Roll Medley (3:47) 1996 CD: Rock’n’Roll Story [Arcade 3017672] ● France, 1996 The Medley contains 8 songs. Strange that they are using the Berry song twice on the same album. ADAM LEVY (USA) Singer, songwriter and an accomplished jazz guitarist, born 1966 in Encino, California. He has recorded and toured with Norah Jones. Has also recorded with many famous people like Rosanne Cash, Tracy Chapman, Allen Toussaint, Chely Wright, The O’Jays and others. He has in addition released several albums of his own. Memphis, Tennessee (3:30) 2014 (instr) CD: Town & Country [Lost Wax Music LWR-1401] ● USA, 2014 Now this is a different approach to the tune, a little groovie, jazzy, soulful. He has also recorded a song titled “Promised Land” in 2011 but that’s not Berry’s. SON LEWIS (USA) Andrew Lewis, born 1951 in Patterson, New Jersey. Blues singer, guitarplayer. Nadine (3:38) 2016 (live) CD: From Time To Time [Silk City CD-08 0714 00203 8 3] ● USA, 2017 LEYVA (Mexico) Omar Christopher Navarrete Leyva, born in 1980. He’s a singer, musician, songwriter, promoter. Has been active since 1998 and has been very productive on album releases, and also been part of numerous groups. Carol [as “Oh Carol”] ( : ) 2012 CD: Savage Young & Wild 1957 [Blindspot Records 1957] ● Mexico, 2012 At the very end of Johnny B. they have inserted an original short comment from Alan Freed about rock’n’roll. LIVE (Sweden) Group comprising Kenneth Lundman, Mats Lundberg, Mikael Andersson, Peter Eliasson and Stefan Forsell. It was a one-off pseudo-educational project only known for one album release. Around And Around ( : ) 1986 (live) LP: Live [Caprice Records CAP-133] ● Sweden, 1986 The songs contained range from Berry and Beatles to Uriah Heep, Scott McKenzie, The Clash, John Lee Hooker, Sex Pistols, U 2, Martha & The Vandellas, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sweet. LMT CONNECTION (Canada) Funk-rock group from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Leroy Emmanuel (vocals, guitar), John Irvine (bass, vocals), Mark Rogers (drums). They have played together for 30 years, recorded six albums and done over 6500 shows (!) which includes Europe and China. Johnny B. Goode (5:17) 1997 (live) CD: Outta Control [Impression Records IMP-2000] ● Canada, 2000 Recorded live 1997 at the Castle Rock in Niagara Falls. Released on Bandcamp 30 September 2020. LOS ALVAREZ DEL NORTE (USA) This is a family pop/folk band which plays various instruments and sings: Fred Alvarez, Maria, William, Daniel, Maggie, managed by Lauren, plus four background vocals. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (3:21) 2012 Digital album: New Mexico Snow [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013 A little bit different than others, more laid-back. You can listen to it on Bandcamp. Fred Alvarez wrote most of the 20 tracks on the album. LOS GATILLOS (Switzerland) Trio from Geneva playing modern electric blues and rhythm & blues. Down Bound Train (2:37) 2018 CD / LP: Fred Raspail-Pierre Omer-Monney B Sont [Bonfeeling Records BF-005] ● France, 2018 Except for two covers, they do original songs. The Berry cover is very similar to Berry’s own musically but Los Gatillos arranged it a little boring. LEE LYNCH (Ireland) Liam Lynch was born in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. He moved to London in 1956 and has lived in England since then. He had his first single released on Decca in 1966. He’s been singing, recording and performing up to the early ‘90s when he retired due to heart problems. Promised Land ( : ) 1979 LP: Here I Go Again [Blue Angel Records FLIP NO.1] ● UK, 1979 Monday, February 19. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 4
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here. On Bandcamp there are many versions of “Johnny B. Goode”, “You Never Can Tell” and “Run Rudolph Run” it will make you dizzy. However, I have listened to them “all” and have been very selective of the ones I decided to include in this Berry covers survey. There’s a limit of what to use. The artist/group should have a decent collection of music or albums. The sound quality must be up to a certain standard, which sometimes it’s not, and the performance must also be up to standard. NIC ARMSTRONG (& The Thieves) (UK) See Volume 3, page 1047 for biographical info. I Want To Be Your Driver (2:14) 2004 45 / CD: Broken Mouth Blues EP [One Little Indian Records 397TP7 (CD)] ● UK, 2004 4 tracks. Except for the Berry cover the three others were written by Armstrong. CD Enhanced: The Greatest White Liar [One Little Indian Records TPLP-347 CDX] ● UK, 2005 Recorded at Toe Rag Studios, London. Produced by Liam Watson. PIERRE ARNAUD (Spain) Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Barcelona. He usually sings in Spanish or French and has a repertoire of Chanson Française, Gypsy Jazz, blues, jazz and folk. Here’s what he has to say on bandcamp about the album below: You Never Can Tell (4:22) 2017 Digital album: Pierre Arnaud & Los Mercenarios De La Barbacoa [Self released ] ● Spain, 2017 Released 12 December 2017. You probably have not heard this classic performed quite like this before? His English pronunciation is far from the best, but that’s not the main point here, it’s the music and musicians who are playing. Go to Bandcamp and listen. ROCKIN’ RAFFI ARTO (France) From Paris. Singer, pianoplayer. At the time of recording this album below he was only 12 years old (!) He’s into rhythm & blues, boogie woogie, rockabilly, rock’n’roll and pop. Pretty versatile musician at such a young age! You Never Can Tell (4:23) 2013 CD: Introducing Rockin’ Raffi Arto [Swingin’ Records SRCD-719] ● France, 2013 His playing is far from Johnnie’s. He opens by just playing the melody in a soft way and then starts singing and rockin’. After 3 minutes he stops, pauses, and then plays the song as an instrumental for almost one and a half minute. Pretty unusual but works very well !!! BALLISTIC CATS (USA) Rock’n’roll/rockabilly band from California. Matthew White (guitar, backing vocals), Lissy Abraham (lead vocals, bass), Christopher White (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). They have released three full length albums and the EP below. Roll Over Beethoven (3:17) 2011 Digital EP: Ballistic Cats [BC Self-released ] ● USA, 2011 Released 3 May 2011. I like this in more than one way. First there’s Lissy who’s singing and second they have arranged it a little different from many others. The bass and guitar have a driving sound. Listen on Bandcamp and you’ll see what I mean. BANG! (Spain) With such a name you expect a heavy band, but no. It’s a rock’n’roll trio from Murcia, who mostly do covers of ‘50s to’70s rock’n’roll songs. You Never Can Tell (3:08) 2014 Digital: Dance & Roll [Self-released ] ● Spain, 2014 A little boogie arrangement. They also do a version of “Route 66” in the Stones/Berry way but still do their own interpretation. Memphis, Tennessee (3:17) 2023 CD: Rock’N’Roll Shots [Good Old Music no cat no] ● Spain, 2023 Good versions in their own arrangements. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”. DAVID BECK’S TEJANO WEEKEND (USA) Cajun country. Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Marcos, Texas. Musicians on the track below: David Beck (vocals, bass), Tony Browne (guitar), Peter Huysman (keyboards, vocals), Joel Guzman (accordion), Dees Stribling (drums, percussion). Memphis, Tennessee (2:47) 2019 Digital: Vol. 1 [Self-released ] ● USA, 2019 Recorded by David Beck at the Woodshed Studios. Released September 2019. They have also released a Vol. 2. CAMERON HONS (Australia) Indipendent rock musician, singer, songwriter, film-maker, actually a multi-instrumentalist from Sidney. He’s been playing and producing music since 2004. If you check out Bandcamp you will find many albums by him. He also has a merchandise site for CDs, DVDs, T-shirts and more. Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 2022 Digital: In My Spare Time [Self-released ] ● Australia, 2022 8 covers like “Sweet Home Chicago”, “Peter Gunn”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Green Onions” and others. The two Berry numbers must be characterized as punk-rock. Pretty noisy. NELSON CARRERA (Portugal) See DIXIE BOYS CRACKED COOKIES (France) Three ladies from Strasbourg who started out in 2016 and perform various styles of music their own way. Jitka Sterbakova (Jessika), Maria Dubus (Claude), Marie Ruby (Ruby). Sometime they remind me of the Andrew Sisters. They sing in pretty harmonies and play guitars, bass, drums, piano, and put on a spectacular show when they perform live. You Never Can Tell (2:46) 2018 Digital EP: The Cracked Cookies [Self-released ] ● France, 2018 Released 19 October 2018. Very unusual rendition. Go to Bandcamp and listen. You can also check them out on YouTube to get an idea of their performance skills. MALCOLM CROSS (USA) Singer, guitarist from Los Angeles, California. He also plays percussion and vibraphone. He has 4 albums on Bandcamp. Bossa Nova (2018), Old time blues (2012) and Beethoven (2010). Pretty versatile fellow. Here’s what he has to say about the EP below: I Want To Be Your Driver (2:16) 2013 Digital EP: Mal Plays Chuck [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013 Released 13 July 2013. Not bad for a young guy to play and release a tribute to the Master in 2013. And he’s got what it takes to get the music right ! Listen on Bandcamp. DIEGO DANGER (USA) Rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. Adam Smith (vocals, guitar, drums), Adam Audieheim (keyboards, percussion), Ryan Audieheim (bass) are playing on the album below. However, they are not just a trio, sometimes expanded to both quartet and quintet. They have 12 albums on Bandcamp. Run Rudolph Run (2:57) 2020 Digital album: Happy Holidaze [Past World Records Self-released] ● USA, 2020 Released 20 December, 2020. They have slowed the tempo down a bit which actually makes it more groovie. DIXIE BOYS (Portugal) Rock’n’roll/rockabilly quartet. Formed 1994 in Oporto, very influenced by the ‘50s musical icons. Thirty Days (2:50) 2011 as Nelson Carrera & The Dixie Boys CD: Boogeyman Boogie [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-059] ● Portugal, 2011 Nelson Carrera is a singer, songwriter, guitarist. It’s okay but drags a little. Johnny B. Goode (3:25) 2013 CD: 50’s Special [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-138] ● Portugal, 2013 They have a goode sound here but the singer’s English pronunciation is not the best. DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Nashville, Tennessee. His band: Nathan Aronowitz (keyboards, vocals), Will McGee (bass, vocals), Noah Miller (drums, percussion). In 2022 they played over 200 shows!!! Johnny B. Goode (4:46) 2023 (live) Digital: 10/15/2023 Pittsburg, PA – Club Café [Self-released ] ● USA, 2023 Released 30 October 2023. Rock version with a little country flavour, but they could have skipped the organ. SAM EMPASIS (USA) Bay area (California) folk punk artist. Johnny B, Goode (2:36) 2022 CD: The Kidd Returns [Shallow Dive Records SDR-016] ● USA, 2022 Recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Rip Florence at SubRosa in Santa Cruz, California. Now this is bizarre. You hear a guitar, harmonica and a voice singtalking the lyrics. 42 DECIBEL (Argentina) Rock band from Buenos Aires. Junior Figueroa (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bob (rhythm & slide guitar), Matt Fraga (bass), Nicko Cambiasso (drums). There are CD albums on Discogs and digitals on Bandcamp. Johnny B. Goode (4:44) 2015 (live) CD & Digital: Rude, Live And Fast [42D Self-released ] ● Argentina, 2016 Released 1 January 2016. Recorded at The Roxy Live in Buenos Aires on 13 November 2015. Only sold at their gigs. GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTRA (USA) Bandleader from New York City. He’s been around for more than three decades. Has released several albums in the jazz field. Run Rudolph Run (4:35) 1995 Digital single: Run Rudolph Run [Self-released ] ● USA, 1996 Released 1 January 1996. Yes, it swings! Unissued holiday favorite featuring vocals by guest guitarist Nick Palumbo. GRAN THIEF (USA) Five piece stringband group from Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick Mulroy (vocals, guitar), Tom Farrell (resonator guitar, vocals), Zach Meyer (mandolin, vocals), Alex Barstow (5-string violin, vocals), Mike Harmon (bass, percussion, vocals). You Never Can Tell (4:31) 2019 (live) Digital album: Bake Sale! [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2021 Released 1 October 2021. Sounds okay but the studio version below is a little better. 18 tracks recorded live by festival archivist Ray Potter at the 2019 Podunk Bluegrass Festival. Mixing by Mark Fitzgerald and Todd Hitchinson of Rosewood Sound. This record is available exclusively through Bandcamp and the band's own website. You Never Can Tell (4:07) 2022 Digital album: Ain’t Hangover Yet [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2022 Very country influenced and without any drums, still a good version. GUITAR MAC & HIS BLUES EXPRESS (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Sacramento, California. He has over 20 albums available on Bandcamp. I actually met this guy in 1984 in San Francisco and saw him play. He’s a real good blues performer as you’ll see if you check out his catalog. And a very humble and nice guy. Johnny B. Goode (4:17) 1982 (live) CD/Digital album: Keymaster @ Work / California State Fair [Mac Sound ] ● USA, 2021 A goode version with much energy. DOMINIC HALPIN & The Honey B’s (UK) Pop/rock/country singer, songwriter from Manchester. On his own site he has 13 albums for downloading and on Bandcamp, iTunes or Spotify. You Never Can Tell (3:01) 2016 Digital album: Slick [Self-released ] ● UK, 2016 Released July 2016. Pretty standard rendition but with saxophone instead of piano. HAND OF DOOM (Germany) Heavy rock group from Bad Hersfeld. Johnny B. Goode (3:08) 1979 2-CD: Poisenoise [Shadow Kingdom Records SKR-014DCD] ● USA, 2009 Reissue of the single original album from 1979 with extra tracks, including the Berry number. HIDEAWAYS (USA) Blues-rock band from East Northport, New York. Chris James (vocals, guitar, organ), Scotty McCiche (harp, vocals), Sean O’Neill (bass), and the late ‘Boom Boom’ Johnson (drums). Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 2006 CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.1 [Mind Smoke Records MSR#600] ● USA, 2020 Hey, this is pretty good guys! You Can’t Catch Me (4:01) 2006 CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.2 [Mind Smoke Records ] ● USA, 2021 Also quite good! HITTILS (Sweden) Pop and rock group from Blekinge. They seem to be a quartet but could expand to more members. Come On ( : ) 1996 GUIDO HORCKMANS (Belgium) Actor and singer, born 1942 in Mechelen, died 2015 in Hulst, Netherlands. To many people he’s probably best known for his character as Pastor Walter in the Flemish soap “Familie”. Johnny B. Goode (1:58) 1998 CD: Graceful [Rainbow R.10107] ● Belgium, 1998 This a tribute album to Elvis. Just so you know. But playing and singing Johnny B. in under 2 minutes is wrong. Either you skip a verse or two or you are playing it too fast. HOTFOOT GALE (UK) Rock’n’roll revival quartet, Mike Gale (vocals, piano), Mick Mannion (guitar, vocals), Tony Warren (bass, vocals, lead vocals on Johnny B), Paul Fox (drums, vocals). Little Queenie ( : ) 1975? LP: Hotfoot Gale [Box Records BOX-2] ● UK, 1975? Johnny B. Goode (2:56) 1977 LP: Grease Lightnin’ [Castle Records CALP-032] ● UK, 1977 I feel they are playing it a little too fast and becomes fussy. DIANE HUBKA & The Sun Canyon Band (USA) Jazz singer from Los Angeles. So far she’s released some 6 jazz oriented albums. You Never Can Tell (3:46) 2023 CD: You Never Can Tell [Self-released no cat no + digital download] ● USA, 2023 Very good and slower in a waltz arrangement, you also get the feeling of cha-cha rhythm. Featuring Albert Lee on guitar. TRACY HUANG (Taiwan) Pop singer, born 1951 in Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County. She must be popular because of all the albums released. You Never Can Tell (Ce’st La Vie) (3:18) 1981 LP: Tracy Goes Country [EMI EMGS-5054] ● Singapore, 1981 This sounds exactly like the Emmylou Harris version (!) KIKE JAMBALAYA (Spain) José Enrique Pulido Losa, born 1966 in Madrid. Singer, songwriter, pianist in the rock’n’roll, boogie woogie genre, Jerry Lee style. Roll Over Beethoven (2:58) 2017 CD: Rock ‘N’ Roll, Brother! [Snap!! Records FUNCD-037] ● Spain, 2017 DAWSON JAMES (USA) Country singer, guitarist from Sedalia, Colorado. Johnny B. Goode (3:22) 2011 CD: Plaid Shirt Livin’ [Double Dice Records DDR-004] ● USA, 2011 Recorded at Side 3 Studios in Denver, Colorado. Produced by Dawson James. Nothing new under the sun… JD & DYNAMITE (UK) Rockabilly trio. Promised Land (3:28) 2018 CD: JD & Dynamite [Foot Tapping Records FT-179] ● UK, 2018 Okay rockin’ version with a little country feeling. JIMMY JEMAIN - THE RAPIERS (UK) Pop/rock quintet: Jimmy Jemain (vocals), Colin Pryce-Jones (lead guitar), Neal Ainsby (rhythm guitar), Nathan J. Hulse (bass), John Tuck (drums). The four musicians = The Rapiers from London, who themselves have albums and several EPs/singles out since the mid ‘80s. Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2014 CD: A Tribute To Cliff Richard And The Shadows [InBeat Records IB-1401 CD] ● UK, 2014 Just for the record, I haven’t heard this but I assume it sounds like Cliff’s. JERRY And JO’ANNE (Canada) Jerry Robitaille and Jo’Anne Moreault. Country duo from Lennoxville, Québec. Their first album came in 1971. They sing in both English and French. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1972 LP: Down Home [London Records EBX.4171] ● Canada, 1972 With the Cajun Country Gentlemen Orchestra. JETT PUPPY (Canada) Rock’n’roll group from Toronto. Edward Greer (vocals, guitar), Brent Welbourn (guitar, vocals), Jon McSpadden (piano, vocals), Miss Mary (bass, vocals), Fraser Kolvasky (drums, vocals). Almost Grown (2:12) 2023 Digital: Almost Live [EP 1] ● Canada, 2023 Recorded at York University. 7 tracks including bonus. Released August 2023. JOHN THE REVELATOR (Netherlands) Blues rock band, formed in 1968 by Tom Huissen. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:24) 1998 CD: Seven (Blue) Seas [Tamalone Records 281198] ● Netherlands, 1999 Unusual version. Monday, February 5. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 3
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here. When you read about the New Berry Covers you will probably have noticed that I now often refer to a site called Bandcamp. Here thousands of musicians, artists and groups can display their music for downloading/buying. You can listen to everything in its entirely. I have used this a lot lately to find new Berry covers for the blog. Of course I have to be selective of what to include. Not everything is up to standard and some might not have the best quality to be in our survey. There’s a punk-rock band called Dogs from Michigan, USA who in 2012 recorded a tune titled “You Can’t Catch Me” (CD: Hypersensitive Detroit Records PX-1084) which is NOT the Berry song. I found a hip-hop band on Bandcamp that called themselves Johnny B. Goode. They released songs in 2015 and an album in 2016. But nothing to do with Berry’s music (!) AND there’s a band from Colombia who in 2020 called themselves Johnny B. Goode Band. But again the music has nothing to do with Berry’s. ANTHONY ARYA (USA) Rock singer, songwriter, guitarist from Santa Cruz, California. He has several albums (many live) on Bandcamp. The band on the album below featuring: Arya (vocals, guitar), Kylan DeGhetaldi (piano), Everett Moody (saxophone), Mike Meagher (bass), Ezra Hapner (drums), and Liv Johansen (guest vocals). Arya is a very popular artist in the Bay area with several concert dates during Spring 2024. He has also a physical CD store for some of his albums. Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2019 (live) Digital: Home For The Holidays [AA Self released ] ● USA, 2020 Released November 2020. Produced and mixed by Kenny Schick. The following info is from his Bandcamp site: BLACK CATS NYC (USA) Hard rock band from New York City. Andrew Giordano (vocals, rhythm guitar), Fransesco D’Ambrosio (lead guitar, backing vocals), Stan Esposito II (bass, backing vocals), Jason Reddish (drums, percussion, backing vocals). Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2021 Digital: Run Rudolph Run [BTB International Records BTB-5001] ● USA, 2021 Released early December 2021. This is written on their Bandcamp website: “Run Rudolph Run” is the ultimate rock n' roll Christmas song and Chuck Berry is the ultimate rock n' roll performer! This song has it all; Santa, Rudolph, electric guitars, baby dolls, sabrejets, and of course that ol' Chuck Berry smile and flair. MARC BOLAN & T. REX (UK) See Volume 4, page 1909 under T. Rex for biographical info. Sweet Little Rock And Roller (4:13) 1977 (live) CD: Need TV (Vol.4) – The Supersonic Years [Bolan Boogie TVCD-7577] ● UK, 1990 TV performance 29 March 1977. Musically nothing to brag about. All tracks digitally remastered. CANVAS (USA) Producer, DJ, musician, artist from Chicago, Illinois. He has several entries on his Bandcamp site. Run Rudolph Run (2:24) 2023 Digital: Trappy Xmas [Self released ] ● USA, 2023 Released December 2023. The reason for including this is the hip-hop arrangement, which is a rare treat for a Berry cover. CHEECK (USA) Rock trio: Clark Cothern, Erik Hanson, Emmett Kane from Chicago, Illinois. Run Rudolph Run (3:51) 2020 Digital: Run Rudolph Run [Self released ] ● USA, 2020 Released December 2020. Almost 4 minutes with Rudolph is well worth to include. And the sleigh-ride is rockin’ real goode. Recorded and produced by the three guys. COBRAS (UK) Beat group: Ian Gane (vocals, guitar), Paul Mitchell (lead guitar), Peter Relton (bass, vocals), John Williams (drums). Johnny B. Goode (2:37) 1964 (live) CD: The Striking Sound Of The Cobras [Bristol Archive Records ARC-330] ● UK, 2018 This is a compilation album probably of unissued tracks. It’s printed that “Memphis” was recorded in 1962 but that’s wrong as it is clearly based on the Lonnie Mack hit version from 1963. “(Chuck) Berried” is a tribute written by guitarist Paul Mitchell and it sounds like Berry’s Guitar Boogie. There was a Paul Mitchell who was a member of the UK band The Midnights who had one single out on Ember in the mid ‘60s. BILLIE DRE & THE POOR BOYS (Canada) Rock trio from Toronto, Ontario. William Dray, Dylan Ryan, Corey Henderson. Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2012 Digital: Merry Christmas from… [Self released ] ● USA, 2012 Released December 2012. The guys have this to say on Bandcamp: A song about the raddest reindeer there is. With deepest respect to the original rock and roller Chuck Berry. FIVE AMERICANS (USA) Rock/pop band who resided in Dallas, Texas. They had some hits in the ‘60s especially “Western Union” which was a Top Five in 1967. Roll Over Beethoven (2:21) 1965 CD: Early Americans [BeatRocket BR-143] ● USA, 2006 Previously unissued. Compilation album. DAN FORAL And The Drifters (USA) Country singer, guitarist, raised in Columbus, Nebraska. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1971 LP: Dan Foral And The Drifters [Rene Records R-1122] ● USA, 1971 FOUR VEGAS (Italy) They are not four but five (!). A rock’n’roll group. Looking at their site they seem to be a live band. You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2008 (live)? CD: Viva Four Vegas [Entusiasmo Prod. ENT-1001] ● Italy, 2008 A good selection of covers from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”. FRANKIE & JIMMY (Canada) Blues-rock. Franc Adamczyk (vocals, guitar) and Jim Fitzgerald (vocals, harmonica). Or as the album cover proclaims: Frankie (slide guitar, porchboard bass, tambourine, background hollering), Jimmy (harmonica, lead hollering, whistling). Let It Rock (2:29) 2012 LP: Scream The Blues [JJ (self released) 22205 4 1] ● Canada, 2014 Album recorded in 2012 and 2013. A very noisy version, and fast with much harmonica playing by Jimmy. FRIEL BROTHERS (USA) A brother duo from Virginia, Skip and Randy Friel, who blend various style of music, folk, country, blues, gospel, rock and jazz. Run Rudolph Run [as “Run Rudolf Run”] (2:47) 2008 CD: Evergreen Christmas [New Moon Music CD-60831 2 7] ● USA, 2008 The family is probably of German origin since they used Rudolf(?) CARLINHOS BORBA GATO (Brazil) Carlos Alberto Borba. Singer, songwriter, musician, producer. You Never Can Tell (2:43) 2004 CD: Acústico Country [Atração Fonográfica ATR-11258] ● Brazil, 2004 Okay acoustic version, but his English pronunciation is not the best, unfortunately. GEORGIA PROPHETS (USA) Rock/soul/funk group from North Carolina. On the album below they are: Billy Scott, Barbara Scott, Tommy Witcher, Bruce Dees, Warren Cowers, Andy Jordan and Tony Pittman. Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) 1971 LP: Fever [Custom 8 Stereo CRC-77] ● USA, 1971 A good rockin’ version with solid guitar work and bass. GOMMARD (France) Rock quintet based in Monstreuil. Havana Moon (4:05) 2016 (live) CD: Live In MonStreuil [Self released ] ● France, 2016 Recorded live at L’Armony, music bar in Montreuil, 22 January 2016. Released in September 2016. LP: Live In MonStreuil [Mauvaise Foi Records MFR] ● France, 2016 Advance release with silk-screened sleeves, 2 series : one of 100 copies, numbered, second one of 50, numbered, otherwise identical. ANDREW GOLD (USA) Andrew Maurice Gold, singer, songwriter. Born 1951 in Burbank, California, died 2011 in Los Angeles. His first single and album came in 1975. During his lifetime he had at least 11 albums and several singles to his credit. Roll Over Beethoven (3:32) 1978 CD: The Late Show – Live 1978 [Omnivore Records OVCD-128] ● USA, 2015 Recorded live 22 april at the final show of the 1978 U.S. tour at the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood. However, in the liner notes regarding this track it is written: Only hardcore Beatles fans reach this far back. Excuse me? GRANTS (UK) Dominic Grant (singer, actor) & Julie Forsyth (singer), members of the ‘70s group Guys ‘N’ Dolls. Formed a country duo in 1986. They have released many albums and a whole lotta singles. Julie is the daughter of actor Bruce Forsyth. Dominic died in 2020, 71 years of age. You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:23) 1998 CD: Let’s Dance [Dino Music DNCD-1601) ● Netherlands, 1998 JOHNNY GREEN’S BLUES COWBOYS (Australia) Singer and guitarist. Johnny Green's Blues Cowboys performed together for 10 years before they made their first album in 1999. They do blues, rock’n’roll and rockabilly. Maybellene (2:33) 1999 CD: At Last [Angelwood Records ANG-0198 CD] ● Australia, 1999 GRINDERS (USA) Punk-rock trio from Rochester, New York. Todd Dentico (vocals, guitar), John Chajka (bass), Ed Lynd (drums). Beautiful Delilah (2:10) 2004 CD: Where The Wild Things Are [Garage Pop Records GP-21] ● USA, 2004 Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009 CD: A Grinder Xmas [Garage Pop Records GP-30] ● USA, 2009 Here they are supported by a guest vocalist, Kevin Wilcox. RICHARD GROSSER (Australia) Multi-talented musician from Sydney. He’s very versatile in music and has recorded many songs from various styles as you will notice if you go to his Bandcamp site. Pretty amazing. Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2022 (instr) Digital single: Roll Over Beethoven ● Australia, 2022 When you portrait Chuck’s original Chess label on your Bandcamp site, it’s just right that you are gonna be included here. Released March 2022. Richard on all instruments and effects, My electro instrumental version of Roll Over Beethoven. LIAM GRUNDY (UK) Rock’n’roll singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in London. Back In The USA (2:38) 2000s (live) CD: Houston [Hot Tomale Recordings HOTTOM-02] ● UK, 2015 Part of the album was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis, and the Tomale Studio in London. The Berry track was recorded live in Finland with The Avengers Big Roll Band, here Liam also plays the piano. GUITAR SLINGERS (Ireland) Psychobilly band from Dublin. You Can’t Catch Me (2:41) 2010 CD: Six String Bandit [Diablo Records no cat no] ● UK, 2010 No comments. Recorded and mixed at Diablo Studios. GUNSHOT (France) Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly quartet, featuring singer Yannick Dimont. If you go to Bandcamp and search for Gunshot you also get albums by Yannick Dimont and Poulpe Again, featuring several Berry covers. Check them out, however, I think the “best” ones are below. Promised Land (3:55) 2002 CD: On S’en Mord … Les Dents! [Gunshot GUN-001] ● France, 2002 You get the feeling he’s listened mostly to the Elvis version, however, this runs a little slower. Maybellene (1:29) 2002 CD: Énervés Par la Colère [Gunshot GUN-002] ● France, 2002 I don’t say I like them but they are surely different. Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2003 CD: Je Danse … Donc Je Suis! [Gunshot GUN-003] ● France, 2003 This is quite different from most others you have heard. Give it a listen on Bandcamp. You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2004 CD: T’as Country Le Coup? [Gunshot GUN-004] ● France, 2004 Don’t know what to think? It sounds like there’s a wild wedding ceremony going on and much more throughout the song. The timing says 5:18, but after a little over 4:20 there’s only shouting and screaming. Excuse me, but who got this crazy idea? HADDRELL & HAVES BAND (UK) Featuring Bob Haddrell (keyboards, vocals), Geoff Haves (vocals, guitars), Dave Jones (upright bass), Graham Walker (drums ). It’s My Own Business (2:53) 2018 Digital: Haddrell & Haves Band [Self released ] ● UK, 2018 Released September 2018. 10 blues tracks. Both Berry covers have a boogie beat. Especially for “Wee Wee Hours” which is an unusual treat. Pretty cool arrangements. You can listen at Bandcamp. HAMILTON LOOMIS (USA) Rock/blues/soul singer and multi-instrumentalist. Born 1975 In Galveston, Texas. I have found 10 albums by him going back to 1994 and up to the one below, all out on Ham-Bone Records. Run Rudolph Run (3:58) 2019 CD: This Season [Ham-Bone Records HBR-30686 1] ● USA, 2019 Solid groovie rock version. CHARLIE HARPER (UK) David Charles Perez born 1944. Singer and harmonica player. He’s also been involved as a vocalist in the U.K. Subs. I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (1:57) 1981 (live) LP: Stolen Property [Flicknife Records SHARP-100] ● UK, 1981 Recorded at Club 29 Clapham, September 1981. See also U.K. Subs NICKY HARRIS (USA) Singer, songwriter. I’ve found 5 albums by him but not so much about the man himself. Memphis, Tennessee (2:36) 2015 (live) CD: Live On Stage [NH self released CD-53660 5 2] ● USA, 2015 I’m getting tired of all these Johnny Rivers’ copyists. Why cover a cover? I have never understood it. This one sounds almost like Rivers, I had to look carefully that I was not mistaken. Why bother? HEAD CAT (USA) See Volume 3, page 1239 for biographical info. However, a couple of things. According to the CD sleeve the album mentioned on that page was recorded at Sage And Sound Studios, Hollywood, California, which means that the track was not live. Back In The USA (2:32) 2004 (live) LP: Rockin’ At The Cat Club [Rock-A-Billy Records CCR-0105] ● USA, 2006 Recorded live on Tuesday 13 January 2004. The vinyl album was pressed in only 322 copies. Also released on DVD. LP & CD: Rock’n’Roll Riot On The Sunset Strip [Cleopatra CLO-0311] ● USA, 2016 Reissue of the 2006 album. Let It Rock (2:18) 2008 (live) LP: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706LPX] ● Worldwide, 2022 Record store day, limited edition, picture disc. CD: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706CD] ● Germany, 2023 Recorded live 1 February 2008 at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, California. Let It Rock (2:24) 2011 (live) LP & CD: Live In Berlin [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-707DLP (CD)] ● Germany, 2023 Recorded live 11 October 2011 at Huxley's, Berlin, Germany. Red LP vinyl. MIKE HEFFLEY (USA) Singer, songwriter, trombonist, journalist, author, arts administrator, and much more (!) He’s released several albums in various styles and contents. No Money Down (4:24) 2022 Digital: Midlife Christmas [Self released] ● USA, 2022 It’s a very bluesy rendition with Mike and his ac.guitar. But on a Xmas album? – “When I was out walkin’ one Christmas day…” You never know where to find them, that’s for sure. You can listen to it at Bandcamp. ANITA HIRVONEN (Finland) Pop singer Anita Ritta Helena Lindgren, born 1946. She’s released many albums since 1976, however, her first single came out in 1966 on Philips. You Never Can Tell (3:18) 2008 CD: Hei Mambo [Woodoodo Tuotanto W-003] ● Finland, 2008 U.K. SUBS (UK) Punk-rock quartet from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and has released sooo many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums). I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990 LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991 They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones. See also CHARLIE HARPER Monday, January 22. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 2
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few a digital-only, but worth to be listed here. BELAIRES (USA) Blues-rock trio from Columbia, Missouri, formed in 1981. David Pruitt, Dick Pruitt and Michael Cherry. Nadine ( : ) 1991 CD: Dangerous Curves [Borrowed Records BORO CD-01] ● USA, 1991 I’ve seen a You Tube clip of the band performing this Berry classic, clocking in at (4:19). MIKE BLOCK (USA) Singer, songwriter, cellist from Boston, Massachusetts. Grammy-Award winning musician. It’s the first cellist entry we have here in this Berry Cover survey. Hail! Hail! Johnny B. Goode (2:53) 2018 Digital: Final Night At Camp [Bright Shiny Things BSTD-0125] ● USA, 2018 Recorded al Dimension Sound Studios in Jamaica Plain, MA. Released June 2018. You can listen and watch the performance at Bandcamp. The album above is a deluxe edition with three bonus tracks. Roll Over Beethoven (5:14) 2019 Digital: Walls Of Time [Self released] ● USA, 2019 Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, Jamaica Plain, MA. Released November 2019. When a guy plays a cello and records “Roll Over Beethoven” for over 5 minutes, you are guaranteed a place in this survey. Really excellent performance. Listen to this at Bandcamp !!! CHAR-MAN (USA) Punk band (quartet) from Ojai, California, formed 2003. Roll Over Beethoven (2:53) 2005 CD: Char-Man [self released] ● USA, 2005 Released October 2005. LP: Char-Man [Music Sucks Records MSR-001] ● USA, 2016 STEPHEN R. CHENEY (Australia) Country and folk singer, guitarist. Johnny B. Goode (1:56) 2012 CD: Hound Doggin’ [self released CDGSL-30009] ● USA, 2012 20 rock’n’roll covers, several from Elvis. As I have said before, when you record a popular song that’s over 30 seconds shorter than the original, something is missing along the way. CHRISTOFF (Belgium) Christoff de Bolle. He’s regarded as a pop/schlager singer. Born 1976 in Ninove. Has released a lot of singles and albums since the early ‘90s. You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:50) 2013 feat. Robby Longo CD: Christoff & Vrienden 2 [ARS 06 0253 74060 6 7] Belgium, 2013 The first and last verse are sung in Dutch and the rest in English (!) See also ROBBY LONGO COAD SISTERS (Australia) A multi-talented folk and country duo, sisters Virginia and Lynette Coad. Started out in the late ‘80s. However, they have also performed as a trio with brother Peter Coad, and being members of the Runaway Dixie group. Johnny B. Goode (3:26) 1998 CD: Talk Of The Town [Coad Sisters COA-900723] ● Australia, 1998 A slower version with the harmonica being the prominent instrument. Virginia plays keyboards, fiddle, steel guitar, lead and rhythm guitars, mandolin and piano. Lynette plays banjo, harmonica, bass and drums. In addition to doing harmony vocals together with brother Peter. And of course they both sing. Produced and arranged by the sisters. I really like this one. CORNET CHOP SUEY (USA) Jazz Band from Florissant, Missouri. Vocals by Brian Casserly. The band has been around since the late ‘90s and they usually play jazz tunes. Johnny B. Goode (4:00) 2018 (live) CD: Ten [CCS (self released) 58150 2] ● USA, 2018 “Johnny B. Goode” the Dixieland way. Interesting concept of songs, as you get tunes from the likes of Fats Waller, Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington, Elmore James a.o. BILLY COWSILL (USA/Canada) William Joseph Cowsill Jr. Singer, songwriter, guitar player. Born 1948 in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA, died 2006 in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Lead singer of the ‘60s hit group The Cowsills. He moved to Calgary Alberta in the mid ‘70s. Roll Over Beethoven (3:22) 1985 (live) LP: Live From The Crystal Ballroom, Calgary AB, July 1985 [Indelible Music Inc. NIRC-0007] ● Canada, 2004 Recorded live 5 July 1985. Cowsill and his band was warming up for k d lang in the Crystal Ballroom at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary Alberta. See also Co-Dependents on this blog and on page 1131 in Vol.3. CRAZY CRACKERS (Germany) Seven piece rock’n’roll band. In addition to the three albums below they have also released an Elvis tribute album (2002). Maybellene [as “Maybelline”] ( : ) 1996 CD: Last Walk [Foresttown Recordings ABCD-73007] ● Germany, 1997 Again a bunch of covers, 18 to be exact, from the likes of Elvis (several), Little Richard, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, John Denver and even Bob Seger. Promised Land ( : ) 2010 CD: Lock, Stock & Barrel [CR (self released) 1000102] ● Germany, 2010 Several Elvis related songs and other rock’n’roll/country tracks. Too Much Monkey Business (2:56) 2015 CD: Twenty5 [CR (self released)] ● Germany, 2015 There are 15 tracks on the album. CHARLIE CUCCIA (USA) Singer and guitarist from New Orleans. Nadine (5:02) 2005 CD: Cuccia [Sound Of New Orleans SONO-1066] ● USA, 2005 Soul arrangement and therefore a little different. Pretty cool ! PÉ DAALEMMER & ROIE RINUS (Netherlands) Musical comedy duo from Groningen. Peter de Haan and Frank Den Hollander. Maybellene [as ”Baukelien”] (2:50) 1982 (live) LP: Op Verziede In Waskemeer! [Telstar TAR-19002] ● Netherlands, 1982 Johnny B. Goode [as ”Jelle (Gaat Lekker)”] (2:16) 1982 (live) CD: Op Verziede In Waskemeer! [Telstar TCD-10128 2] ● Netherlands, 1992 Both songs recorded live in the little village of Waskemeer. DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS (USA) Singer and pianoplayer Davina Sowers and 4 guys on trumpet, trombone, bass and drums. Formed in 2006 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Back To Memphis (3:02) 2008 (live) 2-CD: Live @ The Times [Self released ] ● USA, 2009 Recorded live at The Times Bar and Cafe 6 and 7 July 2008. Jazzy and bluesy version. Pretty different from Chuck’s. Run Rudolph Run (2:51) 2020 (live) CD: A Lovenest Holiday [Self released ] ● USA, 2020 Recorded live during “Holiday At The Hook” show 5 December 2020. BOBBY DAVIS (New Zealand) Rock’n’roll singer from Christchurch. Dear Dad (1:46) 1966 45: Zodiac Records Z45 1247 ● New Zealand, 1966 Apart from Australian band Master’s Apprentices who covered this in 1966, so the above was also an early cover version. Most of the covers came in the ‘90s and 2000s. CD: Rave Up (Zodiac Heritage Series Vol. 16) [Stebbing Recording Centre ] ● New Zealand, 2017 Have a feeling that the above CD is for downloading only. FREEK & DE JONGES (Netherlands) Frederik Jan Georg de Jonge was born in 1944. Singer, songwriter and comedian. First album in the mid ‘70s. Has released numerous since then. Come On [as “Kom Op”] ( : ) 2017 CD: Koffers [V2 Records Benelux VVNL-32032] ● Netherlands, 2017 DEMOLITION GIRL & THE STRAWBERRY BOYS (Germany) Punk quintet. Too Much Monkey Business [as “Too Much Punky Business”] ( : ) 2001 LP: Sexclusive Mastery [Rockin’ Bones RON-047] ● Italy, 2001 “16 S-M Hits For Multi Socialised Kids”. WAYNE DENTON (UK) Singer, guitarist. He’s done tribute shows to both John Denver and Neil Diamond. Johnny B. Goode (3:01) 2003 CD: More Beautiful [WDA Ltd. CD-0006T] ● UK, 2003 21 covers of well-known hits during several Decades. D. C. & THE CRUISERS (Germany) Rock and roll-rockabilly-rhtyhm & blues quartet. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2003 CD: Never Far From A Bar [DC Records CD-02] ● Germany, 2003 TOMMY DELL (South Africa) Country singer from Cape Town, born 1942, and is called a country music legend in South Africa. He has 11 gold albums under his belt. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1989 LP: Forever [Select Musiek SELB-119] ● South Africa, 1989 I haven’t heard this, but there’s a live version on You tube which doesn’t catch me at all, running too fast and the standard Rivers/Mack arrangement. DOLLYROTS (USA) Pop punk band (trio) from Los Angeles. One lady and two guys. They have released many albums and singles since 2004. Arrested Youth is their own label. Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2015 Digital single: Run Rudolph Run [Arrested Youth Records ] ● USA, 2015 The “sleeve” proclaims: Living Stereo. (RCA used that expression back in time.) CD: A Very Dollyrots Christmas [Arrested Youth Records CD-41306 2 3] ● USA, 2015 As the Master once said: Nothing new under the sun. It sounds like a punk-rock version should. PAT DONOHUE (USA) Singer, songwriter and one eminent guitar player from Minnesota. He plays, country, jazz, folk and blues. Has released some 14 albums so far. One of the albums is with Mike Dowling who’s already in the Berry covers (page 1167). Maybellene (2:15) 2016 CD: Blue Yonder [BlueSky Records 77545 2 2] ● USA, 2016 Good acoustic guitar version. JOHNNY DOUGLAS And HIS ORCHESTRA (USA) Born 1920 and died in 2003. English composer, pianist, musical director, string arranger for orchestras. He provided music for 36 films. He was also the man behind The Living Strings and Living Guitars albums. It seems he recorded over 80 albums!!! for RCA. How come I have never heard of him before? Rock And Roll Music (3:06) 1965 LP: Dance Party Discoteque [RCA Camden CAS-883] ● USA, 1965 This is a bit different version in the way that it sounds like an instrumental but half way the singing starts. The vocals are based on the Beatles’ version, in case you wondered(?) DUKES OF SEPTEMBER (USA) Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs with a band consisting of seven members and two background vocalists. You Never Can Tell (3:36) 2014 (Live) DVD & Blu-ray: Dukes Of September Live [429 Records FTN-17946] ● USA, 2014 You wonder why I have suddenly included a DVD, well it seems like a supergroup to me and it’s always interesting when famous artists/musicians pick a Berry song among so many others to chose from. And the show was transmitted on public TV. Filmed and recorded live at the Philharmonic Hall at the Lincoln Center, New York City. This version is very much like so many others with a horn section. ELECTRIC SOUL PARADE (USA) Rock trio from California. Travis Lee Stephenson (vocals, guitar), Josh McClanahan (bass) and Phillip Major-Willis (drums). Johnny B. Goode (3:52) 2023 Digital single: self-released ● USA, 2023 Recorded and mixed in North Hollywood. Yeah, I know, but recording and releasing this classic as a single in 2023 is pretty special, considering how many versions there are out there! But all credits to the guys for doing a very goode job, so they deserve to be here, I think. And pretty nice “sleeve” they made too. EXILE (USA) Country-rock group from Richmond, Kentucky. In the ‘60s they called themselves Exiles. As Exile they were very big on the country charts from 1983-1991. They had 10 #1’s 1984-1988. There’s been some changes in the line-up throughout the years but five of the original members are featured on the album below. Run Rudolph Run (3:08) 2016 CD: Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas [BFD Records BFD-069] ● USA, 2016 Credited to Chuck Berry. Thank you. JOHNNY FARNHAM (Australia) See Volume 3, page 1183 for biographical info. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1973 LP: Hits Magic & Rock’n Roll [EMI EMC-2502] ● Australia, 1973 CHARLIE FEATHERS (USA) See Volume 3, page 1184 for biographical info. Roll Over Beethoven (2:42) 1982 (unreleased demo) 45 EP: Goofin’ Records GREP-240 ● Finland, 2022 Featuring daughter Wanda Feathers. This EP was part of a release by the Finish group Hi-Fly Rangers and their 10” album tribute to Charlie Feathers titled “Go Feathers!” Goofin’ Records GRLP-61028 (2022). DOUG FERONY (USA) See Volume 3, page 1186 for biographical info. Run Rudolph Run (2:30) 2002 CD: It’s Christmas [Ferony Enterprizes CD-51005 2 6] ● USA, 2002 All I want for Christmas is a swinging saxophone... And he added a couple of new verses. FIETSEFREEM (Netherlands) Rock band (quartet) from Borgharen, Limburg, who started out in 1984. The band dispanded in 1996. You Never Can Tell [as “Trow Daan Wetste ‘T Wel”] (3:24) 1985 LP: Fietsefreem [Marlstone MARL-98517] ● Netherlands 1985 Rock And Roll Music [as “Dans de Rock en Roll Mét Miech”] (2:36) 1991 LP: Fietsemanie [Marlstone 099107 CD] ● Netherlands, 1991 This is a copy of the Beatles version (!) In 1991? FIVE STATE DRIVE (Japan) Ska Punk band from Nagoya. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2020 Various CD: Cheap Covers [No Cigar Records NCRD-0003] ● Japan, 2020 FJELLIS (Sweden) Jan-Eric Fjellstrõm, born in 1955 and died in 1999. Studio and live guitarplayer who’s actually played with so many Swedish artists throughout the years. Most notably Bjõrn Afzelius, Mikael Wiehe, Peps Persson and Thomas Wie. He was a blues-fan to the bone. Bye Bye Johnny (3:13) 1990s (live) Various 2-CD: Till Och Från En Blå Man [Playground Music PGMCD-3] ● Sweden, 1999 Previously unissued. CD-1 is a tribute album to Fjellstrõm by people like Sven Zetterberg, Louise Hoffsten, Ulf Lundell, Mats Ronander, Peps Persson and many others. CD-2 featuring performances by Fjellis himself in the form of 16 unreleased tracks. FLOORWALKERS (USA) A rock’n’roll sextet from Columbus, Ohio. They have released several EPs and albums since 2005. Run Rudolph Run (4:38) 2019 CD EP: All These Things And More! [Hip Like a Belt Records CD-08 8829 59689 3 5] ● USA, 2019 It starts very slow with a prominent piano playing and after 30 seconds starts rockin’ with a solid beat, horn section and saxophone solo. Then at about 2:30 suddenly slows down and at 3:55 starts rockin’ again with great piano playing and keeps rockin’ until the end. A lot of energy and really different. You can also download this 6 track EP. FOGHAT (UK) See Volume 3, page 1197 for biographical info. Promised Land (3:14) 2023 CD: Sonic Mojo [Foghat Records FHR-0022] ● USA, 2023 Recorded at Boogie Motel South, Deland, Florida. They have made it a more boogie version which is unusual. LP: Sonic Mojo [Foghat Records FHR-0023] ● USA, 2023 Purple vinyl, limited edition. LOCOMOTIONS (Netherlands) “Shadows” band (quintet) from Gemert, Noord-Brabant who was active in the ‘60s, however, since the ‘90s they have reunited several times and done recordings of new material. Johnny B. Goode - in a rock’n’roll Medley (5:36) early 2000s (live) CD: Select [HCD Music Prod. HCD-505045] ● Netherlands, 2004 Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] (2:41) 2009 CD: ‘E’Motions [Zebra Music ZE-3017302] ● Netherlands, 2009 They have also a DVD (probably 2007) were they perform a.o. Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Sweet Little Sixteen and Forty Days. ROBBY LONGO (Belgium) Country singer born 1981 at Genk. The album below seems to be his debut. You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:52) 2013 CD: Country Man [ARS Ent. / Universal 3751255] ● Belgium, 2013 This sounds very much like the version he did with Christoff. Although this above is sung in plain English. See also CHRISTOFF Tuesday, January 16. 2024The Chuck Berry Vinyl Bootlegs, Vol. 3: America's Hottest Wax
A note on bootleg records first: A bootleg record is a factory-produced vinyl record released and sold without authorization by the artist or owner of the recording. Bootleg records may contain known recordings, but most often bootleg records either contain studio outtakes or live performances. The first bootleg records were seen at the end of the 1960's. During the 1970's and 1980's lots of different bootleg records were produced. In the early 1990's bootleggers changed to use CDs instead of vinyl records. I do not encourage the production and sale of bootleg records as I find that artists, composers, producers, and the rest of the recording industry deserve a financial compensation of their work.
This series of articles is going to describe the Chuck Berry vinyl bootlegs released in the 1970's and 1980's. For any record collector these items are important to know of, even though you don't necessarily need to have them. Omitted from all the usual discographies, information about these records is next to void. Given the secret nature of the bootlegger business there are no exact dates, numbers, or origins. I have tried to collect this information from various sources and mostly from my own collection of records. If you can add anything of worth to the information given here, I'd be glad to know! This is the third part of this series and it covers another typical kind of bootleg record: a record containing studio outtakes. Chuck Berry - America's Hottest Wax - Reelin' 001 [This blog post appeared here first in September 2015. Due to the 2023 release of Daniel Nooger's book "Belly of the Beast - Chess Records, the All Platinum Years" we have to add some details which also answer some of the questions the original text left open.] Besides live concert recordings, the most interesting bootlegs are those which contain studio material not to be found on legal releases. Typically these are outtakes or versions of songs not good enough to be officially published by the record companies. You may wonder how bootleggers can get access to such unreleased material. There are many ways. Sometimes the artists themselves give tapes out of hand, sometimes the housekeeper finds some tape in a paper bin. In this case we know when, how and by whom the previously unreleased tracks were found and combined. We don't know, though, how they got into the hands of bootleggers. Anyway, this record contains ten Chuck Berry recordings from the 1950's and early 1960's which had not been released before. There were two additional recordings which had been released before but only with fake audience noise. And there were two recordings released by the vocal group The Ecuadors on which Berry's contribution hadn't been known before. During the mid to end 1970s Dan Nooger worked for All Platinum Records who had bought the Chess archives in August 1975. Dan's job was to search through the old tapes to find, combine, and release new records under the Chess name. He created some interesting releases containing known and unknown recordings from the Blues and Jazz masters Chess had stored. All Platinum went bankrupt in 1979. The same owners, Sylvia and Joe Robinson, immediately formed a new label, Sugar Hill Records, taking over the Chess archives until they got in a legal dispute with their distributor MCA and lost the rights to the Chess catalogue during the mid 1980s. The only Chuck Berry record which came out of All Platinum/Sugar Hill was The Great Twenty-Eight (CH-8201, 1982), which contained just the well-known hits. But Dan Nooger had found unreleased Chuck Berry material within the archived master and session tapes. In his book, Dan tells: In the course of preparing some future releases, I went through the master book and session tapes looking for unissued tracks by Chuck. There weren’t too many, but as an example, on the December 1955 session which produced “You Can’t Catch Me”” and “No Money Down” I found on the master reel a slow blues, “I’ve Changed”, which was recorded between them. It lay forgotten, with no master number assigned and never pulled out as a filler for one of Chuck’s albums, but it was one of his finest blues performances. More good alternate takes surfaced from some of the later sessions. Berry’s first take performance of “Reelin’ & Rockin’’’ (with some different lyrics from the final version) which was on an undated session reel just labeled “C.B”, inspired Leonard to call out, “This is good just the way it is!” Chuck, ever cool, just responded, “Oh, yeah?”. There were a brace of tracks which were original versions of sides eventually released on the fake “live” album “Chuck Berry on Stage” (minus the dubbed audience noise), and even a master tape by a group called the Equadors, whose “Let Me Sleep Woman” / “Say You’ll Be Mine” featured Chuck on guitar (and although credited to “R. Butler” on the original Argo single, the songs were published by “Chuck Berry Music”). Another session tape just labeled “C.B. – 21” yielded a whole session rundown of an unissued song originally slated as “Vacation Time”; after 10 or so takes the arrangement was changed from straight up rock to a blues format. I labeled them “21” and “21 Blues”. Eventually I pulled together an album’s worth of material. This master tape Dan collected is obviously the origin of the bootleg we talk about here. It was prepared for an All Platinum release, though never produced. Three variants of this bootleg exist. One of these is not a bootleg at all. The first variant had a blank white cover onto which the record name America's Hottest Wax as well as the label name and number Reelin' 001 were rubberstamped by hand. The labels are completely blank and have a light pink color. The master number as etched into the dead wax reads CE 70/1. My copy didn't have any other information with it. Morten Reff was so kind and sent me a copy of a sheet of paper which came with his record. The sheet contains nothing more than the track listing and a few details about each song. The tracks on this record are as follows (spelling as on the sheet): Side 1
Side 2
Morten Reff dates this bootleg at appr. 1979 and variant 2 (below) at 1980. To me variant 1 looks at least some years older. Label and cover look more like an early 1970's bootleg. However, since Nooger's other Chess releases came out in 1976 onwards, 1977 to 1979 probably is the correct timeframe. Variant 2 has a fully printed cover, a printed label and liner notes. And it shows more than a dozen previously unreleased photos (also from the Chess archives?). The front cover tells artist and record name. Also it says "rare and unreleased tracks 1955-1963". The label name is now written as reelin' with a lower-case R. Next to the photos and track listing the back cover contains a quote from an interview with Keith Richards, printed in the January 1979 issue of Rock&Folk magazine in which the interviewer claims to have listened to a cassette tape containing some of the recordings included. The cassette tape mentioned originates from Dan Nooger, as he tells in his book: I copied the material onto a cassette. After I landed at Atlantic Records, I ran off a copy for one of our publicity guys, Art Collins, who was assigned to go out on the road with the Rolling Stones’ 1978 “Some Girls” tour. One day I got a frantic call from Art; he had played the tape for the Stones and he was flying back to New York next day and I was to have maybe seven copies run off for him to bring back for the Stones touring party. He flew in, handed me a “Some Girls” press kit cover autographed by all of the Stones plus Ian Stewart and Ian McLagan (which immediately went straight into a frame and up on my living room wall), and off he went. Art eventually got kicked upstairs as a vice president with Rolling Stones Records. Several months later, I was reading an interview with Keith in Rock & Folk, a French music magazine; the tail end of the story had Keith pulling the cassette from his travel bag and excitedly playing it for the interviewer (“Wait! I want to play you some Chuck Berry, I have unreleased tapes that you’ll love”). What I’d like to know is if Keith ever played it for Chuck during the production of the Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n Roll film, and what Chuck may have thought of it. Keith, if you’re reading this, get in touch… The January 1979 quote places the publication date of variant 2 to 1979 or later. This is a complete new record from a new master disk. The etching on the dead wax now reads 001-A/B. It is interesting to note that the printed track listing on the back cover differs in some details from the insert sheet of variant 1. And even more interestingly variant 1 contains the more correct information. Among the errors on variant 2 are the spelling of the Ecuadors and suppressing the previous release of the dubbed tracks. The same errors were repeated character by character when in 1983 CHESS (UK), at that time a label of PRT Ltd., released CHESS CXMP 2011. Probably due to the huge success of the bootleg, CHESS (UK) decided to release the exact same contents on an official album. The cover does not tell so. It calls the record just "Chuck Berry" as part of PRT's "CHESS masters" series. However, when you look at the record labels, you'll see the name "America's Hottest Wax" printed. One has to note that while the official CHESS (UK) release contains the exact same sequence of the tracks, they do not always sound exactly alike. Sometimes the songs on the official release fade later than on the bootleg. This might point to the fact that PRT indeed used the original CHESS tapes for mastering this album. All Platinum/Sugar Hill had good contacts with UK record companies. Phonogram had co-financed the Chess archives purchase, Charly got all their Chuck Berry material from All Platinum, PRT was the new name for Pye Records who originally released Chuck Berry in the UK. Maybe PRT had access to Nooger's original master tape while the two bootlegs result from the cassette copy - we'll never know. To read the other parts of this series on Chuck Berry vinyl bootlegs, click here: Friday, January 12. 2024Chuck Berry in Fake Stereo
As you know from the long article “Chuck Berry in Stereo” on this blog, all of Berry‘s great hits from the 1950s were recorded and released as pure Mono. No multi-track studio tapes exist nor any two-track stereo releases.
In the second half of the 1960s, with the popularity of Stereo albums and FM radio, Mono records sounded outdated and dull. Record companies trying to re-sell 1950s hits therefore used a trick to create fake stereo versions of recordings originally made and only available in Mono. The old recordings were “electronically reprocessed for stereo”. Technically the original mono signal was copied to both stereo channels. On one channel the higher tones were enhanced, on the other the lower tones. One channel was delayed a tiny fraction of a second and artificial echo and reverb were used to mask this delay. Unfortunately this distorts the original recording to an amount which makes them sound ugly when compared to the original mono mix. During the 1970s many re-issues of Berry material contained such fake stereo which is why record collectors omit them to the most part. At least some of the fake stereo releases came with a tiny warning as shown in these cover segments. If you were following the hype around the Beatles’ “new” recording “Now and Then”, you learned that nowadays computers are able to separate John Lennon’s piano playing from his singing based on a source tape where these two blend into each other. The trick is to find notes and frequencies which are typical to a male singer and to find notes and frequencies which are typical to a piano. A human listener can do so easily and tell exactly what is singing and what is piano playing. Computers are not that good. However, new computer techniques approximate the identification of a song’s parts. The trick is to have a computer analyze thousands or millions of piano recordings and to find patterns which are typical to piano playing. This is pure statistics, technically called machine learning, or for the marketing folks “artificial intelligence”. Given enough training data, you can teach the software to identify piano playing, male or female vocals, drums, guitar, saxes, and so on. There is free and commercial software available which does a pretty good job at identifying and separating instruments from a recording mix. However, such a result is never perfect. Even a human listener might get fooled, when a talented vocalist mimics a saxophone solo. Certain sounds can be created using different instruments alike such as a bass line played on the lower strings of a guitar. Especially pianos are difficult to identify as they have a very wide range of tones which can sound like a guitar or even like some drum set segments. And of course it is very hard to separate two guitars or two pianos. If you separate the musical instruments used during the original recording, you can re-use the extracted tracks to combine them with other recordings just like they did with the Beatles song. Or you can re-mix the individual elements at varying intensities and delays to two separate tracks which build the left and right channel of a stereo release. Hit Parade Records of Canada for some time already uses this re-stereofication method to create fake stereo versions of 1950s hits. A first fake stereo version of a Berry hit (“Sweet Little Sixteen”) appeared in 2020. In 2023 Hit Parade Records released the CD album “Chuck Berry Stereo: 27 Original Hits” containing 22 of such fake stereo versions. The other five songs are stereo versions originally released on the 1960s Chess albums. “Route 66” is fake stereo, even though a true stereo recording of an alternative take exists. The CD cover does not mention the artificial nature of the versions. This “fake” aspect is hidden on the last page of the booklet. So now we can listen to songs such as “Maybellene” or “Johnny B. Goode” in stereo. And just like in the 1970s, these fake stereo versions are much worse than the original releases. For the most part we hear the lead guitar at one end of the stereo range and the cymbals from the drum set at the opposite end. Everything else is more or less in the center with the vocals quite low in the mix. The marketing material shouts that “now you can hear guitar notes come to life that were previously buried in the mono mixes” but this goes with the consequence of other elements now getting buried instead. As said, given the original mixed material a separation cannot be perfect. Here we hear notes from the same guitar sometimes from the left, sometimes from the center, sometimes even from the complete other side of the room which sounds as if there were more guitars present in the studio as there really were. On the other hand it sounds as if there were only cymbals on the drum kit but no drums at all, a woolly sound on the drums altogether. And especially problematic is the piano, which sounds as if it were moved around the studio during a song’s recording take. In general there is too much echo just like it were with the 1970s fake stereo releases. One positive note, though: What they did really good was the separation of Berry’s lead vocal and the chorus on “Almost Grown”. This sounds as if the vocal group is standing to the side as it probably was originally. All in all these versions are nothing a collector would want. On the contrary: just as in the 1970s, where the original mono recordings were replaced by the fake “electronic stereo” variants, the same also applies here. As soon as streaming services or re-issuers learn of the existence of these so-called “true” stereo versions, how long will it be before the original mono versions are replaced? Morten Reff adds: “Just to compare a little. I also bought the new “Chirping Crickets” (the first LP by Buddy Holly And The Crickets from 1958) on Rollercoaster Records in “stereo”, and they did a much better job of it. Clearer and better sound and better stereo effect. Although I must admit that I still go for the original mono versions.” Thursday, January 11. 2024CBID - The Never Ending Story
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: Just three months ago we were confident to have documented all cover versions of Berry songs except for the ones newly recorded. Then came Bjørn Knudsen, a friend who’s been helping Morten a lot with Berry covers through the years, with a new list of hundreds of cover versions to include. Many of these are digital only and thus don't qualify for our list of records and CDs, but others require us to open the list again. Thank you, Bjørn! Here's a first batch. Let’s go back to page 1837 (+ page 761) and Lenny & The Thundertones (USA) with their “Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar)” 1964. It has come to my attention that the song was actually released in 1963 by Big Daddy G (Lenny Drake). BIG DADDY G (USA) The reason for this mix-up is the Lenny & The Thundertones CD I bought in ’95 (page 1837) containing this Berry tribute. Nothing was mentioned in the liner-notes that it was actually recorded as Big Daddy G. But we are still talking about the same artist, Lenny Drake, who also co-wrote the song. If you search Secondhandsongs and the title “Thirty Days” by Chuck Berry you get several versions and one by Jim Stringer & The Austin Music Band. However, It is actually the song written by Winfield Scott and recorded by Clyde McPhatter in 1957, SO it’s not Berry’s. CHRISTIAN ANDERS (Austria) Antonio Augusto Schinzel-Tenicolo, born 1945 in Bruck an der Mur. His first record came in 1965, and he’s had many since. The latest I found was from 2006. Johnny B. Goode (1:54) 1973 2-LP: Der Untergang von Taro Torsay - Aufstieg Und Fall Eines Pop Stars [Chranders 1C 188 30 185 186] ● Austria, 1973 This is way too short but it seems that the album is from some kind of musical with introduction by Anders and various speeches between songs. HASSE ANDERSSON (Sweden) Hans Olle Lennart Andersson. Country singer, songwriter born 1948 in Malmö. He’s released many albums since 1983. He usually sings in Swedish, but the album below is in English. Johnny B. Goode (2:54) 2010 CD: Hasse’s Jukebox [SlowFox FOXCD-10015] ● Sweden, 2010 “With the songs we remember”. 14 tracks. RICHIE ARNDT (Germany) Blues and rock singer, guitar player. Memphis, Tennesee (2:23) 2016 3-CD: Mississippi Songs Along The Road [Fuego Records 2606 2] ● Germany, 2016 1 CD containing songs and 2 CDs as audio-book. ATOMIC LEOPARDS (Spain) See Volume 3, page 1051, for biographical info. Beautiful Delilah (2:34) 2005 CD: In Technicolor [Foot Tapping Records FT-048] ● UK, 2006 This is already in Vol.3, however, wrong recording year and I didn’t have the timing for the song. And it’s a UK label and not Spain. Promised Land (2:46) 2009 CD: Rockin’ Fix [Raucous Records RAUCD-247] ● UK, 2010 STERLING BALL, JOHN FERRARO, JIM COX (USA) Musicians from California. Sterling Ball (bass, various guitars, bongos), Jim Cox (keyboards), John Ferraro (drums, percussion). Memphis, Tennessee (3:11) 2018 (instr) CD: The Mutual Admiration Society [Favored Nations Entertainment FNM-75432] ● Netherlands, 2018 Here they have help from an ac.bass player called Brad Hayman. They have sadly covered (like so many others) the Lonnie Mack/Johnny Rivers arrangements. Although I must admit they do a very good and solid job. BAMBI KINO (USA) Group was formed 2009 in New York. They wanted to play music of the early ‘60s to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first Beatles’ concerts in Hamburg. (Well, well.) They also debuted in Hamburg during 2010 (see below). I’m Talking About You (1:58) 2010 (live) CD: Bambi Kino [Tapete Records TR-202 (mono)] ● USA, 2011 Recorded live at The Indra Club, Hamburg, 19 August 2010. BAND OF HOPE JUG BAND (New Zealand) Folk, country, bluegrass, jug music played by a sextet. They were active in the late ‘60s. Memphis, Tennessee (2:40) 1968 LP: The Band Of Hope Jug Band [Kiwi SLC-61] ● New Zealand, 1968 JIMMY BARNES (Australia) James Dixon Swan, singer, songwriter, guitarist. Born 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland, but the family moved to Australia when he was 4 years. He’s had 14 Top 40 albums as the lead singer of the rock band Cold Chisel and 12 charting albums as a solo act which gives Barnes the highest number of hit albums of any Australian artist. Not bad! Run Rudolph Run (3:21) 2022 CD: Blue Christmas [Bloodlines BLOOD-111] ● Australia, 2022 Standard rock version with piano, guitar and a horn section. BAS EDIT (Sweden) Folk and country trio, Bengt Sandblom (vocals, guitar), Torbjörn Sörensen (banjo, mandolin, slide guitar, vocals), Tony Rudberg (ac.bass, vocals), but they are expanded on the record below by fiddle, accordion and drums. Johnny B. Goode (2:16) 1999 CD: Vol. 3 [Hönö Records HRCD-08] ● Sweden, 1999 These guys were quite good. CAMILE BAUDOIN (USA) Singer, guitarist, from New Orleans, who is in the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. He played guitar for over 40 years in the New Orleans Radiators who by the way have released several albums. You Never Can Tell (3:37) 2021 CD: This Old House [Indipendent release ] ● USA, 2021 Recorded May 2021 at Rhythm Shack Studio, New Orleans. Pretty good mid tempo version with guitar (Camile) and piano (Josh Paxton), plus Jake Eckert (rhythm guitar), Reggie Scanian (bass) and Frank Bua Jr. (drums). CLIFF BEACH (USA) Black singer, songwriter and keyboardist. He’s been playing live in Los Angeles and Southern California for over 15 years. It is said that his style is a cross between soul, trad R&B, funk and neo-soul = Nu-funk as he calls it himself. Run Rudolph Run (3:03) 2021 Digital: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year [California Soul Music 01 9640 03543 8 3] ● USA, 2021 As you can see this is digital but I wanted to include it because it’s a very good soulful version and he has a good voice. Go Rudolph Go. VINNY BELL (USA) Vincent Edward Gambella, session guitar player, also a master on electric sitar, based in New York. Born 1932, died in 2019. Also known as Vinnie Bell. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:19) 1964 (instr) LP: Whistle Stop [Verve Records V6-8574] ● USA, 1964 BIG BILL (Belgium) Armand Hombroeckx also known as Big Bill Krakkebaas. Born 1950 in Leuven. Blues singer and guitarist. No Particular Place To Go [as “Ene Me Hesp” (2:21) 1975 LP: Big Bill [Parsifal KLE-4000 231] ● Belgium, 1975 GARRY BLACKMORE BAND (UK) Country singer. The band: Terry Clifford (guitars), Robbie Hawks (bass, vocals), Frog Goddard (drums), with the help of Dave Hayward (steel guitar, keyboards, harmony vocals). Memphis, Tennessee (3:57) 2005 CD: Remembering [self released GB-15CD] ● UK, 2005 Covers from the likes of Bill Anderson, Don Gibson, Marty Robbins, Rick Nelson, Kris Kristofferson etc. BLUEJAYS (UK) This group is already on this blog with three entries. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2016 CD: Rockin’ And Rollin’ With The Bluejays [Bluejays JAY-5005] ● UK, 2016 Maybellene ( : ) 2021 (live) CD: Rock And Roll Revolution – Live Tonight [Bluejays ] ● UK, 2021 Run Rudolph Run (2:55) 2021 (live) CD: The Christmas Show – Live [Bluejays ] ● UK, 2021 Recorded 18 December 2021 at Pound Arts Centre, Corsham. It seems like this is only available online. Johnny B. Goode (4:18) 2022 (live)CD: Rave On – The Rise Of Rock’n’Roll [Bluejays BP-2201] ● UK, 2022 BO GUMBOS (Japan) A rock quartet who got their name from Bo (Diddley). Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1993 (live) CD: King Of Rock’n’Roll [Bo Records BO-001 D] ● Japan, 1994 Recorded live at On Air, Shibuya (Tokyo), 2 December 1993. JONNY BOMBASTIC (Germany) Marco Majewski, born 1984. He’s looking like Johnny Restivo (if you remember him). A wrestler with muscles and a voice so and so. Johnny B. Goode [as “Johnny Be Good”] (2:39) 2011 45: 3rd Floor Music 42 6020 60423 3 4 ● Germany, 2011 This might be a song for downloading only (?) RAY BROWN Jr. (USA) Raymond Matthews Brown Jr., blues and jazz singer, pianist, drummer. He’s the adopted son of Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Brown. He was born 1949 in New York City to Fitzgerald’s half sister Frances. He’s lived in California and Oregon but now resides in Hawaii. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:37) 2008 CD: Friends And Family [SRI Jazz SRI-311252] ● USA, 2008 With Dr. John and featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith. You probably have never heard the song performed like this. Very bluesy and jazzy. And again it’s interesting to notice the 16 songs on the album which are mostly jazz tunes and popular songs: “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”, “Lullabye Of Birdland”, “Laughter In The Rain”, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” …and a Berry classic. EDDIE BUSH (USA) Born 1965 in Princeton, Indiana. Country-rock singer, songwriter, guitarplayer who has lived in Charleston, South Carolina since the early ‘70s. He has several albums for downloading on Bandcamp. Run Rudolph Run (3:03) 2011 as Eddie & The Icicles CD: Holiday Harmonies [Eddie Bush self-released ] ● USA, 2011 Real rockin’ version, maybe a little noisy but I still like it. BUSHMEN (Italy) Beat quintet. Memphis, Tennessee (2:09) 1965 45: SunStar SPS-214 ● Italy, 1965 The arrangement here is closer to Berry’s original than most others from the ‘60s. Although it’s different. CALYPSONUTS (USA) Steel drum duo from Navarre, Florida. Johnny B. Goode (4:39) 2012 CD: Down To The Wire [Red Cedar Devil CD-35409 5] ● USA, 2013 They have followed the Peter Tosh version. CANDLEWICK GREEN (UK) A 1970s five piece group from Liverpool. Had several 45s released during the ‘70s but the single "Who Do You Think You Are" was their only UK top 30 hit, peaking at #21 in 1974. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1980 LP: Making It [Candlewick Green SRTX/80/CUS-519] ● UK, 1980 Recorded at Amazon Studios, Kirby, Liverpool. No writing credits given on the sleeve or label. Just Copyright Control. This was a self-released item sold at gigs. However, regarding the cat.no series see also HOJO. TIM CAPPELLO (USA) Timmy Cappello, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor. Born 1955 in Harrison, New York. He’s known for his saxophone work with Tina Turner in the mid ‘80s and the ‘90s. He’s also played with Carly Simon, Peter Gabriel, Ringo Starr, Garland Jeffries and more. Maybellene (3:44) 2018 CD: Blood On The Reed [self released ] ● USA, 2018 Very funky version with lots of harmonica playing. HOJO (UK) Rock trio, Howard (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, bass), John (lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals) & Sue (keyboards, backing vocals), plus Dave Morell (drums). Strange but there are no credits regarding the composers for any songs, neither on the sleeve or label. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1979 LP: It’s The Music That Counts [SRT Productions STRY/79/CUS-497] ● UK, 1979 Recorded and mixed at Fairview Recording Studio. Special thanks to The Electric Light Orchestra who helped to inspire this album. Regarding the cat.no series see also CANDLEWICK GREEN. HOGSLOP STRING BAND (USA) Old-time string band music with a hint of country. Group based in Nashville. Gabriel Kelley (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Kevin Martin (vocals, fiddle), Daniel Binkley (vocals, banjo), Pickle (vocals, washtube bass, acoustic bass). Roll Over Beethoven (4:33) 2012 (live) CD: Hogslop String Band 2.5 [self-released] ● USA, 2012 Seven self written songs plus the Berry classic. Interesting! Now this is a pretty different version. Have I heard a string band version before? I don’t remember. Check them out on You Tube. MICHAEL CARPENTER (Australia) Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. Label (Big Radio Records) and studio (Love HZ Studios) owner from Sidney, NSW. Sweet Little Sixteen (3:31) 2011 CD: Soop #3 – Songs Of Other People [Big Radio Records no cat no] ● Australia, 2011 On the front cover there’s a collage of pictures of various album covers including “One Dozen Berrys”. ROGER CERESI’S ALLSTARZ (USA) According to the album cover they are 8 people all together. There’s a lot about them on You Tube. Back To Memphis (4:13) 2011 CD: On The Right Track [Self released 08 8450 14701 4 8] ● USA, 2011 “Back To Memphis” is pretty solid and bluesy. The other Berry cover is performed good but unfortunately a little dull. EUGENE CHADBOURNE (USA) Eugene Alexander Chadbourne, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, born 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He’s mostly into free (avant-gard) and improvised jazz but also likes to jazz-up a country song or three. Also into avant-rock. He’s been playing in a lot of groups and has released many albums. Roll Over Beethoven [as “Roll Over Berlosconi”] (3:02) 2010 LP: Roll Over Berlosconi [Interbang Records IBR-001] ● USA, 2010 Here Chadbourne has written mostly his own lyrics, I guess it’s not a tribute. Roll over Berlosconi tell Mussolini the news. LALO CHEETA (France) Rock singer, guitarist from Paris. The songs below you’ll find on the Bandcamp site. I’ve Changed [as “I Have Changed”] (6:13) 2018 (live) Digital album: Live [Lalo Cheeta ] ● France 2018 Recorded live in France March 2018. The album was released 12 October 2018. Lalo Cheeta (vocals, guitar), Lucas Ltiė (guitar, vocals), Myrto Stathatou (keyboards), Stephen Cat (saxophone), Yacine Baroudi (saxophone), Holy Dan (bass, vocals), Pietro Loconte (drums, vocals) Havana Moon (4:26) 2016 Digital track: Super Bombetas [Lalo Cheeta ] ● France 2018 Recorded January 2016 at RDC Studio, Les Lilas. Released 11 October 2018. Lalo Cheeta (vocals, guitar, bass), Yacine Baroudi (saxophone), El Manicero (trumpet), Dukeul (maracas). CHER (USA) Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre, known to everyone just as Cher. Born 1946 in El Centro, California. Singer, actor. She started back in the mid ‘60s together with Sonny Bono (they married in 1967, divorced 1975) as Sonny & Cher and had many hits. And she has managed to stay at the top ever since. She has sold over 100 million albums and have won many Awards. Run Rudolph Run (2:53) 2023 LP: Christmas [Warner Records 093624851189] USA, 2023 Nice to finally have Cher on this survey. A good rockin’ version it is too, and she still has a strong voice. ALEKSEY FETISOV Rock & Roll Tribute Band (Russia) Rock & roll singer, bassplayer from Moscow, who really has a knack for the old stuff. Rock’n’roll classics from Russia with love (!) They are a trio but is augmented by a keyboardplayer, plus backing vocalists. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:41) 2016 as Aleksey Fetisov’ Rock & Roll Trio Digital album: Rocks [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2017 Released January 2017. This sounds like the Buddy Holly version. The Little Girl From Central (2:41) 2019 Digital album: Aleksey Fetisov Rock & Roll Tribute Band Vol. 1 [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2020 Released January 2020. Now I just had to include this guy since we are actually talking about a NEW Berry song to be covered. He follows the Berry original. A little background: This obscure Berry track was first available to Berry fans through the UK LP “You Never Can Tell” PYE Int. NPL-28039 in late 1964, in mono. Later it was made available in stereo on the UK Marble Arch LP MALS-702 in 1967. It was not issued in the US until 1990 on the album “Missing Berries – Rarities Volume 3” Chess (MCA) CH-9318. Carol (3:02) 2021 Digital album: Aleksey Fetisov Rock & Roll Tribute Band Vol. 2 [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2021 Released April 2021. Again they are very similar to the original Berry arrangements. Tuesday, October 31. 2023CBID - 5639 cover versions of Chuck Berry songs
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: It's time to update the summary pages of CBID which showed the number of artists who covered a certain Chuck Berry song as well as the top list of Berry songs most often covered. As of October 2023, Morten Reff's counting results in this top list of Berry songs covered. Included are only those cover versions which have been released on Vinyl or CD to the public more than one hundred times. Other recordings such as those from live performances, TV shows, bootlegs or Berry's multiple own recordings do not count in this regard.
In comparison with page 1030 in Vol. 3 of the Chuck Berry International Directory (2012), except for #1 - #6 who are still at the top with the highest numbers of covers there are several changes to the rest of the above list. “Run Rudolph Run” especially! “Let It Rock” and “Reelin’ And Rockin’“ are new entries. “I’m Talking About You” didn’t have that many covers at the time of publishing Vol. 3 in 2012, but it was included back then as 20 song titles sounded better than 19 (!). Lesser known Chuck Berry songs, even the most obscure ones have been covered as well. Here is the complete list as of October 2023 which once again proves the importance of Chuck Berry’s lyrics and melodies to the evolution of pop and rock music throughout the decades. 'Run Rudolph Run' (Marvin Brodie-Johnny Marks), 'Too Pooped To Pop' (Billy Davis) and “Mad Lad” (Billy Davis) are included in this survey because they are Berry originals, even though they were not written by him (at least, that's what the composer credits say). Conversely, although Berry's versions of 'I Got To Find My Baby' (1960) and 'Too Late' (1975) were both credited to him, they were actually covers of originals by Little Walter and Jimmy Wakely respectively. In addition there’s a lot more cover versions of 'My Ding-A-Ling', but this is not an original song by Berry in the first place. Written by Dave Bartholomew and recorded by him in 1952, although Berry changed some of the lyrics and added new ones.
Comparing this report to the same list of covers on pages 1635 to 1675 (Vol. 4) plus the additions on pages 2074-2085 and of course all the CBID Updates on this blog, there are 9 new Berry titles added to this survey. Which mean that a total of 93 titles have been recorded by various artists and groups. A total number of 5639 versions! And if you look at page 1675 you will see that in 2013 we had just 4556 versions, which means the total number has increased by some 1100 versions. Pretty amazing! For those readers who don’t want to search the complete Volumes 3 and 4 as well as the updates in this site's blog for a specific cover version, we provide here a PDF file containing an update to the corresponding chapter in the book. It lists all the artists and recording dates which make up for the No. of Artists column in the table above. For more details about the corresponding album such as label and release date, read the books and the updates on this site's blog. As mentioned so many times before, this survey of Berry covers will never be completed in full since his catalog is always interesting for various artists without regard to musical genre. And also there will be covers that we still don’t know about. Monday, August 28. 2023CBID - Covers, Chart Listings, and Not-Covers
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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: Here's just a short list of two dozen new cover versions, but we have to add some chart listings to chapter 12 in volume 2. Let's start with a few comments about cover versions that aren't. A blues quintet from Germany called Black Cat Bone has a song titled “Nadine” on their album “Blue Shadows” from 1993. Back in time there were three main music trade magazines in the USA: Billboard, Cashbox, and Music Vendor/Record World. Very few people have ever heard of the latter, but it was still an important source. Music Vendor was founded in 1948, changed its name to Record World in 1964 and ceased publication in 1982. It was a weekly magazine housed in New York. They had Pop, R&B and Country charts, and Record World had Non-Rock survey comparable to Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. The Cash Box Kings is a very good US group of men playing Chicago style blues with a really good groove. And even though they haven’t recorded any Berry numbers their influence of the man’s music shines through on several recordings, such as “Ride Santa Ride” (2023) and “Build That Wall (2017). The group was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 2001 by “Low Rollin’Joe” Nosek. They have 11 albums out so far, stretching from 2002 - 2023. CRAZY HAMBONES (Germany) Blues trio from Berlin. Peter Krause (guitars, vocals), Henry Heggen (harmonica, vocals), Michael Maass (drums, vocals). Thirty Days [as “30 Days”] (3:31) 2007 CD: Blowin’ The Family Jewels [Stormy Monday Records MO-81221] ● Germany, 2007 Berry track recorded at Überschall Tonstudios, Kiel. Okay swingin’ version with a blues feeling. See also Jan Preston & Michael Maass (below). DERRINGER (USA) Rock and blues group consisting of Rick Derringer (vocals, guitar), Neil Giraldo (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Kenny Aaronson (bass, vocals), Myron Grombacher (drums). At least on the album below. The band was active from 1975 to 1978. Rick Derringer himself had hits from 1974. By the way he was the lead singer/guitarist of the rock band The McCoys who had a big hit in 1965 with “Hang On Sloopy”. Back In The USA / Long Tall Sally in a Medley (4:58) 1978 (live) CD: Live At The Paradise Theater, Boston, Ma. July 7, 1978 [Phoenix Gems 4004] ● USA, 2000 FIREBIRDS (Germany) A rock’n’roll quintet from Leipzig. So far they have released around 10 albums since 2000. On their latest one “Stripes” (2023) they have a very goode Chuck Berry soundalike titled “My Guitar”, check it out on You Tube. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2012 (live) CD: Live! 20 Jahre Firebirds – Die Jubiläumsshow [Broken Silence CD-00752] ● Germany, 2013 Anniversary concert in Leipzig, November 2012. They also released a DVD set with the complete concert. Broken Silence is the distribution company. Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 2015 CD: The Firebirds Meet The Pearlettes [Broken Silence CD-00753] ● Germany, 2015 And in 2020 they released a DVD (only) titled “25 Jahre The Firebirds – Die Jubiläumsshow” including a cover of “Roll Over Beethoven”. 40 ACRE MULE (USA) 5 piece popular rhythm & blues/rock’n’roll group formed in Dallas, Texas 2015. J. Isaiah Evans (vocals, guitar), John Pedigo (guitar, vocals), Chris Evetts (Baritone sax, percussion), Tim Cooper (bass), Robert Anderson (drums). Their debut album came in 2019 titled “Goodnight & Good Luck” on State Fair Records. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (4:10) 2021 You Tube video: State Fair Records (Dallas, Texas) ● USA, 2021 Yes I know but what can I say? It such a damn good and unusual version … Here’s what’s been said by the band: HEARTBEATS (West Germany) Garage beat band from Munich, Germany, founded in 1983. They released two cassettes by themselves before they got a single out in ’89 on Universe Records, and another in 1993 on Twang! Records. They had a CD out on Twang in 1995 and another on Fortune Records in 2001. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1987 MC: Animal Crackers [Two By Art no cat number] ● West Germany, 1987 Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 1988 MC: Why I Cry [Two By Art no cat number] ● West Germany, 1988 H.I.T (Germany) Rock’n’roll quintet. Add hornsection on the album below. Carol (3:02) ? CD: Chickenthief [Revenge Music Force – RMF 366.000.32 40] ● Germany, ? Recorded at the Revenge Studios, Frankfurt/M. They also do a cover of “I Wouldn’t Lay My Guitar Down” from Eddy Clearwater. Again I am so tired of searching for year of release and year of recording. It should have been a law that forbid such an unprofessional behaviour from the various companies. CHRIS JANSON (USA) Christopher Pierre Jamson, country singer, songwriter, born 1986 in Perryville, Missouri, now lives in Nashville. So far he has five albums out, 2015-2023. Run Rudolph Run (3:45) 2019 (live) CD single: Warner Nashville [Official Music Video] ● 2019, USA 2019 CMA Country Christmas performance. FREDDIE LEE (USA) Black singer, songwriter, guitarist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who formed his first band back in 1995. Nadine (A Tribute To Chuck Berry) (3:42) 2000 CD: When An Earresistable Force Meets An Immovable Object [Intense Anxiety Records IA-44663] ● USA, 2000 I haven’t been able to listen to this so I can’t comment. Is it really a tribute or just a cover of “Nadine”? LOS SIREX (Spain) Rock band formed in the early ‘60s. in 1965 they had a big hit with “La Escoba”. They split up in 1971 but reunited in 1977 and recorded several albums. I’m Talking About You (as “Si, Lo Hago Por Ti) (1:48) 1966 45: Vergara 45.143 ● Spain, 1966 PIANO DREAMERS (USA) Various musicians who perform piano renditions of contemporary popular music like pop, country and rock. There’s plenty of albums out there of the same, and I mean plenty. This has no doubt been going on since 2006. Back In The USA / Johnny B. Goode / Maybellene / Memphis, Tennessee / My Ding-A-Ling (!) / No Particular Place To Go / Rock And Roll Music / Roll Over Beethoven / (Route 66) / You Never Can Tell - 2019 (instr) CD digital: Piano Dreamers Cover Chuck Berry [CC Entertainment] ● USA, 2019 Since this is a Tribute album I thought it best to include. Except for Ding-A-Ling and Route 66 this is probably okay, but instead of those two why not include songs like “Down Bound Train” or “Havana Moon”? Just a thought guys. PLAYTONES (Sweden) Rock’n’roll quartet formed 2008 in Kallinge. Little Queenie ( : ) 2008 CD: The Legacy [Enviken KREC-0108] ● Sweden, 2008 Released as Boppin’ Steve & The Playtones. A tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis. Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2013 CD: In The Mood [Atenzia ATZ-1319] ● Sweden, 2013 It has a good groove but today it sounds silly not learning the lyrics correctly. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2010 CD: Rock’n’Roll Christmas Party [Kavalkad LHICD-0121] ● Sweden, 2010 JAN PRESTON & MICHAEL MAASS (New Zealand & Germany) Jan is a female singer, songwriter and pianist (boogie woogie style) from New Zealand who has some 13 albums out since 1993, and Maass is a drummer from Germany who’s been involved in groups like Crazy Hambones, who by the way is also on this blog (above). Too Much Monkey Business [as “Monkey Business”] (2:24) 2007 CD: The Piano Has The Blues [Stormy Monday Records MO-81254] ● Germany, 2008 Recorded October 2007 at Highland Studio, Berlin. A good boogie version. I like it when people are doing it differently, but this could well have been a little longer. It has a good groove. Monday, March 27. 2023CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - final part 10
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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. Johnny B. Goode (2:18) 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) 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) 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. It Wasn’t Me ( : ) 2021 LP/CD: After The Flood…The Moldy Basement Tapes [Eccentric Pop Records EP-72] ● USA, 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) 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). 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. HARRY DEAN STANTON with The Cheap Dates (USA) American actor, born 1926 in West Irvine, Kentucky and died 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Promised Land (3:53) 1993 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: Johnny B. Goode (2:00) 1982 LP: Play Rock And Roll [CBS 25383] ● Yugoslavia, 1983 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 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 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) 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 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 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. 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. 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) 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. 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 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. 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: 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. 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 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. 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. Monday, March 13. 2023Little Queenie overdubs
On this site we maintain a database containing all Chuck Berry recordings ever published on CD or Vinyl. We welcome every user comment enhancing the correctness of the data listed, such as reader Marty’s recent email regarding the recording of Little Queenie:
We believe there’s a ride cymbal over dub on the original version, what do you think? Because you can hear drum fills and the ride cymbal continues. As even Odie Payne couldn’t play a two-handed drum fill and a cymbal in parallel, this is a very valid comment. Marty’s email triggered some in-depth investigations and a huge number of emails floating between the contributors to this site. Today’s technical possibilities allow you to extract, modify and single out parts of a historical recording. This allowed our technical expert Arne Wolfswinkel to both verify Marty’s findings and to discover some additional astonishing facts. You should know that besides the original 1958 record release we have another, slightly different take of Berry’s classic tune. This “previously unreleased version” (later called “Take 8”) of Little Queenie came into light in 1986, when Steve Hoffman presented to us lost recordings from the vaults of Chess Records. (“Rock’n’Roll Rarities”, CHESS CH2-92521) Overdubbing was a common practice with Chuck Berry’s recordings at Jack Wiener’s Sheldon Recording Studios. That way the producers could add more Chuck Berry guitar to a recording or more Chuck Berry voice. Even a classic such as Johnny B. Goode was created in such a two-step process. (See the blog article “The Johnny B. Goode Session”) Overdubbing means that a first recording was made using the full band. During recording, Berry played some of the guitar elements and sung the main vocal. Later the engineer and Berry worked out the finer details such as additional guitar solos or a second voice without the need of the band. The engineer played back a tape containing the original base track, Berry sang or played, and the result was recorded to a second tape. This procedure was necessary, because in the 1950s Chess could not record multiple instruments separately and mix them later. One example for a guitar and vocal overdub is take 9A of Merry Christmas Baby from the Little Queenie session. This is the variant released on Chess single 1714. With Little Queenie this overdubbing happened a bit differently. As Marty found, some parts of the drums were recorded for the base track while other parts were recorded during the overdub. And comparing the two slightly different takes of Little Queenie which survived, it becomes obvious that in this session the overdubbing involved not just Berry or Odie Payne, but also Lafayette Leake. Both takes of Little Queenie are based on the same base track which consists of Berry playing rhythm guitar, Willie Dixon playing double bass and Odie Payne playing the drum rhythm. This base track is 100% identical on both takes. Different, and thus overdubbed onto this base track, is Berry’s singing, some additional guitar playing, Odie Payne’s cymbal or hi-hat, and Lafayette Leake’s piano. As due to sound degeneration overdubbing was reasonable only onto the first-generation tape, we have to imagine that Berry, Payne, and Leake on this 19th November 1958 were listening to the base track and together added their overdubs. The correct recording details for both takes of Little Queenie will therefore be: Chuck Berry guitar, vocal (overdub), 2nd guitar (overdub) We will alter our database accordingly. We will keep the “Take 8” distinction for the alternative even though it is completely unclear where it comes from. The count-in preceding the song (“Are you ready, Chuck?”) on the 1986 album is probably not from the original tape as the guitar intro overlaps the engineer’s announcement which would usually result in an immediate stop to the recording. It is known that Steve Hoffman shuffled such segments around and even created completely new songs from segments of different takes. (For details, read the blog posts “Sweet Little Eight Variants of Sweet Little Sixteen” and “Chuck Berry in Stereo”) [addition 08.01.2024: Those who know have found that the take 8 introduction has been taken by Steve Hoffman from a tape containing the recording takes of Sweet Little Rock and Roller.] Run Rudolph Run from the same session uses the same melody and the same rhythm as Little Queenie. And here as well we hear both a guitar overdub and additional cymbal or hi-hat playing. We would like to thank reader Marty for finding the cymbal overdub and especially for telling us. Saturday, March 4. 2023CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 9
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
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. 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. 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 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 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 Little Queenie ( : ) 2001 (live) EP: Top Beat Live EP [Majestic Sound Records MSEP-014] ● Japan, 2002 Beautiful Delilah (2:15) 2001 CD: The Neatbeats [Deckrec/UK Project DCRC-0026] ● Japan, 2001 Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( : ) 2004 CD: Big Red Partner [Beatex BTXSCD-020] ● Japan, 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) 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 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 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 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 LP: Rock ‘n’ Roll With [Violets Holiday SVHL-934390] ● Australia, 1972 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. I’m Talking About You (1:38) 2011 45 EP: Play Favourites [Bachelor BR-51] ● Ireland, 2011 Carol (2:51) 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 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 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. 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. Around And Around (2:26) 1997 (live) 4-CD box set: Live At Fillmore - 1997 [Warner Records 093624879633] ● UK/Europe, 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. 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. 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 See also Christian Almerge at the beginning of this blog post.
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