Entries by Morten Reff

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: Chapter 14 lists musical tributes to Chuck Berry. This includes tribute albums on which his music represents a large part, and it includes tribute songs in which title, lyrics or story refer to the man's life or music. This time you’ll get 8 new entries in the Tributes section: a couple of albums and 6 variations of songs.

DON ADAMS (Scotland)

Hector Reay MacKay was a blues and soul singer, born 1942 in Glasgow, and died in 1995. He was mostly active in Germany. He toured in the late ‘60s with the German Ensemble of Hair. He was also a member of the Les Humphries Singers (see page 1259). He had a few solo albums and singles released.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ / Too Much Monkey Business / Nadine / (Rock’n’Roll Fieber) / Wee Wee Hours / Sweet Little Sixteen / (Rock And Coke) / Memphis, Tennessee / Bye Bye Johnny / Roll Over Beethoven / (Rock On The Rocks) / Rock And Roll Music / No Money Down / (Rock Store)

MC: Rock It Over Again [Polyband CS-233 (12 31127-4)] ● Germany, 1973

This came as a big surprise to me when I found it on discogs. Hey, the album title don’t give any clue that it is almost a Chuck Berry Tribute album, except for the four strange titles, two written by one called Erec and two by Kienemann. When this was released is a little doubtful as there is no year printed (again), but checking other cat numbers on the same label I came to the conclusion of 1973.

ANA CÃNAS (Brazil)

Singer, songwriter, actress, born 1981 in São Paulo. So far she’s released six albums.

Chuck Berry Fields Forever [Gilberto Gil] (3:40) 2009

CD: Hein? [Sony Music 88697556392] ● Brazil, 2009

Featuring Gilberto Gil on guitar. This has no Berry arrangement, more disco oriented. But it’s still a tribute. Refering to the entry by Gilberto Gil on page 1815 (Vol. 4).

ADAM CARTER (USA?)

There’s a country singer/guitarist whose name is Adam Carter but this is surely not him. Probably studio musicians.

Rock And Roll Music / Maybellene / Johnny B. Goode / Sweet Little Sixteen / Memphis, Tennessee / School Day / Bye Bye Johnny / Roll Over Beethoven / Too Much Monkey Business / You Never Can Tell

CD: A Tribute To Chuck Berry [Kives Records kv-5107] ● Brazil, 1996

I don’t think that “the artist” is from Brazil. There’s a lot of similar tribute albums to various artists like Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, A-Ha, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton and a whole lotta more. There’s no picture of others than the actual tribute artist/group. Discogs have listed 25 various tributes in this series on the Kives label.

HEART OF MARY (Norway)

A rockband from Kongsvinger who operated from 1986-1989. Denis (Decay) Kamphaug (vocals, guitar), Anders Bøhnsdalen (guitar), Levi Henriksen (bass) and Kai O. Tønnessen (drums). They reunited in 2015 and came to an end in late 2018 when Denis Kamphaug died.

Mozart Never Did The Duckwalk [Heart Of Mary] (3:18) 1988

CD: Greetings From Stuckville [A Rose for Emily Records Flooral-2200] ● Norway, 1989

Recorded 1988-89 at Loud Level Studio, Hjellum. Well, the title should be a sure winner for a tribute, and Chuck Berry is mentioned in the lyrics also Too Much Monkey Business. Mozart never did the Duckwalk and he never let his baby guitar talk... All of the lyrics themselves are not really about Berry, however, the guitar solo is straight Berry with all the necessary riffs.
The album was reissued in 2021 on Norske Albumklassikere series (Norwegian Albumclassics), NACD-043.

LOS REBELDES (Spain)

See Volume 3, page 1333 for biographical info, and also on this blog.
Rockabilly/rock’n’roll quartet formed in Barcelona in 1979. Originally they were a trio Carlos Segarra (vocals, guitar), Aurelio Morata (bass) and Moisés Sorolla (drums), later extended to a quartet. On the album below they are a actually a quintet: Carlos Segarra (vocals, guitar), Santiago Campillo (guitar, pedal-steel guitar), Quino Lucas (piano, accordion), Aurelio Morata (bass) and Wichi Garcia de Maya (drums).

Chuck Berry [Los Rebeldes] (2:18) 2016

CD: A Flor De Piel [Altafonte MM-0013] ● Spain, 2016
LP: A Flor De Piel [Altafonte MM-0014] ● Spain, 2016

It’s a mid-tempo rockin’ tribute sung in Spanish. You can watch it on You Tube, both the studio version and live.

RAS KASS (USA)

Real name John R. Austin IV, born in 1973, Carson, California. He was an original founding member of Patchwerk Records in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s released a lot of albums since 1994.

Chuck Berry [John Austin] (2:49) 2020

LP/CD: I’m Not Clearing Shxt [Blackhouse Records BH-999 130] ● USA, 2020

I don’t understand anything (almost) of what he’s saying but Berry’s name is mentioned several times. It all starts with the intro of “Jailhouse Rock” ! and I’m trying to figure out why. Maybe because it was a white song? You know, Berry has always been a big star amongst the hip-hoppers and rappers because he was black and proud and didn’t take any shxt from anyone during his lifetime.
There are other rap songs that mention Berry in the lyrics; to sum it up: Chuck Berry made it, but the credit went to Elvis.

WERNER SCHMIDBAUER (Germany)

TV host, singer, songwriter and musician, born 1961 in Munich.

Chuck Berry (3:03) [Werner Schmidbauer] 2017 (live)

CD: Bei Mir – Solo & Live [F.A.M.E. (Sony) 787420] ● Germany, 2018

Recorded live in October 2017. Guitar and harmonica, that’s all. This is a story about Schmidbauer meeting Chuck Berry while shopping and Berry complaining about how hard it is for old rockers to find work. So they go to a public place in Munich where they play for 5 hours so that Berry has enough money for the flight back home to the States. I’m so glad I’m livin’ in the USA… Schmidbauer is singing in Bavarian dialect which is not easy to understand, so thanks to Dietmar and his wife for the efforts of listening closely to the lyrics here.

ERIC WESTPHAL (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, producer. He has worked on numerous albums over the years as a band member, session musician and fronted one of Northern California’s most celebrated power-pop bands, James Blonde. So far he’s recorded two solo albums, “Alice Street Sessions” from 2001 and the latest being “Kobold Moon” below.

Chuck Berry [Eric Westphal] (3:50) 2021

CD: Kobold Moon [IAC Records 1202 1011] ● USA, 2021

Slow and soulful big band tribute. Album recorded at 25th Street Recording, Oakland, California.

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. [continued]
The following new entries to the Berry Covers really include several obscure Berry songs, and even a couple that have not been covered before, like “Ma Dear” and “Stop And Listen”. Enjoy.

Two more in the NO Chuck section:

Gene Latter (UK) - Sweet Little Rock And Roller (Yellowstone-Danova-Howdar) 1974

Phase III (USA) - Back In The USA (Dave Hassinger) 1969
NOTE: This is actually featured on page 1417 as a Berry cover, but it’s NOT. Sorry.

And a UK punk trio, Super Adventure Club, had an album out in 2010 called “Chalk Horror!” with a track titled In The Wee Wee Hours. Even though they thank Chuck Berry on the album this is NOT Berry’s “Wee Wee Hours”.

A & M TWO GENERATIONS (West Germany)

Alfred Fäth (bass, harmonica), Manfred Fäth (guitar, vocals, harmonica, drums) from Aschaffenburg, Bayern.

Let It Rock (2:40) 1975
Louie To Frisco (3:30) 1975

LP: Hemo [Sound Record PA-4/75] ● West Germany, 1975

Nice to find another cover of this obscure Berry track “Louie To Frisco”. See also George Thorogood, page 1559.

A-BONES (USA)

Garage rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 1984. The group originally disbanded in 1994 but reunited in 2004 and again in 2009.

Tulane (3:33) 2014 (live)

LP/CD: Ears Wide Shut [Norton Records ED/CED-93] ● USA. 2014

Recorded live at the rehearsal room on Super Bowl, 2 February 2014.

WOLFGANG BERNREUTHER, THOMAS FEINER, LEO “BUD” WELCH (Germany, Sweden, USA)

Blues musicians. Wolfgang Bernreuther [from Neumarkt, Oberpfalz, Germany] (vocals, guitar) & Leo “Bud” Welch [born 1932 in Sabougla, Mississippi; died in December 2017] (vocals, guitar), Thomas Feiner [born 1968 outside Gothenburg, Sweden] (vocals, harmonica), Tommy Gedon (guitar), Jimbo Mathus (piano), Starling Browning (guitar, vocals), Beata Kossowska (maracas), Harry Hirschmann (bass), Bronson Tew (drums)

Wee Wee Hours (4:57) 2017 (live)

LP: Don’t Let The Devil Ride [Grooveland GL-114] ● Germany, 2019
CD: Don’t Let The Devil Ride [Fenn Music FMS-2109] ● Germany, 2019

Album recorded live at Dial Back Sound, Water Valley, Mississippi, 7 & 8 June, 2017.

BOGGIE LEG (Sweden)

Johan Wigge, singer, songwriter, guitarist. He also plays harmonica. He’s joined by Anders Krusell (bass) and Stefan Wållberg (drums, vocals).

Oh What A Thrill (4:02) 2003

CD: Cut To The Bone [Blue Wig Productions WIGCD-0301] ● Sweden, 2004

BILLY BREMNER’S ROCKFILES (UK/Sweden)

Singer and guitarist Billy Bremner (see Rockpile page 1471) and Geraint Watkins (piano), in collaboration with Swedish musicians like Bonnie Löfman (guitar, vocals), Mikael Finell (bass, vocals)= The Refreshments (see page 1444), and Peder Sundahl (drums). Produced by Mikael Finell and Peder Sundahl.

Oh What A Thrill (3:58) 2018

CD: Cover It Well - A Tribute To Rockpile [Ball And Chain Records BACCD-0052018] ● Sweden, 2018

Album recorded at Studio Rock Around The Clock, Skutskär and Musikhuset, Gävle, both in Sweden.

CD: A Tribute To Rockpile - Billy Bremner For President [Kool Cat Musik PURR-2142] ● USA, 2020

Let’s Make Rockfiles Great Again. This is the same album as above but has 13 tracks instead of 12 as the Swedish one.
Released 2019 both in Spain (Folc Records FOLC-119) and Japan (Target Earth Records TE-037).

DUKES OF HAMBURG (Germany)

Beat band from Bielefeld in Germany led by singer, guitarist Thilo Pieper. Pieper was also a member of an American variant of the band in the ‘90s.

Beautiful Delilah (2:29) 1998

LP: Star-Club Show 1 [Dionysus Records ID-123346] ● USA, 1998

They have used the same album art work as the old ‘60s Twist Im Star-Club LPs as a gimmick.

Oh Baby Doll (1:42) 1999

LP: Bad Side Of July [Dionysus Records ID-123377] ● USA, 1999

Recorded at Pin Up Studios, Hayward, California, USA. The song is wrongly credited to one Petry, but it’s the Berry song all right. On this album the group was billed as The Dukes Of Hamburg III.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (1:54) 2016

LP: Germany’s Newest Hitmakers [Moonshake Records SHAKE-8. TFA-38] ● Germany, 2017

EXCITEMENTS (Spain)

Seven piece R&B band based in Barcelona, formed 2010. Their first single came in 2010. and so far they have 4 albums out, 2011-2021.

Back To Memphis (3:04) 2016

LP/CD: Breaking The Rule [Penniman Records PENN-006] ● Spain, 2016

A good soulful rendition with lead singer Koko Jean Davis in full blast.

SIGGI FASSL (Austria)

Blues and country singer, songwriter, guitarist. Born 1966 in Vienna. He’s also been a member of the Mojo Blues Band, a band itself also represented in the Berry covers survey.

Thirteen Question Method (2:50) 2006 (live)

CD: I Did The Same Mistake Again [Styx Records STYX CD-1037] ● Austria, 2009

Recorded live at Reigen in Vienna, 3 April 2006. This is an acoustic set with just Siggi and his guitar.

FLAMIN’ GROOVIES (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1190 for biographical info.

Around And Around (3:24) 1979 (live)
Let It Rock (3:46) 1979 (live)

LP: Vaillancourt Fountain - Justin Herman Plaza - San Francisco, CA - September 19, 1979 [Rockbeat ROC-3423] ● USA, 2018

Almost Grown (2:07) 1987 (live)

CD: Live At The Festival Of The Sun [AIM CD-1051] ● Australia, 1994
CD: Live In Barcelona 1987 [Music Sessions MS-028] ● Spain, 2007

Recorded live at the La Merce Festival in Barcelona, Spain, 4 October 1987.

GRAFITTI SINGERS (France)

Probably studio musicians, however, may have something to do with the rock’n’roll trio Joint De Culasse, or not?

Roll Over Beethoven (2:56) 1975

2-LP: Roll Over Beethoven [Carrere 67.054] ● France, 1975

Bye Bye Johnny (3:24) 1979
Carol (3:23) 1979
Johnny B. Goode (2:32) 1979
Memphis, Tennessee (2:29) 1979
Promised Land (2:15) 1979
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (2:55) 1979
Rock And Roll Music (2:20) 1979
Roll Over Beethoven (2:30) 1979
School Day (3:02) 1979
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:50) 1979

2-LP: Rock And Roll Story [Carrere 67.326] ● France, 1979

24 songs, but except for the Berry ones there are “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Tutti Frutti”, “Twilight Time”, and “Stagger Lee”. The rest looks like originals. With 10 Berry covers on a two-album set, it could almost be considered as a tribute.
See also under Joint Du Calasse

HENTCHMEN (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1242 for biographical info.

Oh Baby Doll (2:00) 1994

7” EP: Girl From Jackson [A Front Porch Record FPR-3] ● USA, 1994

Recorded in Northville, Michigan.

It Don’t Take But a Few Minutes (2:12) 1995

7” EP: Gravel-Bite [1+2 Records EP-099] ● Japan, 1995

Recorded 7 April ‘95 at Nomad Studios, Michigan.

BRUCE HORNSBY (USA)

Bruce Randall Hornsby was born 1954 in Williamsburg, Virginia. He’s a singer, songwriter and pianist.

Too Much Monkey Business (4:01) 2021

CD: Flicted [Zappo Productions/Thirty Tigers] ● USA, 2022

According to press release, this is the first ever cover song to appear on a Hornsby studio release. That should tell you somethin’. And would you believe that this is a rap version, pretty unusual, but gets a little boring in the long run.

HOT PANTS (France)

Rock’n’roll/punk/latin quartet. Formed in 1984.

Ma Dear (2:14) 1986

CD: Loco-Mosquito [All Or Nothing Records AN-CD-02] ● France, 1986
CD: Loco-Mosquito [Virgin Records 7243 8 49860 2] ● France, 2000

Recorded and mixed at Studio Do in Bordeaux, May 1986. Now this is the second cover version of this obscure Berry Mercury track from 1968. (See also Joint De Culasse below.)

JOINT DE CULASSE (France)

Rock’n’roll trio: Manu Chao (vocals, guitar), Jean-Marc Despeignes (bass), Santiago Casariego (drums).

Carol [as “Ho Carol”] (2:30) 1982
Ma Dear [as “My Dear My Dear”] (3:04) 1982
Memphis, Tennessee (2:35) 1982
Roll Over Beethoven (2:32) 1982

LP: Super Boum Rock’n’Roll [Force Records (Carrere) 67950] ● France, 1982

Fourteen rock’n’roll covers recorded at Studio Damiens in Boulogne, France. Hail! Hail! Another new Berry song that I didn’t know had been covered. “Ma Dear”, which Berry recorded 1 July 1968 and released on Mercury single 72840 coupled with “Louie To Frisco” (July ’68) and album “From St. Louie To Frisco” Mercury SR-61176 (October ’68). It’s okay and has a staccato funky beat and don’t sound like a Chuck Berry song. The original didn’t either, so… You can listen to it on You Tube.
HOWEVER, this album also came out in 1983 under the “band” name Graffiti Singers, released on Carrere LP-63072 containing sixteen tracks. Too much monkey business if you ask me.

See also Graffiti Singers.
See also Hot Pants for another cover of “Ma Dear”.

LA CLINIC DU DR. SCHULTZ (France)

Rock band formed in 2000 by guitarist Roger Fritsch-Schultz (died in 2104) and drummer Denis Baudrillart.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:20) 2004

CD: Rock ‘N’ Roll De Proximité [Patate Records PRP-022] ● France, 2004
10” LP: Vol. 1 [Red Head Man RHM-008] ● France, 2005

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (2:42) 2009
Rock At The Philharmonic (2:36) 2009 (instr)

CD: Rythmes Et Mélodies Du Vingtième Siècle [La Clinic Du Dr. Schultz self-released] ● France, 2009

Now this is the forth cover version of this Berry instrumental, so far. However, more rock than jazz feeling.

LES BLUE SHADES (France)

Beat/rock quartet.

How You’ve Changed (3:11) 1965

LP: Les Blue Shades [Cameleon Records CAME-43] ● France, 2016

Previously unissued (?) I haven’t found any releases by this group except the album above which contains 12 tracks. 300 copies on colored vinyl. And I would assume that this cover is based on the version by The Animals. And by the way, if you search for this Berry song on discogs you’ll find more entries by The Animals than Chuck !!!

MICKEY & LUDELLA (UK)

Michael Hampshire and Sarah J. Crouch (Ludella Black). Michael has been a member (guitarist, vocals) of The Milkshakes. And Sarah has been vocalist in groups like The Mighty Ceasars (backing vocals), Sexton Ming (vocals) and Delmonas (vocals).

Stop And Listen (2:16) 1995

LP/CD: Bedlam A’ Go-Go [Vinyl Japan ASKLP/ASKCD-52] ● UK, 1995

Surprise!!! Here’s another Berry title to add to the long list already. This blues ballad has never been covered before as far as I know (you can listen to it on You Tube). And I like it, as it doesn’t drag so much as Berry’s own. Originally recorded by Berry in February 1960 and included on the Chess album New Juke Box Hits LP-1456 released in March 1961.

MOONLIGHTERS (Belgium)

Blues-rock band. Filip De Fleurquin (vocals), Marnix Vernieuwe (guitar), Jozef Leféve (keyboards), Gust Vernieuwe (bass), Fernand Buyls (drums).

Dear Dad (1:47) 1989
It’s My Own Business [as “My Own Business”] (3:31) 1989
You Never Can Tell (3:23) 1989

LP: Pains Of 17 [Blue Sting STING-013] ● Belgium, 1989

Good to see two Berry songs that have not been covered too much, strange as it is.

N.R.B.Q. (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1393 for biographical info.

It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes (2:40) 1977

CD: Kick Me Hard – The Deluxe Edition [Rounder Records CD-3030] ● USA, 1989

Previously unissued. Only available on the Deluxe Edition. Recorded 13 October ’77.

ZOOGS RIFT (USA)

Robert Pawlikowski. Punk, rock, avantgarde (?) Not quite sure. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, wrestling personality, born 1953 in Paterson, New Jersey. Have had 19 albums out since 1985, plus a couple of compilations. Died in 2011.

It’s My Own Business (5:19) 1999

CD: School Of The Criminally Insane [Miss Anne Thrope Music/Zoogs Rift no cat no] ● USA, 1999

Recorded April 1999 at Lotek Studio, Marina Del Rey, California. Self-released. Another cover of this obscure Berry rocker.

RISKY BLUES (Belgium)

Blues band. Filip De Fleurquin (vocals), Marnix Vernieuwe (guitar), Jef Lefeve (piano), Chris De Brakeleer (drums). Rik Wolf is playing double bass on the Berry cover.

Thirteen Question Method (2:56) 1995

CD: Doggin’ Around [Paradiso PA-6512] ● Belgium, 1995

So far there are now seven cover versions of this unusual Berry song.

SLICKEE BOYS (USA)

Psychedelic garage-rock band from the Washington D.C. area. First single release in 1976 and the first album came a year later which was the one below.

No Money Down (4:04) 1977 (live)

LP: Separated Vegetables [Dacoit LP-1001] ● USA, 1977

Only a 100 copies were pressed of this. The album was reissued in 1980 on Limp Records 1003. The track itself is a very typical white blues version if you get my drift.

V.I.P.s (UK)

Rock quintet from Carlisle, 1965-67. Original members: Mike Harrison (vocals), Jimmy Henshaw (guitar), Frank Kenyon (guitar), Greg Ridley (bass) and Walter Johnstone (drums). They had several singles and EPs out from 1964-1967.

Wee Wee Hours [“Late Night Blues”] (5:37) 1966

EP: Stagger Lee [Fontana 460 219 ME] ● France, 1967
LP: I Wanna Be Free [Beat Club International Ltd 200 005] ● France, 1987
2 CD: The Complete V.I.P.s [Repertoire REPUK-1088] ● UK, 2007

The song is actually called Late Night Blues (Wee Wee Hours), written by Berry and arranged by Greg Ridley and Mike Harrison. However, on the French EP the song is credited to Harrison/Ridley. (You’ll find it on You Tube.)

YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS (USA)

Rock/beat quartet formed early 1980s in Seattle, Washington..They have released quite a bit of singles and albums since 1984.

I Want To Be Your Driver (2:13) 1991

CD: Gleich Jetzt [1+2 Records Barn Homes CD-028] ● Japan, 1993

Recorded at EGG studio, Seattle, Washington. Berry song previously unissued. Compilation album of 16 tracks whereas 6 have been out before. The rest were unreleased.

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 version you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. [continued]

An Australian group called John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong had a single out in 1986 titled “Run Rudolph Run” which is not the Berry number strangely enough. It’s a self written song where they use the title between the verses. It sounds like a leftover from the Beach Boys in the ‘60s. Again it’s always a chance to take if you haven’t heard the song, and this is a very good example.
An American guitar player called Lightnin’ Red had an album out in 1972 called “The Super Guitar Of …” (Stereo Gold Award MER-351) featuring “Guitar Boogie” credited to Chuck Berry, but that’s the Arthur Smith’s version he’s playing.

ALARM CLOCKS (USA)

Originally a garage rock trio from Parma, Ohio, formed in 1965. Bruce Boehm (guitar), Mike Pierce (vocals, bass), and Bill Schwark (drums). They recorded a single in ’66 released on their own Awake label. Nothing happened and the band disbanded in 1967. The single though became later on popular among collectors and in 1996 turned up on a compilation album “Back From The Grave”. Various old songs made up an album “Yeah!” on Norton Records in 2000. The group reformed in 2006 and added a fourth member, guitar player Tom Fallon, and they had a new album out on Norton. Busy guys.

Carol ( : ) 2009 (live)

LP: Live Nov.7, 2009 [My Mind’s Eye Records NME-003] ● USA, 2010

Recorded live at the Beachland Tavern, Cleveland, Ohio. Limited Edition of 300 copies. Record has a white cover with artwork pasted on and insert with song titles, and the labels have handwritten song titles.

ARA VA DE BO (Spain)

Nuri* (lead vocals), Ricard Casals** (lead vocals), Joaquin "Max" Sunyer (guitar), Josep "Kitflus" Mas (keyboards), Primitiu Sancho (bass), Jordi Colomer (drums).

Carol** (2:59) 1977 (Spanish lyrics)
Rock And Roll Music* (3:46) 1977 (Spanish lyrics)

LP: Ara Va De Rock [Pardal 709 L.P.] ● Spain, 1977
CD: Ara Va De Rock [Actual Records 80 2008/14] ● Spain, 1998 (reissue)

Seems like this is an educational album for children.
See also Max Sunyer

AUTOMATICS (UK)

Punk-rock quartet. They had a single out in 1978 and later a few in the 2000s, and seven albums from 2000 to 2009.

You Can’t Catch Me (3:49) 2000

LP: The Missing Album [Destroy Records BURN-001] ● UK, 2000

BARBARA ANN (Spain)

Rock quintet, all men despite the band name. Hector Fernandez (vocals, ac.guitar), Jorge Garcia (el.guitar, vocals), Pedro Pasamontes (guitars), José Antonio Danta (bass, vocals), and Sergio Ramos (drums, vocals). Add. musician: Lluis Vidal (piano).

Carol (2:31) 1992
Carol (2:31) 1992 (Spanish version)

CD: Another Girl [3 Cipreses CR-9C-0910] ● Spain, 1992
LP: Another Girl [3 Cipreses 4C-0910] ● Spain, 1992*

Okay rockin’ version but the Spanish one sounds best. The CD has 15 tracks, but the LP* only features 11 tracks, which means the Spanish version is not included.

BASICS (Australia)

Rock trio, formed 2002 in Melbourne. Michael Hubbard (lead guitar, vocals) replaced by Tim Heath in 2005, Kris Schroeder (bass, vocals), Wally De Backer (drums, vocals). Most of their songs are originals, often written by Kris Schroeder, so it’s interesting to see they selected a Berry tune to cover, where they, by the way, are enhanced by a horn section.

You Never Can Tell (3:05) 2019

LP: B.A.S.I.C. [The Three Basics 3B0170562] ● Australia, 2019
CD: B.A.S.I.C. [The Three Basics 3B0170579] ● Australia, 2019

But a pretty ordinary version.

CARROLL BATEMAN And The UNTOUCHABLES (USA)

Singer and guitarist together with Ted LeMire (saxophone), Tom Vanyo (bass, vocals), Richie Pommer (drums).

No Particular Place To Go (2:50) 1966 (live)?

LP: Songs From Last Night [Smigar Records M-101] ● USA, 1966

I have a feeling this is very local. Record label out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

BETTERDAYS (UK)

Rhythm & blues quintet from Plymouth. Mike “Shane” Hayne (lead vocals). Richard Broczek (guitars), Bob Pitcher (keyboards, vocals), Mike Weston (bass, vocals), Frank Tyler (drums). Formed in 1960 as a rock’n’roll group but who more and more added rhythm & blues to their repertoire. They released an EP on the Oak label in the early ‘60s and a single in 1965 on Polydor, but promotion and sales were poor so they disbanded in 1966.

Too Much Monkey Business (2:10) 1994

CD: No Concessions [Aftermath NAFT-1001] ● UK, 1994
2-LP: Backlash [N.T.B. Records 1003] ● UK, 2017

This re-issue in 2017 contains more songs than the 1994 version. The album has both early unreleased songs and newer recordings from the reunion of the band in 1994.

BLACK CAT JOE & MISS CORINA (France)

Black Cat Joe (vocals, guitar, harmonica, bass drum & cymbal), Miss Corina (washtub bass, maracas, tambourine). I have found two albums and two EPs by them. They play folk blues and primitive rock’n’roll. You can find several You Tube clips where they a.o. perform both “Carol” and “Roll Over Beethoven”.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2013
You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2013

CD: A Thousand Miles From Nowhere [Kerozen, no cat number] ● France, 2013

BLACK LIPS (USA)

Flower-punk band from Atlanta, Georgia formed in 1999. They have released over 12 albums and a LOT of singles and EPs since 2002.

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 2004 (live)

7” 33 1/3 EP: Live At The Jam Club [Shake Your Ass Records SYA-009] ● Italy, 2004

Recorded live on a two-track at Jam Club in Mestre, Italy (near Venice). Limited numbered edition.

BLACK KNIGHTS 2005 (UK)

Back in the ‘60s, really 1965, they had a single out on Columbia “I Gotta Woman” produced by George Martin. This reunion band consisted of Mal Jefferson (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Frank Hopley (piano, vocals), Ritchie Ballard (bass), Allan Schroeder (drums, vocals), the latter was a founding member of the original group.

Johnny B. Goode (3:20) 2005
Nadine (3:29) 2005
No Particular Place To Go (2:30) 2005

CD: Back In Black [Mastersound MS CD.570] ● UK, 2005

LYNDA CARTER (USA)

Lynda Jean Cordova Carter from Phoenix, Arizona, born in 1951. She’s an actress and singer. Won Miss World USA in 1972. Played the role of “Wonder Woman” for three seasons in the ‘70s TV series. So far she has released four studio albums, from 1978-2018.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie …) (3:21) 2011

CD: Crazy Little Things [Potomac Records PP-4003] ● USA, 2011

Pretty good pop version.

CASH (USA)

Rock quintet. Kathy Turner (vocals), Howard “Bunk” Beenken (guitar), Isaac Josef Anthony (organ), Tim James (bass), Hank Laake (drums)

Johnny B. Goode / Roll Over Beethoven [in a rock’n’roll medley] (10:10) 1972 (live)

LP: Caught Live At The Golden Hawk [Catch Records LAM-128] ● USA, 1972

Recorded live at the Golden Hawk on 9 September 1972 in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to the Berry covers the medley consists of: Long Tall Sally, Great Balls Of Fire, Shake Rattle And Roll and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.
It’s not easy to find on line tracks from obscure albums, so I can’t comment here.

CHANTAL (Germany)

German classical group or instrumental-ensemble with ten to fourteen musicians gathered.

Roll Over Beethoven (4:54) 2003 (live) (instr)

CD: Live At The Cavern [Zounds Music 27000 60022] ● Germany 2003

Recorded live at The Cavern Club in Liverpool 22 February, 2003. This is in a series titled Audiophile Edition  – Volume 4.
Again, I wonder why they include Beethoven, except that Beatles recorded it and had a hit with it, but still ? The Beatles wrote plenty of their own. As a matter of fact of the 14 tracks on the album, 13 are from the pens of Lennon-McCartney.

CO-DEPENDENTS (Canada)

Rock’n’roll-country quartet from Calgary, Alberta, consisting of Billy Cowsill (lead vocals, ac. guitar), Steve Pineo (el. guitar, vocals), Tim Leacock (bass, vocals), Ross Watson (drums). They existed from 1998 to 2004.

You Never Can Tell (3:02) 2001 (live)

CD: Live At The Mecca Café – Volume 2 [Indelible Music NIRC-0009] ● Canada, 2006

Album recorded live at the Mecca Café in Calgary, 27, 29, 30 June 2001. Here we have 18 mostly covers of rock’n’roll, soul, R&B songs from various well known artists and groups.

CORMAN (France)

Alias Marc Simon, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter. In the ‘90s he performed and recorded with Claude Saut as Corman & Tuscadu. He’s also recorded a lot as Marc Simon. To be quite honest I am not sure where he’s from, France or Italy? Most of the albums by him are from France. It’s not easy when you have songs recorded in French, English, Italian and German.

Carol (4:09) 1997

CD: Anatomia [Baracca & Burattini 489171 2] ● Italy, 1997

I have only found one release of this album from Italy. And this is also the only release as Corman.

CRAZY ROCKERS (Netherlands)

Four piece indo-rock band. See Volume 3, page 1146 for biographical info.
However, there were some missing links in there. I didn’t have the exact year for the first two Berry covers and I missed the timing. And the CD “Story Of The Crazy Rockers” was also missing. Now their Berry covers collection is complete and correct, so far.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:32) 1964
Rock And Roll Music (2:18) 1964

LP: Drivin’ With The Crazy Rockers [Delta DL-502] ● Netherlands, 1964
CD: Story Of The Crazy Rockers [Sam Sam Music CDHL-1006] ● Netherlands, 1992

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (2:13) 1964

45: Delta DS-1116 ● Netherlands, 1964 (PS)
CD: Story Of The Crazy Rockers [Sam Sam Music CDHL-1006] ● Netherlands, 1992

You Never Can Tell (3:21) 1998

CD: In Session [KoKo Records 98201] ● Netherlands, 1998

Vocals by Sugar Lee Hooper.

CREOLE STRING BEANS (USA)

Six piece Swamp pop/R&B group from New Orleans, Louisiana.

You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2009

CD: Creole String Beans [String Bean Music SM-001] ● USA, 2009

Recorded at Word Of Mouth Studio, New Orleans. There are a couple of live performances by the band of this song on You Tube.

CROSSTONES (USA)

A rock band led by guitarist Bobby Emmons.

Run Rudolph Run (2:46) 1980

LP: It’s Christmas Time [Clifton Records CL-2001] ● USA, 1980

This runs too fast in a country rock way, enhanced by a horn section which makes it a little nagging. Record label out of Clifton, New Jersey.

KIKKI DANIELSSON (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1153 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (2:42) 2016

CD: Christmas Card From a Painted Lady [Universal Music UNI-0602557-24198] ● Sweden, 2016

Slower and pretty dull version, unfortunately.

DELILAH DeWYLDE And The Lost Boys (USA)

Delilah DeWylde (vocals, upright bass), Lee Harvey (guitar), and DJ McCoy (drums). Delilah hails from Western Michigan and started with her high octane rockabilly back in 2004. She’s released three albums and two EPs from 2008-2012.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2012

45: Merry Christmas From Delilah DeWylde… [Girl Friday Records GFR-003] ● USA, 2012

Released in limited quantities; 100 copies on green vinyl, and then re-issued in 2013 on red vinyl with 130 copies.

DOLLHOUSE (Sweden)

Garage rock band from Enköping, Sweden. They were active from 2000 to 2011. Unfortunately no info when the Berry number below was recorded.

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 2010 (?)

45: Ghost Highway Recordings GHR-130 ● Spain, 2016

Interesting release with Dollhouse on one side with the Berry number and Jake Starr And The Delicious Fullness on the other with a Bo Diddley cover “Gunslinger”. There are two picture sleeves (color drawings), the Berry side has a “Dollhouse” leaning on a jukebox like on Berry’s LP “New Juke Box Hits”. The Diddley sleeve is showing “Jake Starr” in disguise as Bo as on his Checker LP “Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger”. Limited editions of a 100 hand numbered copies each on black, green and blue vinyl.

MAX SUNYER (Spain)

Real name Joaquin Antoni Sunyer Llop. Jazz-rock guitarist, born in La Pobla de Massaluca, Terra Alta in 1947. He’s been active since the mid ‘60s. He studied classical guitar playing from the late ‘60s during four years. Musicians on the album below are: Jordi Querol (vocals), Max Sunyer (guitar, harmonica), Pepe (bass), J. M. Vilaseca (drums).

Carol (2:53) 1972
Rock And Roll Music (2:51) 1972
Roll Over Beethoven (2:45) 1972

CD: 1972 [PDI S.A. F-80.3325] ● Spain, 1994 (reissue)

I can’t seem to find the original album, so maybe this is something that never came out originally(?) It’s a straight rock’n’roll album with ten tracks and again Berry’s music is represented the most.
See also Ara Va De Bo

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 version you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music.
Regarding all the new covers of “Run Rudolph Run” several of them are titled "Run Run Rudolph" but I have not used that on any of the entries.

MINDI ABAIR & THE BONESHAKERS (USA)

Blues, rock, funk. Mindi Abair, Randy Jacobs, Rodney Lee and Third Richardson, with the help from Derek Frank and Blanca Garza. Mindi is a saxophone player and vocalist, she was born 1969 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Run Rudolph Run (2:37) 2018

CD: All I Got For Christmas Is The Blues [Pretty Good For A Girl Records PGCD-02] ● USA, 2018

Now this a funky version, very unusual.

RANDY BACHMAN (Canada)

Guitarist, singer, songwriter, born 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Member of the pop/rock group Guess Who, and later Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Run Rudolph Run (3:39) 2008

CD: Takin’ Care Of Christmas [Avalon Music 41516] ● Canada, 2008
CD: Takin’ Care Of Christmas [12 Hit Wonder 41516] ● Canada, 2014 (reissue)

A midtempo rockin’ version, with a children choir.
See also Bachman & Cummings

FRANKIE BALLARD (USA)

Joseph Vincent Camilleri, born 1948, is a Maltese-born Australian singer, songwriter and saxophonist. The family moved to Australia when he was two. Apart from recording as a solo artist he’s been a member of well-known bands like Jo Jo Zep And The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, both of which are featured in the Berry Covers songbook.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 1995

CD single: All Saints Hotel [Head Records D-1248] ● Australia, 1995

See also Jo Jo Zep And The Falcons, and The Black Sorrows
Actually, to add a little to the Run Rudolph Run entry by Jo Jo Zep on page 1277 (Vol.3). The song was recorded and released in 1975. In addition to the mentioned Various LP and CD it was also released on single in 1975, Mushroom K-6194, as Jo Jo Zep And His Little Helpers. And the song was credited to Chuck Berry.

CAPTAIN RAT AND THE BLIND RIVETS (USA)

Captain Rat is Fred Wisniewski on drums and vocals. The Blind Rivets are Tim Vear (guitar, vocals), Todd Modern (keyboards, vocals), Richard Cabal (saxophone, vocals), Mark Rubel (bass, vocals).

Run Rudolph Run (3:12) 1982

33 1/3 EP: Run Rudolph Run [Pogo Records PEP-001] ● USA, 1982

Recorded at Faithful Sound Studios, Urbana, Illinois. Record label out of Champaign, Illinois.

CHESTERFIELD KINGS (USA)

Very popular garage rock quintet from Rochester, New York. I have found 11 albums released by the band, and 17 singles. Band members have been changing throughout the years since they started back in 1980. The members on the Berry cover below are: Greg Prevost (vocals), Ted Okolowicz (lead guitar), Jeff Okolowicz (rhythm guitar), Andy Babluk (bass) and Mike Boise (drums). I found a live clip on You Tube and they are a solid rock band that sounds like the Rolling Stones.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 1998

CD single: Living Eve Records LSD-98FC ● USA, 1998

This single didn’t sell anything(?) as it was a limited edition Christmas release for the Fan Club.
In 1981 they had a single out titled “You Can’t Catch Me” which was an original song and not Berry.

CLOVERS (USA)

The group itself goes way back to 1946 and Washington D.C. and had hits in the ‘50s with songs like “Blue Velvet”, “Devil Or Angel”, “Love Potion No. 9” and more. However, the album below is a compilation of Christmas tracks recorded by various old vocal groups like The Orioles, The Rainbows, The Jewels, The Velons and the Clovers. I won’t mention any names here as I don’t know how many (if any) of the original band members were left.

Run Rudolph Run ( 2:31) 1989

Various LP: A Capital Christmas [BJM Records BJM-002] ● USA, 1989

This is a modern rockin’ version, enhanced by a horn section, shoo-be-doah, shoo-be doah …

PASCAL COMELADE (France)

Pascal Paul Vincent Comelade, born 1955 in Montpellier. He uses very unusual and different instruments like singing saw, toy piano but also guitars, accordion, piano and drums. His first album came in 1980, and he’s recorded so many… However, since I don’t have any of his releases it is a little difficult to find out how many versions there are of “Sixteen”. One has Pascal playing Toy piano and one has Mark Cunningham, both at 2:34 length. There is also an earlier version featured on a self released album compilation from 2010 titled ”Galletto Présente Enregistrements PC- 75-90” featuring recordings from 1975-1984, and the song runs for 4:33.

Sweet Little Sixteen (1:26) 1987 (instr)

LP: El Primitivismo [Les Disques Du Soleil Et De L’Acier DSA-54011] ● France, 1987

Here Pascal plays toy piano and drums, plus has Damned Pat on distant vocals (!)

EP: Rock Del Veneno [Les Disques Du Soleil Et De L’Acier DSA-54012] ● France, 1988

EP released as a limited and numbered edition of 100 copies. The song here is a remixed version of the LP track above.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:33) 1991 (instr) (live)

CD: Stranger In Paradigm [Vand’Oeuvre 0630] ● France, 2006

This was recorded live in Barcelona in 1991. VERY unusual electronic pop version which is hard to recognise. The album itself is a compilation of songs from the ‘90s and 2000s. Limited numbered edition of a 1000 copies.

CROSS-SCHACK-OSTERMANN (Denmark)

Rock/blues trio. Billy Cross, singer, guitarist (born William Schwartz in 1946 on Manhattan, New York) has been living in Denmark since 1980. Mik Schack (aka Michael Hans Greve Schack who is Jazz musician and journalist), and Flemming Ostermann (rock/jazz guitarist and vocalist, Co-founder of the famous Danish band Savage Rose).

Nadine (4:08) 2006
No Money Down (4:25) 2006
Run Rudolph Run (4:16) 2006
Thirty Days (3:21) 2006

CD: Trio From Hell [Kick Music KICKCD-270] ● Denmark, 2006

Nine tracks on the album, and as you can see they are pretty long ones, from 3 and a half to 6 and a half minutes.
See also Billy Cross

GANG (Netherlands)

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:09) 1979

Various LP: Lift 4 [Universe Productions OP-4] ● Netherlands, 1979

This album has songs by five different white blues bands. It is in an album series from Lift 1 to Lift 5.

HOLLYWOOD BRATS (UK)

A rock band from London formed in 1971 and disbanded in 1974. Original members were: Andrew Matheson (vocals), Casino Steel (keyboards), Eunan Brady (guitar), Wayne Manor (bass), Lou Sparks (drums).

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:29) 1973 (live)

2-CD: Sick On You [Cherry Red CDBRED-676] ● UK, 2016

Previously unissued track. The CD set also contains their debut “lost” album first released in 1980, and everything is remastered by Norwegian Casino Steel and enhanced by previously unissued outtakes, rarities and live tracks. Produced in collaboration with original singer Andrew Matheson.

HOTT ROXX (Canada)

A rock’n’roll band (sextet) active in the late ‘70s consisting of Jim Tovey (vocals), John King (guitar, vocals), David Harrison (guitar), George Bland (keyboards, harp), Scott Shelson (bass, vocals), Tony Ciaccia (drums). They had one single, “Here We Go Again” FOX-1005) and one album, “Rock’n’Rolls Gone Hollywood” FO-7002, out in 1978. So the single below must have been some sort of promotion for the band, but the album doesn’t include a version of “Little Queenie”. The title track of their album is a typical Berry soundalike, it even mentions Johnny B. Goode …

Little Queenie (4:22) 1977 (live)

45: Force 1 Records FO-1003 ● Canada, 1977

Pre-U.S. Release Canada Radio Exclusive. Recorded in Toronto March 1977. A record to get your “Hott Roxx” off.
This is what’s written on the label.
Please see page 1650 Mystery Cover Version (Vol. 4) for more info regarding this release.
However, at that time I didn’t know anything about it. Later on I thought it could be the Canadian band April Wine because they released an album recorded live in Toronto March 1977 (which didn’t include “Little Queenie”). But it seems it was not.
So what was the purpose for the release of this promo single by the Hott Roxx?
Anyway, now at last we are hopefully at the end of this question mark. No Rolling Stones and no April Wine.
(Thanks to Discogs)

IMPERIAL STATE ELECTRIC (Sweden)

THard rock quartet, Nicke Andersson (vocals, guitar), Tobias Egge (guitar, vocals), Dolf DeBorst (bass, vocals), Tomas Eriksson (drums, vocals). They have seven albums out on Psychout Records from 2010-2018 and many singles.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:01) 2010

10” LP: In Concert! [Psychout Records PSYCH-011 LP] ● Sweden, 2010

Noisy rendition. 6 tracks. Produced by Nicke Andersson. In concert? It sounds studio to me.

ANDREAS JONSSON & The Pink Cadillac Band (Sweden)

Born 1986. From Värmland. Singer, songwriter, guitarist who’s made a name for himself as a musician, producer, arranger and has collaborated with people like Ingvar Karlsson (Sven-Ingvars), Louise Hoffsten, Linda Gail Lewis. His band Pink Cadillac is known for playing the real stuff from the ‘50s.

Carol ( : ) 2014
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2014
Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 2014

LP & CD: Well That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll [Andreas Jonsson AJMP-02] ● Sweden, 2014

Again it is interesting to notice that Berry has three covers on the album, plus one from the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, a couple from Jerry Lee, and one from Little Richard and Carl Perkins a.o.

Little Queenie (3:27) 2018
No Particular Place To Go (2:48) 2018

LP & CD: We’re Ready [Andreas Jonsson Self released] ● Sweden, 2018

This was re-released in February 2021 in connection with their We’re Ready Tour.

KOOL RAY And The Polaroidz (USA)

Doug Johnson (guitar), John Parkhurst (guitar), Dee Person (bass), Denny Propst (drums). Maybe they are all doing the vocals?

I’m Talking About You (1:58) 1980
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:52) 1980

LP: Introducing [Stuff Records SR-80-001] ● USA, 1980

Recorded at Creative Audio, Urbana, Illinois. A cool(!) and straight rock’n’roll album with songs from Berry, Cochran, Beatles, Richard and Orbison. 13 tracks including two original songs.

TERRY MANNING And The WILD ONES (USA)

Terry Don Manning from El Paso, Texas. He’s played with Bobby Fuller and fronted The Wild Ones. He’s worked at Stax Studios in Memphis, and also done a lot of engineering and producing. Apart from the album below, he’s released three albums, among others a tribute to Bobby Fuller in 2013.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1963

LP: Border Town Rock ‘N Roll 1963 [Norton Records ED-374] ● USA, 2012
CD: Border Town Rock ‘N Roll 1963 [Norton Records CED-374] ● USA, 2012

Recorded 12 October 1963 at the TCA Clubhouse, El Paso, Texas. Previously unissued. This album (Volume 7) is in a series titled El Paso Rock.

98 DEGREES (USA)

Andrew Lachey, Jeffrey Timmons, Justin Jeffre and Nick Lachey. A Grammy–nominated boy band. They have seven albums out including two Xmas concepts. All members are from Ohio. They have sold over 10 million albums and have had several Top 40 single hits.

Run Rudolph Run (3:23) 2017

LP: Let It Snow [UMe B-0027412-01] ● USA, 2017
CD: Let It Snow [UMe B-0027310-02] ● USA, 2017

A good pop version with a horn section, although the short guitar solo makes it a little rockin’.

ROCK MACHINE (France)

Studio musicians.

Around And Around ( : ) 1978
Carol ( : ) 1978
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1978
Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1978

LP: A Stone Collection [Carabine 26 519] ● France, 1978

Also featuring a few soundalikes like “Route 66”. The front cover proclaims: A Non Stop Dancing Record...
But what does Johnny B. and Sixteen have to do with the Stones, except that they have played them live?

SHORTY AND THE HEARTBEATS (Ireland)

Brian “Shorty” O’Kane (bass, vocals, guitars), Iggy Ward (guitars), Rosey Hunter (vocals, tambourine), Gary Hunter (drums).
For some strange reason there are seven additional vocalists (!) on the album.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:50) 1986

LP: Sweet Little Sixteen [Homestead Records SRT6KL-1060] ● UK, 1986

Recorded at Homestead Studios, Randalstown, which is a small town in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland.

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: Spending more time on discogs and 45cat found me some more previously unknown cover versions.

YOSHITAKA MINAMI (Japan)

Singer, songwriter and producer. born 1950 in Tokyo. A popular man in Japan with a lot of singles and albums released from the early ‘70s.

You Never Can Tell (3:24) 2002

CD: Blue Nude [JVC VICJ-60908] ● Japan, 2002

WILLY MONTI (Chile)

Pop singer who had several singles out from 1965.

No Particular Place To Go (as “No Tenia Nada Que Hacer”) (2:22) 1965

45: Demon SD-087 ● Chile, 1965

Now this is actually a pretty nice version and the musicians featured are pretty good.

GÜNTER NORIS und die Big Band der Bundeswehr (West Germany)

Real name Günter Maier. Born 1935 in Bad Kissingen, died 2007. Bandleader, pianist, composer and arranger. He’s released so many albums…

Memphis, Tennesse (2:43) 1972 (instr)

LP: LP: Rock & Pop Party – Welthits Im Happy Sound 2 [CBS S-65493] ● West Germany, 1972

Quite goode big band version with a solid beat.

JAY ORLANDO (USA)

A jazzy saxophone player who had at least 3 albums out in the ‘70s. On his Jay & B album from 1972 “Horn Aplenty” (which didn’t feature “Memphis”) he’s labeled as "The Sexiest Sax In Showbiz" (!)

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:30) 1972 (instr)

45: Jay & B Records JB-45001 ● USA, 1972

Record label out of Las Vegas, Nevada.

LE POING Mark Robson (France)

Rock quartet led by Mark Robson.

Sweet Little Sixteen (1:35) 1971 (live)

LP: Hard Rock’n’Roll Live [Carabine 26 222] ● France, 1972

It seems this album was first released in 1971 on a none label issue. So the album above was a re-release which also came out both in Italy and Spain.
See also MARK ROBSON

REFLOTRON (Switzerland)

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) ( : ) 1987

45: MSM MSM-1020 ● Switzerland, 1987 (picture sleeve)

MARK ROBSON (France)

He’s known in France as a rock’n’roll performer doing rock standards. He began in the group “Le Poing Mark Robson” around 1970 which was a rock-quartet and gradually became his vehicle.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1976

EP: Rockotek [Ultra Nova UN-1000] ● France, 1976

See also LE POING

JERRY RUDOLPH & His Orchestra (Australia)

See PAUL BEAN

HIDEKI SAIJO (Japan)

Male Singer/actor born 1955, died 2018 at the age of 63. He released his first single and album in 1972. He’s had so many records out I stopped counting. He has also received several Awards, both as a vocalist and record sales. A very popular artist.

Johnny B. Goode (2:39) 1976 (live)
Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 1976 (live)

LP: Rock On Stage [RCA RVL-7005] ● Japan, 1976

RENÉ SIMARD (Canada)

Pop artist born 1961 in Chicoutimi now Ville Saguenay. Very popular and he’s had so many singles (EPs) and albums I lost count.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:07) 1987

45: Les Disques No 1 DJ-NOX-137 ● Canada, 1987

Not quite sure but I think this single was to promote the album below.

Various LP: Escale À... Memphis [Les Disques No 1 NO-1851] ● Canada, 1987

This is a tribute album to Elvis with a picture of Simard on the cover in front of Graceland. Four tracks by Simard.. The album even features Carl Perkins with “Blue Suede Shoes”, plus Richard Anthony, Jason D. Williams, Tony Roman, Renée Martell and Nanette.

SOMBRAS DE FRAC (Spain)

New wave - rock sextet.

Memphis, Tennessee (as “El Tren De La Felicidad”) (2:38) 1982

45: Citola CI-82010 SG ● Spain, 1982 (picture sleeve)
LP: Nuevos Románticos [Citola CI-82012] ● Spain, 1982

STRIKES (Japan)

Rock’n’roll/beat quartet.

Little Queenie (2:39) 1986 (live)

2-CD: The Man With The Golden Ramrod [Vivid Sound VSCD-7601] ● Japan, 2009

The original single album was released in 1987. The above is a reissue with 25 bonus live tracks.

I’m Talking About You ( : ) late ‘80s

2-CD: A Shot Of The Strikes [Mint Sound Records MSR-CD-8-9] ● Japan, 2007

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) late ‘80s

2-CD: A Shot Of The Strikes [Mint Sound Records MSR-CD-8-9] ● Japan, 2007
CD: Thirteen Stompey Hits [Vivid Sound VSCD-7602] ● Japan, 2012

“Little Queenie” is also on this compilation. However, I don’t know if they are previously unissued or whatever, live or studio.

SUZANNE And Piano Killer (Austria)

Roll Over Beethoven (2:30) 1986

45: Piano Killer Rocks On [no label 119 477] ● Austria, 1986

Coupled with “Good Night Irene” which don’t have the name Suzanne on the label, just Piano Killer Rocks On. So who’s the Piano Killer? There’s a clip on You Tube showing a PianoKiller & Friends doing a rocked up version of “Good Night Irene” live in Vienna 2015, but he sounds American(?)

TERRY THOMPSON (USA)

Terry Jene Thompson born 1943 in McCallsburg, Iowa. In 1977 he moved to Hanford, California. Apart from having his own band and playing throughout Iowa, as far as I can tell he only recorded just one record (below) coupled with “Shadow In The Window”. He died in 2020, at the age of 76.

Johnny B. Goode (2:29) 1973

45: Ven-Jence No. 7 ● USA, 1973

Record label out of Carlisle, Iowa.

JACK WESTLEY & The Country Bandits (USA)

Maybellene (as “Maybelline”) (2:15) 1975

45: Guinn Records #1028 ● USA, 1975

Record label out of Kansas City, Missouri.

AL “PORKY” WITHEROW (USA)

Born 1935 in York, Pennsylvania. Died in 2004. Tradional 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(!)

MIKE ZITO (USA)

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

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2021 (live)

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

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

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: Spending more time on discogs and 45cat found me some more previously unknown cover versions.

ALFA (Finland)

Pure Finnish rock band from Tornio. Active from 1975–1979, released one single in 1978, see below.

Beautiful Delilah (2:33) 1978

45: Poko Rekords PIS-015 ● Finland, 1978 (picture sleeve)

The A-side was a probably original song called “Hey Hey Hey”, written by one Jarmo Voutilainen.

PAUL BEAN And The Four Angels (Australia)

Seems like both Paul Bean and The Four Angels were a part of Jerry Rudolph And His Orchestra.

Maybellene (1:38) 1957

EP: Rock, Rock, Rock [Prestige Records PEP-1018] ● Australia, 1957

Featuring Jerry Rudolph And His Orchestra. The other tracks are: House Of Blue Lights, Razzle Dazzle, Ko Ko Mo.

GINNY BIRON And The G Notes (USA)

Virginia Rachel “Ginny” Avery Biron Lefebvre (1937-2001) from Alton, New Hampshire.

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1970

45: NCS 811122 ● USA, 1970

Recorded at North Country Sounds, Auburn, New Hampshire. Produced by Roland Lefebvre. A-side was the Buck Owens title “Don’t Ever Tell Me Goodbye”.

COMMAND (France)

Rock’n’roll sextet, five guys and one girl.

Maybellene ( : ) 1981

45: Command no cat no (self released)● France, 1981 (picture sleeve)

It’s an interesting fact that even though you don’t have a record label you decide to release a single (in 1981) and pick two old classic rock’n’roll songs, “Love Potion No.9” is the other. Hail, Hail. And they actually managed to get the correct spelling.

CTMF featuring The Dear Watson Sound (UK)

Billy Childish = Steven John Hamper, born 1959 in Chatham, Kent. Now here is a guy with several aliases and a lot of record releases. You’ll find many under Billy Childish, Wild Billy Childish, CTMF, The Chatham Singers, The Guy Hamper Trio, and The Dear Watson Sound which was Billy Childish, Julie Hamper and Wolf Howard. CTMF is short for Chatham Forts.

Too Much Monkey Busisness (2:38) 2017

45: Damaged Goods DAMGOOD-468 ● UK, 2017 (art sleeve)

The Billy Childish 45 Club series – BCSC-6, limited edition. This Berry cover is garage rock, sounds almost like it was recorded back in the ‘60s. Maybe that was the intention?

FEDERALS (UK)

Beat sextet from Watford. They had 7 single releases in England from 1963-1965. Tony Bolton (vocals), Brian Hawkwinds (guitar), Tony Selvidge (keyboards), Frank Milne (trumpet, vocals), Micheal Bush (bass), Guy Shepard (drums). It seems the records from Romania were exclusive as I can’t find any release from UK for the single and LP. The album was re-released in Romania at least three times, in 1970, 1971 and 1974.

Rock And Roll Music (2:27) 1965

45: Electrecord C.S. 133 ● Romania, 1967
LP: The Federals [Electrecord ED.0202] ● Romania, 1965

Memphis, Tennessee (2:31) 1965

LP: The Federals [Electrecord ED.0202] ● Romania, 1965

BOBBY HACHEY (Canada)

Singer and an eminent guitarist, born in Atholville, New Brunswick in 1932, died 2006. Besides having a band with his brothers, Terry and Curly in the ‘50s and ‘60s, he’s played with famous Canadian singers. He has also released many albums throughout his career. Check out his “Guitar Boogie” (Arthur Smith) on You Tube. Pretty amazing. You’ll also find a later clip with him doing “Johnny B. Goode” live on stage somewhere.

Johnny B. Goode (2:25) early 1980s

LP: Hello Marylou [Contact CO-518] ● Canada, early 1980s

FATS HAGEN & BAND (West Germany)

A rock’n’roll band (sextet) in the style of Fats Domino from Bavaria (München). Founded in the early ‘70s. However, in the late ‘90s the band broke up, and later on Fats Hagen has performed as a one-man band.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:27) 1982

45: Ariola 105 096 ● Germany, 1982
LP: Big F. H. Is In Town [Ariola 205 095] ● Germany, 1982

KIRK HELDRETH (USA)

Probably a country singer.

Johnny B. Goode ( 2:36) 1978

45: MH Records MH-201 ● USA, 1978

Although it doesn’t say anything on this label there’s another single on MH Records from 1978 by The Overtons which says record label out of Nashville, Tennessee.

JOHN HENRY III and The Country Blues (USA)

I don’t know, but except for the fact that he’s a country singer, he’s had several singles out in the ‘70s on various labels like Monument and Goldband. In 1970 he had a single out titled “Mathilda” on the Country Blues label credited to John Henry III and His Niece Dolly Parton (!)

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:29) 1971

45: Country Blues Records C.B. 813 ● USA, 1971

Record label out of Nashville, Tennessee.

Johnny B. Goode (2:31) 1972

EP: Sings Country Blues [Earl Dixon’s Hillbilly Heaven H.H. 45-1972] ● USA, 1972

Record label out of Lorton, Virginia. Sounds a bit like Buck Owens but without the feeling and it also has a noisy saxophone solo.

CLAUDE JOBIN (Canada)

Shown on the LP as Claude Jobin Et Ses New Country Generation.

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:01) 1971

45: Guitare GT-110 ● Canada, 1971
LP: Dans La Nuit Prés De Toi [Guitare GTL-1909] ● Canada, 1971

French lyrics. A terrible version by all means.

Maybellene (2:53) 1971

LP: Dans La Nuit Prés De Toi [Guitare GTL-1909] ● Canada, 1971

French lyrics. This is actually a little better with a good walking bass line.

LOS BONYS (Mexico)

Memphis, Tennessee (as “El Dinosauro Miope”) ( : ) 1964

45: Philips 45/0331 ● Mexico, 1964

HAROLD LUTHER (USA)

Real name Harold Luther Smith. Can’t find much but it seems he was the producer of a couple of local singles in the late ‘70s.

Little Queenie (as “Queenie”) (2:58) 1974

45: Herald Recording Studio 7404 ● USA, 1974

Record label out of Brookhaven, Mississippi. The single is coupled with his own song “Forbidden Love”, which was the A-side by the way.

MARSHA LYN (USA)

Male Country singer. The single below is the only stuff I’ve found on him. However, there’s another (maybe the same) Marsha Lyn who had some singles and an album out on King’s Universal Records in the mid ‘80s.

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) late 1970s

45: Alibi Records V-2711 ● USA; late 1970s

Recorded at Valtron Recording Studio, Helena, Montana. Good walking bass but that’s about all.

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: CBID lists and shows Chuck Berry Vinyl and CD releases from all over the world. While our list is pretty complete, from time to time some rare releases pop up from which I hadn't heard before - such as these:

UK

BIO / CHUCK BERRY ‘75
Beat Goes On BGOCD-1459 ● 2021

It says Digitally Remastered but I don’t know as I haven’t heard it. Anyway, it’s the two original LPs which follows the series on BGO that started back in the mid ‘90s. See page 211 and pages 215-217. Plus page 1984.

INDIA

78rpm

Rock And Roll Music / Blue Feeling (instr)
London HL-M. 8531 ● 1957

IRELAND

78rpm

School Day / Deep Feeling (instr)
Columbia DB(I) 3951 ● Ireland, 1957

Black label, white print.
Photo thanks to Thierry Chanu.

ITALY

LP

CHUCK BERRY’s GOLDEN DECADE
Cadet (Durium) D.30-152 ● 1967

Maybellene / Johnny B. Goode / Nadine / Roll Over Beethoven / Thirty days / No Particular Place To Go /Memphis, Tennessee / School Day / Too Much Monkey Business / Bye Bye Johnny / Sweet Little Sixteen / Anthony Boy / Back In The USA

As you can see this is a single record. The front cover is the same as the first issue of the US Golden Decade album, gold record with no titles printed. Everything is in el.stereo, very bad sound. The label colour is the dark blue/white one.
It’s printed 1967 on the labels and on the proof pressing shown which means that what I heard way back that there were no Berry albums released in Italy in the ‘60s is wrong. Later 1970s pressings have a slightly different label listing the local copyright control association SIAE instead of the multi-national BIEM.

Which also means that the “Back Home” album on page 2003 is from 1970.

JAPAN

LP

CHUCK BERRY’s GREATEST HITS
Globe (Chess) JET-7198 ● 1964

No Particular Place To Go / You Never Can Tell / Maybellene / Nadine / Brenda Lee / You Two / Memphis, Tennessee / Sweet Little Sixteen / Roll Over Beethoven / Rock And Roll Music / Johnny B. Goode / Brown Eyed Handsome Man (1961 version)

Refering to page 374. The tracks are of course not the same as the US release Chess LP-1485, as you can easily see. I didn’t have this album back then and unfortunately I messed it up when writing. Anyway, it really says The Best of Chuck Berry on the back cover and on the label. As far as I can see this was the very first Berry LP issued in Japan. Including “No Particular Place To Go” and “You Never Can Tell” were wise, however, “You Two” and “Brenda Lee” were not, even though they were B-sides of the first two tracks. The front cover is the same as the US LP-1485 with the yellow sticker.
For some strange reason they included the 1961 version of “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” (from the On Stage album with the audience noise).
This particular album was also issued in Taiwan in two different disguises, see pages 475-476, and also this blog.

SOUTH AFRICA

LP

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE AUDITORIUM
Fontana STL-201 ● April 1968

The whole cover looks like it was copied from the issue in Netherlands (Fontana Int. 858 047 FPY) and not USA. Nothing is mentioned on the cover or label that this is from South Africa, but IT IS.
This is mentioned on page 2019 in Vol. 4 but I didn’t have the album at the time but here it is:

SOUTH KOREA

LP

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS
Seill SL-137 (Tae Do Record Co.) ● mid 1960s

This looks very much like the ones from Taiwan. Thin paper jacket, however, it has an open folio sleeve with an art work for a George Jones album on the opposite side. Same tracks as the original US Chess LP.

There are still records out there that we have never seen or heard of. It’s a strange world.

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: Spending days on discogs and 45cat resulted in a large list of cover versions to be added. Some of the following entries are additions or corrections to the corresponding descriptions in the book or in previous blog posts.

Many new entries this time. It’s amazing that Berry’s music has received such a status among all kinds of artists and groups. As you will notice there are a lot of mixed musical styles among the over 60 new covers. Both discogs and 45cat are places I have found many of them. It’s a whole new world out there when it comes to searching for singles and albums.

The Dutch heavy rock group Bintangs was featured in Vol. 3 of CBID with three cover versions. Now it goes to show they have recorded a lot more. We can add 6 more covers. They have even included a cover version in their new CD titled “These Hands” that came out in September 2021.

The group The Yellow Dogs from Japan have also recorded a lot of Berry tunes. I found one single and when searching discogs I happen to find several more. How did I miss that back in the days of cover searching? Actually that goes for Bintangs too. However, the internet is a completely different thing today than it was yesterday.

I would like to make your attention to a girl trio called Skeleton Dolls on You Tube were they talk about Chuck Berry regarding his 90th birthday and they also do a live version of “Thirty Days”. It’s interesting to listen to young people, and especially girls, talking about Chuck’s legacy to the world of music, with passion and enthusiasm. It gives people like me satisfaction that there is actually a hope for the future.

LEE AARON (Canada)

Real name Karen Lynn Greening. Heavy rock singer, born in Belleville, Ontario in 1962. Known as Metal Queen, but she’s also released jazz oriented albums. In the 1980s and early ‘90s she had several hits on the Canadian charts.

Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2020

CD: Almost Christmas [Big Sister Records ] ● Canada, 2020

This album is only available through her website.

ANDREW SIXTY (Italy)

Three guys who’s into techno, mixes and you name it. We’ll leave it at that.

Johnny B. Goode (3:38) 1994

CD: Andrew Sixty [House Records Rap HR-001-1] ● Brazil, 1994

Vocals: Andrea Alberghi.

Johnny B. Goode (5:21) 1994 (dance mix)

12” 45: Jukebox Records JBR-001 ● Italy, 1994

Vocals: Andrea Alberghi. This 12” was actually released in many various countries, like Mexico, Australia/New Zealand and Spain.

BILL BERRY (Belgium)

Johnny B. Goode (as “Johnny Be Good”) ( : ) 1970

45: Monopole S. 103 ● Belgium, 1970 (picture sleeve)

Haven’t got a clue, except that on both sides of the label his name is Bill Derry (!) On the sleeve it clearly shows Johnny B. as the A-side but on the label it’s the B-side. It’s also printed on the front sleeve: The American Rock Racket!
Still a little confused?

BINTANGS (Netherlands)

See Volume 3, page 1075 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (4:43) 1996 (live)
Soul Rockin’ (3:40) 1996 (live)
Run Rudolph Run (2:48) 1996 (live) Bonus track

2-CD: Dynamite Night [Bananas Records 48397 2] ● Netherlands, 1996

Recorded live at Paradiso, Amsterdam on 27 January 1996. It contained a bonus CD with 4 tracks including “Run Rudolph Run”.

It Wasn’t Me (3:14) 2002

CD: La Femme Sans Tête [AG Music AGM-1267] ● Netherlands, 2002

It Wasn’t Me (2:54) 2018 (live)

CD: It’s A Nightmare [Miller Records MILLCD-001] ● Netherlands, 2018
LP: It’s A Nightmare [Miller Records MILLCD-009] ● Netherlands, 2018

Back To Memphis (3:41) 2021

CD: These Hands [Miller Records MILLCD-002] ● Netherlands, 2021

Good to see that they picked a more obscure Berry track for this new album that came out in September 2021.

There’s also a bootleg out titled “Live At The Dorpshuis, Ruinerworld”, Netherlands, recorded 3 March 1979, featuring four Berry covers: Run Rudolph Run, I’m A Rocker, Soul Rockin’, Bye Bye Johnny. The sound quality is okay if you’re a fan.

BOMB SQUADRON (USA)

Heavy metal rock band from Reading, Pennsylvania, formed in 1994.

Run Rudolph Run (2:47) 1997 Noise!

EP: More Bad News [Final Vinyl Records 006] ● Germany, 1997

Recorded 3. August 1997 at Snugfit Studio, Richboro, Pennsylvania. A limited edition of 300 copies on pink vinyl.

CD: Another Generation Found 1994-1998 [Doppelganger Records DGR-003] ● USA, 2005

This is their entire studio history.

BREAKAWAYS (New Zealand)

Beat, R&B, rock quartet from Wellington.

Johnny B. Goode (2:22) 1965

45: W&G S-2349 ● New Zealand, 1965

Recorded in Australia.

Guitar Boogie (1:55) 1966 (instr)
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ About You”] (2:38) 1966
Little Queenie (2:27) 1966

LP: Let’s Take A Sea Cruise! [His Masters Voice MCLP-6221] ● New Zealand, 1966
CD: Let’s Take A Sea Cruise! / Album Two [EMI 7243 8 21714] ● New Zealand, 1997

Regarding Guitar Boogie, they have almost followed Berry’s arrangement to the point but the good beat is not there.

GUST BROUX (Belgium)

Memphis, Tennessee (as “De Pisbak”) (2:07) 1982

45: A.B. Records AB-601 ● Belgium, 1982 (picture sleeve)

Strange sound with minimal beat and flat singing, almost country style.

BURNING (Spain)

Popular hard rock band from Madrid founded in 1974.

Johnny B. Goode (2:52) 1974

45: Movieplay SN-20.940 ● Spain, 1974 (picture sleeve)

Their English pronunciation is so terrible I actually first thought they were singing in Spanish !!! But they are enthusiastic.

ALAN BURTON (USA)

He’s probably a rock singer regarding the A-side below which is on You Tube.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1973

45: Crimson no cat no ● USA, 1973

Recorded at Paul Greys House of Hits, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The A-side is titled “Sunshine, You’ll Love It” written by Burton and Ron Bradley.

CAROL (Japan)

Rock’n’roll quartet.

Johnny B. Goode (3:09) 1975

45: Philips FS-1522 ● Japan, 1975 (picture sleeve)

Strange name for a male band.

CASEY AND THE PRESSURE GROUP (Netherlands)

Rock, soul, funk quartet.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1972

45: Polydor 2050 229 ● Netherlands, 1972 (picture sleeve)
LP: Memphis Revisited [Polydor 2925 010] ● Netherlands, 1972

The album recorded 27 & 28 June 1972, at Sound Push Studio's in Blaricum.

CHANDLER & The CHASERS (Spain)

Not sure about Spain.

Promised Land (as “Promise Land”) (2:49) 2012

Various EP: We Want To Be Black Vol.1 [Fole Records FOLC. 012] ● Spain, 2012

The other artists on the EP are: Lord Rochester, The Clams, Guadalupe Plata. The sleeve has pictures of Bo Diddley and Otis Redding.

CHAPLIN BAND (Netherlands)

Five guys all dressed up and looking like Charlie Chaplin (excuse me) ! At least on the single in question (below). A side is titled “Don’t You Wanna Be My Girl”, written by the band. This pop/disco group from Maastricht have had several singles and three albums out . They were formed in 1976 by brothers Jo and John Bartels.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:12) 1976

45: EMI Holland 5C006-25377 ● Netherlands, 1976 (picture sleeve)

Sorry to say but you don’t wanna hear this.

CLASSIC ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND (Czechoslovakia)

Rock’n’roll revival group, formed in late 1970s by Josef Pilař in Prague.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:30) 1984

EP: Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Band [Panton 8133 0166] ● Czechoslovakia, 1984

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1991

LP: Classic Rock ‘n’ Band [Globus International 21 0056-1 311] ● Czechoslovakia, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which is probably in the Berry/Stones way.

COPLEY, JEFFRIES & REID (USA)

See TRIANGLES.

GERARD COX (Netherlands)

Now here is a singer who’s been around for awhile. His first record I found was from 1962, and he’s had records out in the next four decades.

No Particular Place To Go (as “Fijn D’r Vandoor In M’n Automobiel”) (2:30) 1990

45: EMI 12 7527 7 ● Netherlands, 1990 (picture sleeve)
CD: Favorieten Expres [Universal Music 080 861-7] ● Netherlands, 2020

CZERWONO CZARNI (Poland)

This is a rock-beat band formed in 1960 and is one of the pioneers of Polish popular music. The band lasted until 1976, but played at their 50th Anniversary in 2010. On the CD cover below six guys are pictured, but I have also seen the band as a quintet...

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:27) 1961

EP: Elevator Rock [Pronit N-0169] ● Poland, 1961
2-CD: 40 Przebojów [Polskie Nagrania Muza PNCD-1297 A/B] ● Poland, 2010

Interesting to see that they covered a Berry song as early as 1961 and at 3 minutes and 27 seconds. But the result just sounds funny, however, to give the guys a little credit, the piano player is pretty good. On the 2010 release the Berry track is a bonus cut on CD 2.

DOCTOR EXPLOSION (Spain)

Garage rock trio from Gijón formed in 1989. Jorge Muñoz-Cobo (guitar, vocals), Angel Kaplan (bass), Pablo Gonzalez (drums). They have had many singles and albums out since 1990.

Let It Rock (as "Déjalo Sacudirse") (1:43) 1992 (live)

EP: Thunderpussy TH-002 ● Spain, 1992

They tried to do it their way and pretty much made it. The EP came out in three different colours on the cover, one is red, then blue and finally purple.

Beautiful Delilah (2:12) 2004

EP: The Chesterfield Childish Club [Soundflat Records SFR-45-013] ● Spain, 2009

DREADFUL SNAKES (Canada)

Not sure about who this is. This is probably a rock band since the other side of the 45 is “A Fool In Love” written by Ike Turner. (Just so it’s mentioned, there’s a bluegrass group, The Dreadful Snakes, who had an album out in 1995 titled “Snakes Alive”.)

Carol (as “Oh Carol”) (2:35) 1978

45: Snake Records SR 1 / SR 2 ● Canada, 1978

Recorded at Comfort Sound in Toronto, Ontario, October 1978. Produced by T. C. Wilkins.

EL COBRAS (USA)

The two songs are described as surf-rock. This seems to be their only output(?)

Guitar Boogie (2:18) 1964 (instr)

45: Essar Records E-714 ● USA, 1964

This version lacks everything, no feeling, no beat and no drive and even has an organ. The B-side, also an instrumental, is titled “Oh Yeah”.

CONNY & DANNY FABRY (Belgium)

Husband and wife who had a lot of records out in the ‘80s and ‘90s, both as a duo and by themselves. Conny (real name Christine Truyens) born 1952, Danny (real name Robert Esseldeurs) born 1948. They divorced in the early ‘90s.

You Never Can Tell (as “Zo Is Het Leven” [C’est La Vie]) (3:22) 1985

45: Limbo Records 5317 ● Belgium, 1985 (picture sleeve)

They have followed the Emmylou Harris arrangement.

FREE WILL (USA)

Rock quintet. Joe Whiting (vocals, tenor saxophone), Mark Doyle ( lead guitar, vocals, piano), Bill Irvin (rhythm guitar, vocals), John DeMaso (bass), Tom Glaister (drums).

Chuck Berry Medley (10:20) 1969

2-LP set: Cold Cold Morning [Grail Records Production GRL-301/2] ● USA, 2017

Songs are: Rock And Roll Music / Around And Around / Nadine / School Day / Thirty Days. Between each song they repeat “Rock And Roll Music” in shorter snippets. Recorded in New York , November 1969. I like this one!

FUTURE DREAM (Austria)

Quintet.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1974

45: Koch Records (self released) ● Austria, 1974

3 tracks.

GANGBANGS (Netherlands) ?

Searching for this band online is pretty hopeless. There is other stuff that pops up, I tell you. (However, on discogs another variation (alias) turns up, CPC Gangbangs which hails from Canada and have 8 singles and 1 album out from 2006 – 2009.)

Beautiful Delilah ( : ) 2002

45: High School Refuse Records HSR-014 ● Netherlands, 2002 (picture sleeve)

GROOVIE GHOULIES (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1223 for biographical info.
Refering to what I wrote about this track, it has come to my attention that it was actually released on a 3 track vinyl single back in 1997.

Trick Or Treat (1:32) 1997

45: Lookout! Records LK-186 ● USA, 1997 (picture sleeve)

3 tracks on orange vinyl, coupled with “Graveyard Girlfriend” and “Devil Town”. It says it was recorded at Sonic Iguana, Lafayette, Indiana.

GIBASDRA (Sweden)

It seems like they are a dance band type of thing, however, they look like a rock band.

You Never Can Tell (as “Monsieur Pierre”) ( : ) 1971

45: California C-5061 (PS) ● Sweden, 1971

Mari-Anne Sjöberg is doing the vocals here. I haven’t heard this but the Swedish title is identical to the one by the Streaplers from 1970.

HIGHWAY (Netherlands)

Sounds and looks like a dance band.

Thirty Days (as “Oh, Jenny Girl”) (2:23) 1981

45: Menopole S. 1900 ● Belgium, 1981 (picture sleeve)
LP: Holland Rock En Rolland 1 [CNR 541 697] ● Netherlands, 1984

This is the same version as the one by John Lamers & The Skyliners back in 1963 but then titled “Kom Terug”.
See also JOHN LAMERS

I.O.W. CHEROKEES (UK)

I.O.W. stands for Isle Of Wight. Beat group.

Anthony Boy ( : ) 1966

45: 69 Club 69-EP-001 ● UK, 1966

Recorded at Olympic Sound Studios 17 April 1966.

RUSS JEFFERS & BECKY (USA)

Husband and wife bluegrass duo. Russ Jeffers (vocals. Guitar), Becky Jeffers (ac.bass), James McKInney (banjo), Craig Duncan (fiddle). They have released six albums.

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:29) 1975 (live)

EP: Lee-Ann Records L-1001 ● USA, 1975
LP: Russ & Becky Jeffers At Opryland [Lee-Ann Records (NR-6062)] ● USA, 1975

A little confusing info here. The EP above has only Russ Jeffers, but all the songs on the EP are on the LP. The LP says only Russ Jeffers on the front cover and labels. On the back cover it says Russ and Becky with pictures of them both. There’s no cat.no. The NR-number refered to is the mastering number from Nashville Record Productions.

KEENS (Italy)

Garage rock quartet, Luca Burranca (vocals, harmonica, maracas), Andrea Caruso (guitar), Adriano Izzo (bass), Efisio Pistis (drums).

Beautiful Delilah (1:58) 2006

45: Psych-Out Records PO-45018 ● Italy, 2007 (picture sleeve)

3 tracks, recorded at Dream Studios, Turin, on 24 June 2006.

KING AUTOMATIC (France)

He was the drummer in a French punk band called Thundercrack, now he’s a one-man band playing garage rock. But I have been unable to find his real name.

You Never Can Tell (2:28) 2015

EP: Havin’ A Whole Lot Of Fun [Futuropolis 250043] ● France, 2015

2 songs by King Automatic and 2 songs by Johnny Jano. Recorded March 2015 at Studios Duroc in Nancy.

KOFFERS (Netherlands)

Rock quartet.

Rock And Roll Music (as “Rock ‘N Roll Music”) (2:53) 1989

45: D & K DK-89001 ● Netherlands, 1989 (picture sleeve)

The song has a goode drive and they perform and sing well.

JOHN LAMERS And The Skyliners (Netherlands)

He’s had a lot of singles out during the years, starting in 1960 up to the early ‘80s. And also a few albums.

Thirty Days (as “Kom Terug”) (2:27) 1963

45: CNR UH-9630 ● Netherlands, 1963
LP: Crazy Love With John Lamers [CNR GA-5050] ● Netherlands, 1964

See also HIGHWAY

LES JERRYS (France)

Beat quintet

Bye Bye Johnny ( : ) 1966
Nadine (3:11) 1966

EP: Les Jerrys [Camelon Records CAME-17] ● France, 2015

Original test pressing from May 1966, previously unissued. Good grief !!! This should have stayed in the can.

LES SHAZAMS (France)

Instrumental quartet.

Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:23) 1966

EP: Memphis [DMF 26 445] ● France, 1966

This sounds very sweet and reminded me of the Swedish instrumental group The Spotnicks.

LOS EXOTICOS (Spain)

See Volume 3, page 1037 for biographical info.
And yes, that’s Dave Allen & The Exotics. The EP below is the same as the one on page 1037, but released as a special publicity record where at least the Berry cover runs a little too fast, see timing. And take notice that Dave Allen in question was the American singer/guitarist.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:09) 1966

EP: El Ritmo Liverpool [Disco Sorpresa Fundador 10.127] ● Spain, 1967 (picture sleeve)

LOS MAGNATES (Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1348 for biographical info.
Now here again is a strange one, as this is actually the Danish group Matadorerne released in Spain in disguise of being a Spanish group, which they are NOT. And if you add the two other names for this group you have four to collect, The Matadors or Bobby Winson & The Matadors.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:09) 1965

45: Belter 51.499 ● Spain, 1965

I haven’t heard this version but I reckon they are singing in English and this is the same as the one mentioned on page 1348.

LOS SIREX (Spain)

I’m Talking About You (as “Si, Lo Hago Por Ti”) (1:48) 1966

45: Vergara 45.143 ● Spain, 1966

The guys do a pretty good job of it. Recorded in stereo.

GREGG MARTINEZ (USA)

From Lafayette, Louisiana. He’s been performing for nearly five decades and released some 13 albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:28) 2011

CD: South Of The Parish Line [Magnolia/Massacre Records MR-1101] ● USA, 2011

Run Rudolph Run (3:27) 2021

CD: A MacDaddy Christmas [MacDaddy Productions, LLC ] ● USA, 2021

EDDIE MEDUZA (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1359 for biographical info. See also Soundalikes, pages 1850-1851.

Roll Over Beethoven (demo) (1:42) 1979

10” EP: The Lost Tape [Atenzia Records ATZEP-04] ● Sweden, 2016
CD: The Lost Tape [Atenzia Records ATZEP-07] ● Sweden, 2016

This EP contains 6 tracks, all demos from 1979. This is exactly how Eddie wanted to sound.

DAVE MILLER And The Byrds (New Zealand)

Beat quintet. three singles and one EP, all in 1965.

How You’ve Changed (3:12) 1965

45: Zodiac Z45-1220 ● New Zealand, 1965

This I am sure they picked up from the Animals, but interesting nevertheless. And a pretty good version it is.
This makes it the third cover version of this obscure Berry blues ballad;  The Animals in 1965 and George Benson in 2019.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

You Never Can Tell (as “C’est la Vie, Fais la Belle”) (3:06) 2021

CD: Country Rock [Polydor Universal Music 366 776 9] ● France, 2021
LP: Country Rock [Polydor Universal Music 366 776 3]* ● France, 2021
LP: Country Rock [Polydor Universal Music 366 777 3]** ● France, 2021

You can listen to this on YouTube. Besides the CD the album is out as an ordinary LP (*) and limited edition (**).

PEARL JAM (USA)

Rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. Present members: Eddie Vedder (lead vocals-guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Jeff Ament (bass), Matt Cameron (drums).
Has sold millions of albums and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Around And Around (3:09) 2017

45: Ten Club TC-2016 ● USA, 2017 (picture sleeve)

2016 Annual single available for Pearl Jam Ten Club analog members. Recorded 30 March 2017, a rehearsal for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. The A-side was titled ”Alive” from the sound-check on 7 April 2017 for the induction ceremony. Interesting choice since Pearl Jam’s never been in the Berry cover versions before. Again it goes to show…The Berry cover side of the label has a silhouette image of a Berry walking Chuck. Nice. The songs were recorded by Music Mix Mobile and mastered at Resonant Mastering. This is no bootleg. Don’t know if it was for sale in stores, but you’ll find several on eBay.

PONNYS (Switzerland)

Four guys from Frenkendorf, near Basel. Beat instrumental group.

Guitar Boogie ( : ) 1979 (instr)

45: Studiotechnik A.Gysin & Co 4687/4688 AG ● Switzerland, 1979 (picture sleeve)

Now this is a self released little single featuring a cover of the Berry instrumental on one side (B), and “Amapola” on the other side ( A). Always nice to see when bands are covering this Berry boogie, a title it should have had in the first place.

RAMBLERS (West Germany)

There’s been a lot of bands around calling themselves The Ramblers. This seems to be a punk/powerpop band formed early 1977 in Hagen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Around And Around (4:00) 1980

45: BB Records 1010 31 ● Switzerland, 1980 (picture sleeve)

The A-side of the single was titled “No Sensation”.

JOHN RUSSELL (Netherlands)

Black singer who had his first single out in 1962 on Philips as John Russels And The Junior Rockers. The single below was his second. He’s released a lot of records throughout the years way up into the ‘90s. Also know as John “Kingsize” Russell and Big John Russell.

Maybellene (as “Mabelline”) (2:45) 1964

45: Fontana 278 075 YF ● Netherlands, 1964 (picture sleeve)

Favorieten Express series.

SAN BERNADINO (Ireland)

Seems like they are/were everything from showband to country to heavy metal. They started in 1975 and have had 6 singles out from 1977-1982.

Tulane ( : ) 1982

45: Evergreen EVS-102 ● Ireland, 1982 (picture sleeve)

In 1981 they released a single titled “I’m A Headbanger” coupled with “Route 66”. The latter being credited to Chuck Berry, would you believe, instead of Bobby Troup.

JOHNNY SEVEN & THE KILOWATTS /USA)

Probably a Texas blues-rock band. This is the only record I have found. The EP below has four tracks including three written by Johnny Seven.

School Day ( : ) 1983

EP: School Days [Black Snake Productions BSP-1002] ● USA, 1983

SIT N’ SPIN (USA)

Four gals from California playing garage rock with a rock’n’roll twist. Heidi Lieb (guitar, vocals), Monica Vargo (guitar, vocals), Meredith Ochs (bass), Maria McKenna (drums). They have several singles and three albums to their credit.

Thirty Days (2:25) 1996

45: Solamente Records XCR-05 ● USA, 1996

JO JO SIWA (USA)

Real name Joelle Joanie Siwa. Born 2003. She’s a dancer, actress, singer and YouTube personality. I have seen a DVD for sale by her. She’s also made a video of the Berry track below, aimed at younger girls. They could download the song through Amazon. And it seems a 1000 copies were made of the actual CD for sale in selected stores.

Run Rudolph Run (2:13) 2020

CD EP: JoJo’s Rockin’ Christmas [Nickelodeon 50 5452 69612 0 3] ● USA, 2020

SLADE (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1511 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (3:31) 2002

CD: Come On Let’s Party! [EMI 5802 382] ● UK, 2002

SMUGGLERS (USA)

Garage punk quintet.

I’m Talking About You (as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”) ( : ) 1994

45: Pin Up Records 95036 ● Germany, 1995

Recorded 27 April 1994 at Audio Recording, Seattle, Washington. Released on white vinyl (300 copies), red (300) and black (400).

STRYPES (Ireland)

Four young guys with ‘60s long hair, Josh McClorey, Stuart Hardle, Pete O’Hanlon, Evan Walsh. Garage rock.

Beautiful Delilah (1:57) 2012

EP: What A Shame [Virgin EMI 374 9900] ● UK, 2012
3-track CD single: Virgin ASHAMECJ-1 ● UK, 2012
CD: Snapshot [Virgin EMI 375 0949] ● UK, 2013 (deluxe edition)

Speeded up version to the extreme.
You can find more Berry covers with these guys on YouTube, like live versions of “Little Queenie” and “Run Rudolph Run”.

DIANE TARAZ (USA)

Born in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts, she is now living in the Boston area. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. So far she’s released some 21 albums including various topics, political, history and Christmas.

Johnny B. Goode (3:15) (medley with “Wonderful World” & “Cupid”) (6:25) 2017

CD: Let’s Misbehave! [Raisin Pie Music 41578 2 3] ● USA, 2017

Recorded and mastered at Wellspring Sound in Acton, Massachusetts. Produced by Taraz. It’s a little unusual to combine two Sam Cooke songs with the Berry classic. They really don’t mix well, but she’s doing a goode job of it.

TRIANGLES (USA)

Rock band. Gary Copley (guitar, vocals), Tommy Lee Reid (bass, vocals), Dick Jeffries (drums, vocals) On the single the band is known as Triangles, however, on the album they are known as Copley, Jeffries & Reid. They were a popular trio who performed in the central Ohio and throughout the mid west.

“The Chuck Berry Collection” medley (4:25) 1975

45: Kare Records KS-108 ● USA, 1975
LP: Triangle [Kare Records LPS-330] ● USA, 1975

Songs: Carol / Too Much Monkey Business / Little Queenie / Johnny B. Goode / Nadine / Reelin’ And Rockin’

TRIFFITS (Netherlands)

See volume 3, page 1573 for biographical info. I would add that they were probably a garage rock band who were still learning. But I am sure they had fun.
On this page I referred to the entry as being previously unissued according to the album liner notes. But a 45 turned up and it was actually released as a single in 1966.

Too Much Monkey Business (as “Monkey Business”) (2:35) 1966

45: Delta DS-1175 ● Netherlands, 1966

The Berry track which was the A-side is wrongly credited to one Ruud Tegenhart.

REX TURNER (Australia)

In the ‘50s he was on some 10 singles and EPs, mostly cover versions of American hits. He looks like a crooner although I haven’t heard the actual song so I can’t tell for sure.

School Day ( : ) 1957

78/45: W & G WG-SPN-429 ● Australia, 1957

B-side was “Honky Tonk Song”. Label colour was light green for the 45, and darker red for the 78.

YUYA UCHIDA (Japan)

See Volume 3, page 1580 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1964

45: Toshiba Records TR-1097 ● Japan, 1964 (picture sleeve)

VIKA AND LINDA (Australia)

Sisters Vika Susan and Linda Rose Bull from Melbourne. Blues and sou/gospel duo who started out back in 1984 as backing vocalists in the group The Black Sorrows (see page 1079-80 in Vol.3). In 1994 they went solo and released their first album, “Vika And Linda”, which went into the Top Ten. So far they have released 7 studio albums, 4 live albums and some 20 singles.

Run Rudolph Run (4:14) 2001

Various CD: The Spirit Of Christmas [Myer Grace Bros MGB-07CD] ● Australia, 2001

It says on the back cover that All profits from the proceeds of this CD will be donated to the Salvation Army of Australia.

Down Bound Train (2:48) 2020

CD: Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso) [Bloodlines BLOOD-78] ● Australia, 2020
LP: Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso) [Bloodlines BLOODLP-78] ● Australia, 2020

Fine version where the girls are singing in harmony to good effect. Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly sent the ladies 175 songs several years ago to choose from regarding plans for a gospel album. After some painstaking listening they decided on 12 songs plus an original. The album reached #2 on the Australian album charts, and at the AIR Awards of 2021 it won Best Independent Blues and Roots album. An interesting note is that English music director Cameron Bruce played piano from his home in New South Wales and sent the tracks to Melbourne.

TONY WORSLEY (Australia)

Born Anthony Asheen Worsley in Hastings, England in 1944 and emigrated with his family to Brisbane, Australia when he was 15. He had 3 albums out in 1965-1966, and a whole lotta singles from 1964-1967.

I’m Talking About You (as “Talking about you”) (1:58) 1965

45: Sunshine (Festival) QK-983 ● Australia, 1965
2-CD: Ready, Steady, Let’s Go [Festival Records D-46071] ● Australia, 1999

And The Fabulous Blue Jays. The CD set contains the complete Sunshine recordings. 37 tracks with The Blue Jays and 10 tracks by the Blue Jays themselves.
In 1992 he was part of concert dates called “Living Legends Live Benefit Concert” where he a.o. did a great version of “Johnny B. Goode” with a fabulous band (see YouTube). As far as I can tell it’s only available on VHS and DVD, no CD (?)

YELLOW DOGS (Japan)

Four guys, Julie (guitar), Nanny (guitar), Ikari (bass), Takao (drums). A revival surf/rockabilly/beat group. Not easy to find info on these guys online. The CDs show five guys but singles show 4 (?)

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:30) 1999

45: Tinstar Records SR-TIN-012 ● Japan, 1999 (picture sleeve)
CD: The Yellow Dogs Jacaranda 20 Hits! [Tinstar Records MSR-TIN-030] ● Japan, 2000

The main problem is the “English” pronunciation. But they are good musicians.

Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 2000

45: Tinstar Records MSR-TIN-026 ● Japan, 2000 (picture sleeve)
CD: The Yellow Dogs Jacaranda 20 Hits! [Tinstar records MSR-TIN-030] ● Japan, 2000

Carol ( : ) 2002

CD: My Girl Is Red Hot [Tinstar Records MSR-TIN-049] ● Japan, 2002

They also do a cover of “I Got To Find My Baby” probably credited to Berry, but it’s not counted for as it is not a Berry original.

I’m Talking About You ( : ) 2003
Little Queenie ( : ) 2003

CD: Yellow Dogs Is Gonna Get You [Tinstar Records TIN-056] ● Japan, 2003

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: Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes songs which tribute Chuck Berry in title or lyrics as well as albums dedicated to honor Chuck. Here's one of each.

DIFFERENTS (USA)

Rock trio, Lou Hallwas (vocals, guitar, piano), Gary Stier (vocals, bass), Dan Garrity (drums). They have two albums out, one in 1997 and one in 2018.

Chuck Berry (2:35) (Dan Garrity) 2018

45: Stars/No Stars 007668-8 ● USA, 2018

Recorded at Gravel Road, Chicago, Illinois. Gary Stier does the lead vocals on this tribute which is a little different (yes) as it has not so much Berry beat or guitar but is still rockin’ good.

MIKKA GRYTVIKEN (France)

This French guy, born 1971, (with Scandinavian roots, sounds Norwegian to me) has released a digital tribute album to Chuck for streaming or downloading. 12 tracks:

Carol / Maybellene / Route 66 (!) / Oh What A Thrill / Darlin’ / You Never Can Tell / Sweet Little Sixteen / It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes / Little Queenie / Johnny B. Goode / School Day

It was released 23 September 2021. He says that it is his favourite songs. It’s very interesting to notice that he has picked a song, “Darlin’”, from Chuck’s very last studio album, “Chuck” 2017. Mikka is doing the vocals and playing all the instruments, guitars, bass and drums. According to himself he’s a pop, rock, blues, jazz and soul music singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. His English pronunceation is not perfect but he has a goode feeling for the music.
(Thanks to Ari Niskanen of Finland who sent me the link: https://mikkagrytviken.net/)

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: Chapter 5 in Volume 2 presents not-for-sale vinyl and CD albums produced by radio stations for broadcast, chapter 7 in Volume 2 looks at movies containing Chuck Berry in person or Chuck Berry music in their soundtrack. Here are additions to each:

CHUCK BERRY ON THE RADIO
Concept Albums

SOUNDS OF SOLID GOLD (VOLUME 3) - Going Back In Time

LP: United States Marine Corps, Programs 10/11 ● USA, 1970s

Rock And Roll Music

Four tracks on each side. Side One (program 10) focuses on the year 1957, with music by Bill Justis (“Raunchy”), Pat Boone (“April Love”), Berry, and Jimmie Rodgers (“Honeycomb”). Side Two (Program 11) covers 1966 and includes The Toys (“Attack”), The Association (“Cherish”), The Temptations (“Get Ready”), and Neil Diamond (“Solitary Man”). Interesting selection with combining Justis, Boone, Rodgers and Berry.

CHUCK BERRY IN THE MOVIES
Soundtracks featuring Chuck Berry recordings

FUGUEUSES
[English title: RUNAWAYS]

AFCL Productions (Colour 95 min.) ● France, 1995

Starring Marie Trintignant, Irene Jacob, Nicole Garcia. Directed by Nadine Trintignant

Berry’s “No Particular Place To Go” is played in the movie. Actually, half of the song including guitar solo is heard very clearly.

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: Besides covering Chuck Berry and Johnnie Johnson, CBID also has chapter 19 containing a session discography as well as record releases by the Berry-inspired US artist Eddy Clearwater. Two releases need to be added thereto:

SESSION WORK and GUEST APPEARANCES

Shoji Naito

NEW COOL OLD SCHOOL

CD: Ogden Records ORCD-380 ● USA, 2016

Eddy Clearwater tracks: Big Boss Man w/Gerry Hundt / I’ll Change My Style w/Ariyo / Last Night / Walking By Myself w/Ariyo

Album also featuring Willie Buck, Billy Flynn, Lee Kanehira, Mark Fornek, Katherine Davis, Erwin Heller, Milwaukee Slim, Grant Kessler, Marty Binder.
14 tracks recorded in Chicago June/July 2015, produced by Shoji Naito. Shoji was born in Toyota, Japan and moved to Chicago in 1996. Harmonica and guitar player. Co-produced Eddy Clearwater’s “Soul Funky” CD from 2014.

Shoji Naito

WESTMONT TO CHICAGO – Tribute To Eddy Clearwater

CD: Ogden Records ORCD-382 ● USA, 2020

Sen Sa Shun (instr) – Eddy Clearwater Band / I Need You Baby – Eddy Clearwater / Like The Creeper (instr) – Shoji Naito / Stranded – Eddy Clearwater / A Minor Cha-Cha (instr) – Eddy Clearwater Band / Reconsider Baby – Eddy Clearwater / Eddy’s Midnight Dream (instr) – Lee Kanehira / Find Yourself – Win Noll / Deep Blue Sea Blues – Willie Buck / Don’t Go No Further – Willie Buck / Greyhound Harmonica Jam (instr) – Shoji Naito / You Don’t Have To Go – Eddy Clearwater / Women Be Wise – Ginny Morin / Crossover – Tom Crivellone / Ogden Avenue (instr) – Shoji Naito

Finally we have a tribute album to Eddy Clearwater which is a little unusual since we also get four previously unissued tracks by Eddy himself, recorded back in the Summer of 2015 (see CD “New Cool Old School” above). 15 tracks all staged by guitar and harp player Shoji Naito who also produced the album. The musicians featured are people from Eddy’s original band plus musical friends. (Eddy died 1 June 2018, he was 83.)

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: Berry's influence to modern rock music is not only seen through the vast number of artists covering his compositions. You also find artists who refer to Berry in song names, album titles, or lyrics. Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes all these tribute songs and albums.

BINTANGS (Netherlands)

See Volume 3, page 1075 for biographical info.

Good Luck Chuck (3:09) 2006

CD: DOC [Who’s Next Records WNR-2006002] ● Netherlands, 2006

Written by Frank Kraaijeveld. He’s the bassplayer and only original member from the line-up back in 1961. As always, Bintangs does a great job of bringing Berry’s feel into their performance. It rocks in a goode way ...

BULDOŽER (Yougoslavia)

Buldožer was a Yugoslav-Slovenian progressive rock band from the 1970s and 1980s.

I Remember Chuck Berry (0:53) 1979 (instr)

LP: Živi Bili Pa Vidjeli [Helidon FLP-05-017] ● Yugoslavia, 1979

Berry guitar riffs all the way in almost 1 minute.

JOSHUA COOK & The Key Of Now (USA)

Joshua Cook from New Orleans, Louisiana, is a singer and guitarist who plays roots music in the form of rock’n’roll, electric blues and rhythm & blues. The two musicians who’s backing him is Tommy Folen on bass and Nick Fishman on drums. Both doing backing vocals.

CD: The Night Chuck Berry Died [Black Dog ] ● USA, 2017 (live)

The album is dedicated to Charles Edward Anderson Berry (Let It Rock). Recorded live at the Peppermint, Reno, Nevada, very probably on 18 March 2017, when Berry died. There are no Berry covers or tribute on this, but there are a couple of soundalikes. The album was released on 30 May, 2017.

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 Christmas time again and so we see new covers of Run Rudolph Run and more.

BLACK SORROWS (Australia)

See Volume 3, pages 1079-1080 for biographical info.

Promised Land (2:31) 1996 (live)

3 CD: Radio Waves [Head Records/Mushroom HEAD-106] ● Australia, 1996

MARCEL BONTEMPI (Germany)

Real name Marcel Sala-Keikel from Kassel. Has been around since the mid ‘90s and in the 2000s released several singles on various labels. In 2015 a CD was released containing many various recordings and demos.

Down Bound Train (3:15) 2020

45: Twi-Lite TL-006 ● 2020, Germany

Very good cover here, and Bontempi plays all the instruments himself. Great picture sleeve front and back, and it even contains a booklet where the lyrics are illustrated by Bontempi. Pretty versatile this guy.

FOO FIGHTERS (USA)

Run Rudolph Run (2:33) 2021

This fast rockin’ studio version was officially released in December 2021 on various streaming platforms. I know I have never done this before but times are changing and this, I’m afraid, will often be the new way of making songs available to the people. Last year in December they did perform it live as part of a special Christmas show for Amazon. Check it out on You Tube.
It brings the question, should we include more streaming versions? Not sure.
However, the following is also available this year:
GREGG MARTINEZ (USA): MacDaddy Christmas - Run Rudolph Run (3:28) – MacDaddy Productions. Available in Flac.

GEORGIA SATELLITES (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1210 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (3:49) 1988 (live)

Various artists CD: Southern Rock Christmas [Cleopatra CLO-0093] ● 2015, USA

NORAH JONES (USA)

She was born in 1979 as Geetali Norah Shankar, in Manhattan, New York and was raised in Dallas, Texas. Known as a jazz- styled singer/pianist. Daughter of legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar. You won’t find much on the Billboard charts, but that doesn’t hide the fact that she received 2 Grammys in 2003 for Song and Record of the Year with “Don’t Know Why”. And again Record of the Year in 2005 with Ray Charles for “Here We Go Again”.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2021

CD: I Dream Of Christmas [Blue Note ] ● USA, 2021

Hey, talk about laidback. Only the lyrics are left. No beat, no riffs, nothing … Jazz/pop arrangement. Pretty amazing that she actually chose to record this rockin’ tune. She probably liked the lyrics. Goode for a Berry.

LADO LESKOVAR (Yugoslavia)

As you might notice on page 1315 I was wondering if he was singing in Serbo-Croat and it turns out he was. The title for this cover was “Memfis Tenesi” (!)

BERNIE MARSDEN (UK)

Bernard John Marsden, British rock guitarist and songwriter, born in 1951. He’s been a professional musician since the early ‘70s. Famous for being a member of Whitesnake, 1978-1982; the song “Here I Go Again” from ’82 has become the bands anthem.

Back In The USA (2:30) 2021

CD: Chess [Conquest Music CD-18092] ● UK, 2021

This is the second issue of Marsden’s Inspirations Series. The first was for the three Kings, Albert, B.B. and Freddie.
On this CD above he pays tribute to his mentors on the Chess label, like Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin Wolf, Sonny Boy, Elmore James and Muddy Waters.
However, it has always been a mystery to me why English artists decide to sing about the USA in favor of other classic rock’n’roll songs from the Berry songbook. I’m so glad I’m living in the USA sounds a bit silly in the hands of a foreigner, if you ask me.

BILL STAMPER (USA)

Let It Rock (1:50) 1965

45: Loy BS-100 ● USA, 1965 (PS)

Don’t know much here, except that he’s probably a country singer. It doesn’t say anything about where, when or what, but the record pressing plant was called Rite Record Productions Inc. and was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The version itself is nothing to write home about and sounds pretty boring.

TY TENDER (Austria)

Real name is Fritz Weller. Born in 1943. Rock’n’Roll singer whose been active since the ‘70s. Known as an Elvis impersonator.

Little Queenie (2:58) 1993
Maybellene (2:18) 1993
Memphis, Tennessee (2:28) 1993
No Particular Place To Go (2:22) 1993
Promised Land (2:46) 1993
You Never Can Tell (3:17) 1993

CD: My Rockin’ Way [PG Records (Sounddesign)10 158] ● Germany, 1993

For some strange reason this album has passed me completely by. 17 tracks and six are Berry covers on one CD is pretty unusual. Well, except for “Promised Land” which is done the Presley way and “Memphis” the Rivers way, the rest are pretty ordinary. Good rockin versions although very predictable. He sings well and has a tight band.

Run Rudolph Run (3:49) 2012 w/The Continentals

CD: Rockin’ Christmas [Foxrocks (Mcdp International) FOXCD- ? ] ● Austria, 2012

THREE SOULS IN MY MIND (Mexico)

This rock group was formed in 1968 by Alejandro Lora (lead vocals-bass), Ernesto de Leon (lead guitar) and Carlos Hauptvogel (drums). They were enhanced on some albums by Arturo Labastida (saxophone) and Carlos Martinez (trumpet). They have had many albums released on the Raff label, 13 to be exact, and several “Greatest Hits” and “Best Of…” compilations on various labels.

Betty Jean (3:20) 1978

LP: La Devaluación [Raff RF-9044] ● Mexico, 1978

Reelin’ And Rockin’/ Sweet Little Rock And Roller / Johnny B. Goode / Bye Bye Johnny
(as “Potpurri De Rock”) (6:15) 1982

LP: Viejas Rolas De Rock [Raff RF-9108] ● Mexico, 1982

The lyrics of “Reelin’ And Rockin’” are following the 1973 Berry version. They were surely influenced by Berry. Take a listen to their “Oue Viva El Rock And Roll” from 1974. The song itself is not Berry but wait for the guitar solo !!! It was released on single (Raff RF-5039) and album in 1975 (Raff RF-9019).

STEFAN ULBRICHT (Germany)

Promised Land (2:23) 2020 (instr)

CD: Addicted To Boogie [Piano Reloaded Music] ● Germany, 2020

LUCINDA WILLIAMS (USA)

Born in 1953, Lake Charles, Louisiana. A rock, folk and country music singer/songwriter, who had her commercial breakthrough in 1998 with the Gold album “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road”. Has received several Grammy Awards and has released a string of albums.

Run Rudolph Run (3:41) 2020

LP/CD: Lu’s Jukebox Vol.5 – Have Yourself A Rockin’ Little Christmas [Highway 20 Records H-2011] ● USA, 2021

Lu's Jukebox is a six-volume series of performances recorded live at Ray Kennedy's Room & Board Studio in Nashville, starting in late 2020. Note quite sure if this is really live with an audience or just played live in the studio.

ZACH WILLIAMS (USA)

Christian/gospel rock artist from Jonesboro, Arkansas. Born in 1981.

Run Rudolph Run (2:44) 2021

CD: I Don’t Want Christmas To End [Provident /Sony Music SMV CD7761627] ● USA, 2021

Ten tracks recorded at the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

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: New Chuck Berry cover versions from well-known and little-known artists and groups including an astonishing number of Maybellenes.

A friend of mine called the other day and said he had a Berry cover that was not in Vol.3: Red Jenkins And The Midnight Cowboys (Sweden). It contained a version of “Promised Land” (2:14), and the album on Shannon Records SMLP-5013 was released in 1983 but recorded in 1971. It took me a while to figure this out as I was sure I had Red Jenkins somewhere. And I did find out. If you look at page 1363 you’ll find Midnight Cowboys which was the original band name when the album was released back in 1971.

CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS (USA)

Blues/R&B/soul quintet, formed in 2007. Fronted by guitarist, trumpeter and vocalist Lech Wierzynski (born in Warsaw, Poland).
Johnny Bones (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Lorenzo Loera (keyboards, melodic), Beau Bradbury (bass, percussion), Ben Malament (drums, washboard, percussion).

You Never Can Tell (4:38) 2021

CD: Covers From The Cave [Tubtone Records ] • USA, March 2021

ALEX CHILTON (USA)

Born 1950 in Memphis. He was a founding member and lead singer of the Box Tops (“The Letter” 1967). Chilton later formed the power-pop band Big Star. By the time the album below was done he was living in New Orleans. He died in 2010 of heart failure.

Maybellene ( : ) 1999 (live)

CD: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVCD-420 ] • USA, 2021
LP: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVLP-420 ] • USA, 2021

Previously unissued recording from 1999 at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis. Backed by the High Rhythm Section. The LP was limited to just 100 copies.

DOWNLINERS SECT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1167 for biographical info.

Rock And Roll Music (2:07) 1964

EP 45: Brite-Lights Big City [Contrast Sound Prod. RBCSP-002] • UK, 2011

Called the lost EP. Due to various circumstances this was not released back in ’64. It was supposed to be a follow up to the “R&B At Nite In Gt. Newport” EP.

Little Queenie (3:12) 1998

CD: Dangerous Ground [Birch MB-23897] • UK, 1998

Don Craine (vocals-rhythm guitars) and Keith Grant (vocals-bass) are supported by Paul Martin on harp / sax and Alan Brooks on drums plus some additional musicians. Grant sings on “Little Queenie”.

DRONGOS (New Zealand)

According to what I have found on the net, they were a quartet from New Zealand who primarily performed in the streets of New York City from 1979-1986. They actually moved to New York in 1978. Jean McAllister (vocals-guitar), Richard Kennedy (vocals-guitar), Tony McMaster (bass), Stanley John Mitchell (drums).

Too Much Monkey Business [as “Monkey Business”] (2:53) 1984 (live)

LP: Small Miracles [Proteus Records PROT-002] • USA, 1985
MC: Small Miracles [Proteus Records M5PROTE-2] • New Zealand, 1985

It was recorded live on the streets of Manhattan, 5 September 1984. Now this is a very goode rockin’ version, rhythm, vocals and guitars.

BILLY FURY (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1205 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:23) 1969 (live)

CD: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSSCD-009] • UK, 2021
10” LP: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSLP-009] • UK, 2021

Recorded live for BBC Radio 1, broadcast on Saturday Club, 18 January ’69. Previously unissued.

FOGHAT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1197 for biographical info.

Maybellene ( : ) 2019 (live)

2-CD+DVD: 8 Days On The Road [Foghat Records (Select-O-Hits) ] • USA, 2021

A 50th anniversary celebration concert album (14 tracks) recorded live 17 November 2019 at the Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, New York. The club is owned by Daryl Hall. It features the current line-up led by founding drummer Roger Earl, plus Charlie Huhn (guitar and vocals), Bryan Bassett (guitar) and Rodney O’Quinn (bass).

LES COCHRAN’S (France)

Beat quintet.

Carol (2:18) 1966
Memphis, Tennessee (2:38) 1966

EP: Les Cochran’s [Zaphyr 6002] • France, 2000

Songs copied from an acetate, recorded in 1966. Two Berry songs, one from the Kinks, and one original. On the front cover they are four (quartet) and on the back they are on stage as 5 (quintet). It’s a strange thing that a band name themselves after a certain artist and no songs from that artist appears. It’s about the same with The Rockin’ Berries from the UK. They never recorded any Berry songs, not even a soundalike!

LOVESICK DUO (Italy)

Paolo Roberto Pianezza plays various string instruments and Francesca Alinovi plays upright bass. After six years they have released 4 albums and several singles. They are rooted in the American style of the ‘40s and ‘50s country, rock & roll and western swing. He’s a very good player and she can really slap that bass.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 2017

CD: The New Orleans Session [Lovesick Duo ] • Italy, 2017

Featuring special guest: Chloe Feoranzo

Back In The USA (2:49) 2015
No Particular Place To Go (2:51) 2015

CD: Lovesick Duo [Pianezza LOV-01] • Italy, 2015

It’s kinda amazing that two people can make so much goode sound.

MIRACULOUS MULE (UK)

Rock quartet consisting of Alex Louise Petty, Ian Burns, Michael J. Sheehy, Patrick McCarthy. The album below was their debut. They have released three more since then.

Down Bound Train (5:07) 2011

10” EP: Miraculous Mule [Stag-O-Lee STAG-O 022] • UK, 2011

6 track EP recorded in London.

JAYNIE NORTON And Her Dominators (UK)

A south London rocker who had a 45 vinyl out in 2019. On this debut album she gathered some old rockers from bands like Wild Angels, Matchbox and Rockhouse including Wild Bob Burgos (drums), Dick Callan (guitar), Dave Thorncroft (sax), Ian Sab (piano) and Bob Plumb (upright bass).

Maybellene (2:25) 2021

CD: Rev’d Up & Rockin’ [TCY Records TCY-035] • Switzerland, 2021

But guys, “Maybellene” should only be credited to Berry, not the addition of Alan Freed and Russ Fratto. That’s ancient history.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

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

There’s a new 6-CD set out on Laser Media, “The Broadcast Archives – Rolling Stones Box” LM-5608 (UK), containing 89 various live recordings with the band, from radio broadcasts, 1965-1988. A lot of Berry covers here (14 to be exact) and several soundalikes but there’s no info on the set, and I will not use time and effort to try and find out what’s new or previously released and where, what or when. The sound is also a bit irritating bad on some cuts. So why bother. Just for die-hard Rolling Stones fans, and me because I bought a copy (!)

RULLATOR BOOGIE BAND (Norway)

Blues/Rhythm & Blues sextet from Drøbak. They usually perform cover versions but also include original songs. On the 12 track CD below they have two originals.

Carol (3:19) 2019 (live)

CD: Live Fra Rommen Scene [Rullator Boogie Band, no cat.#] • Norway, 2020

Recorded live 30 October 2019 at Rommen Scene, Groruddalen, Oslo, Norway. A good rockin’ version.

TOMMY STEELE (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1532 for biographical info. However, on 10 October 2020 he was knighted so he’s now Sir Tommy Steele. It was about time.

Maybellene (3:02) 1959 (live) (previously unissued)

3-CD: Hits And Rarities [Acrobat Music ACTRCD-9108] • UK, May 2021

BBC Radio “The Tommy Steele Show” broadcast 14 November 1959. Don’t know what to say except it was a big disappointment. Apart from making up his own lyrics and shouting, he’s just singing the refrain a few times while the orchestra is blowing away! The CD set itself is interesting containing a lot of rare and unissued stuff.

KENT WENNMAN ROCKABILLY QUARTET (Sweden)

Kent Wennman (vocals-guitar), Ulf Holmberg (lead guitar), Stefan Persson (bass), Per-Åke Persson (drums), plus add Nicke Widén (steel guitar).

Maybellene (2:01) 2019

CD: Guitar Man & Other Great Rockabilly Tracks Associated With The King Vol. 2 [Kattguld CD 024] • Sweden, 2019

6 tracks. Not quite sure if I should laugh or cry? Do they really mean that “Maybellene” is associated with Elvis? They do a very decent cover though.

CD: Good Rocking Tonight And Other Louisiana Hayride Live Performances Associated With The King [Kattguld CD 025] • Sweden, 2021

9 tracks. All the tracks are songs that Elvis performed on the Louisiana Hayride one time or another. Some he did record and others he didn’t. I mean, hey, “Tweedle Dee” = Elvis? Give me a break, and the Lavern Baker classic is performed country. The guys are pretty good musicians and have the rockabilly feeling for sure. But the album titles are pretty irritating.

JERRY WILLIAMS (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1607 for biographical info. Except that the man died in March 2018. He was 75.

Down Bound Train (2:58) 2006
Too Much Monkey Business (2:44) 2006

CD: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757369] • Sweden, 2019
LP: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757138] • Sweden, 2019

“Down Bound Train” is actually very good, but “…Monkey Business” is a cover of the Elvis version and that was a disappointment.

Down Bound Train (3:35) 2015

CD: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254730493] • Sweden, 2015
LP: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254731847] • Sweden, 2015

Now this is strange in two ways, first too much music/noise and second the whole album is so far from what I have ever heard from Mr. Williams. The whole concept of the album is quite dark which reflects the music and arrangements.

Almost Grown (2:47) 2016 (live)
You Never Can Tell (3:43) 2016 (live)

2-CD set: Man Måste Få Lira [Universal Music AB 060255717019] • Sweden, 2017

It was recorded live at the Scalateatern, Stockholm 29 April 2016. A typical Jerry show! He has a great band, great singers, and he gives it all during almost 2 hours. He also has a habit of talking between some songs and when Jerry starts talking nothing can stop(?) him. He also had something to say about “Chucken” (as he called him) before “Almost Grown”...

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: 40 more Chuck Berry covers from 27 artists and groups, including several versions of Run Rudolph Run.

Hey listen, you will be amazed of how many covers of Run Rudolph Run there are on YouTube. (Many just for digital downloading.) The latest being by a Norwegian group of 14 young blues musicians called Little Steven’s Blues School 2020 provided by none other than Little Steven (Bruce Springsteen) who has taken a deep interest of blues music in Norway. We’re talking 4 girl vocals, 2 guitars, piano, organ, 2 saxophones, 2 trompets, bass and drums. Recorded at Juke Joint Studio at Notodden, Norway. Produced by Morten Omlid and Jostein Forsberg. And all captured on video by Kristian Sundsvalen. Check it out.
And on 16 December 2020 Foo Fighters performed “Run Rudolph Run” live on Amazon Music Holiday Plays special. You’ll find it on YouTube and as a digital download exclusively through Amazon Music.

BEATLES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1064 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:10) 1963 (live)

LP: Live At The Liverpool Empire 7th December 1963 [Rhythm & Blues Records R&B-67] • UK, 2020

Except for the irritating screaming and noise from the audience it’s an okay version, the Beatles way. Side B feature live performances from other venues.

BLUEJAYS (UK)

Said to be the UK’s premier vintage rock’n’roll band. Main members are Oliver Seymour (lead vocals-guitar), Matt Wycliffe (keys), Chris Reid (bass-vocals), Dan Graham (drums-vocals).
“Their high-octane performance will shake, rattle and roll your event with hit after hit. The band are available as a four, five or eight piece.” This will give you an idea of what to expect.

Around And Around (2:09) 2018 (live)

CD: On The Air With The Bluejays [Bluejays] • UK, 2018

A collection of 11 live recordings from various BBC Radio sessions to promote the Rock And Roll Revolution album below. However, the Berry number above is not on the album.

Johnny B. Goode (3:00) 2018

CD: Rock And Roll Revolution [Bluejays] • UK, 2019

Featuring 21 studio recordings of their favourite songs from the touring show.

You Never Can Tell (2:44) 2019

LP: The Bluejays To The Rescue [Bluejays] • UK, 2020

Limited edition (500 copies) on 180gm vinyl and deluxe gatefold cover. 15 of the Bluejays recordings for the first time on vinyl. Including 5 previously unreleased tracks like the Berry one.

CHEAP TRICK (USA)

Rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. Consists of vocalist Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen (guitar), Tom Peterson (bass), Bun E. Carlos and later Daxx Nielsen (drums). Their biggest hits were “I Want You To Want Me” in 1979 and “The Flame” in 1988. On the Xmas album below they have a lot of additional musicians participating throughout.

Run Rudolph Run (3:59) 2017

CD: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275A] • USA, 2017
LP: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275D] • USA, 2017

Although I like the guitar here the song becomes pretty heavy and annoying.

CLARKSDALE BROS. (Switzerland)

A folk/blues group founded in 2003 in Bern. Rick Steiger (vocals-r.guitar), Jürg Heiniger (lead guitar), Marc Herrmann (doublebass). They may perform as a duo, trio or quartet, acoustic set or electric set. Named after the famous town Clarksdale in Mississippi.

You Never Can Tell [as “Never Can Tell”] (3:04) 2012

CD: Studio Live Adventures [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2012

Acoustic versions. Unusual.

Wee Wee Hours (5:30) 2015
You Can’t Catch Me (3:40) 2015

CD: From Rags To Riches [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2015

Acoustic versions. Very authentic.

ERIK & THE DRAGTONES (USA)

Erik Mielzarek is from Washington D.C. and it seems like he’s kept the band for some 30 years. They play neo rockabilly or in that genre.

Let It Rock (2:33) 2020

EP: Rockabilly Child [Bohemian Amigos ] • USA, 2020

7 inch EP on pink vinyl with three tracks. According to the reviewer in Blue Suede News mag, it’s Rockabilly headbanger music. After listening to the album I fully agree.

SARA EVANS (USA)

Country singer/songwriter, born 1971 in Boonville, Missouri. In 1997 she got three chart hits, but hit it big in 1998 with “No Place That Far” #1. She continued with many hits, both Top Ten and #1s up to 2016. She has a great voice and was voted Female Vocalist by ACM in 2006.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2014

CD: At Christmas [RCA 88750 29722] • USA, 2014

Now this is a great rockin’ version. Evans is not considered as a rockin’ country gal. The project is more like a pop/country album and again it’s interesting to notice the choice of material. The Berry cover really differs from the rest of the tracks. His music always seems like a winner when it comes to pick a rockin’ song.

SAMANTHA FISH (USA)

Born in 1989. Singer/songwriter/guitarist originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She’s a pretty versatile musician in genres like rock, blues, country and funk. She has won several awards, especially in the blues field. Her first album “Live Bait” came in 2009 and 9 more have followed.

Run Rudolph Run (4:51) 2019

45: Rounder Records 1166100825 • USA, 2019

Now this is pretty different, slower and with a little jazz/blues effect. It’s okay but loses a bit of the rock’n’roll feeling.
250 copies pressed and available only from SamanthaFish.com. White vinyl with red splatter.

ANDREAS GABALIER (Austria)

Born near Friesach, Austria in 1984. He’s regarded as a folk singer and has received several awards in that category. His first single came in 2008, and he’s released some 11 albums since 2009, seven of them being Platinum.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2020

CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola 06024 ‎3520176] • Germany, 2020
CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola/Universal 06024 ‎35206318] • Austria, 2020

The Austrian CD is a limited fanbox with 15 songs, including a embroidered tablecloth, printed candle and a wood star.
He usually sings in German, but this Berry cover is in English and rockin’ okay.

JOHNNY HALLYDAY (France)

See Volume 3, page 1227 for biographical info.

Carol [as ‘O Carole’] (5:08) 2016 (live)
Nadine (4:15) 2016 (live)
Promised Land [as ‘La Terre Promise’] (4:40) 2016 (live)

3-CD: Rester Vivant Tour [Warner 0190295 923631] • France, 2016

Live at Palais 12, Brussels, Belgium, 25 March 2016. 41 tracks. There’s also a 2-CD set (minus “Promised Land”) containing 28 tracks. Actually this album came out in several variants, including also DVD.

HOME FREE (USA)

Acappella quintet consisting of Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance, originally formed in 2000 in Mankato, Minnesota. They released their first album ”From The Top” in 2007 on their own label, and in 2014 got a record deal with Columbia and the album “Crazy Life”. Altogether they have 12 albums out. They sound really good and leave the listeners amazed with their vocal skills.

Run Rudolph Run (3:00) 2020

CD: Warmest Winter [Home Free Records 3961] • USA, 2020

Here they use a few instruments which was a disappointment to me.

LEVI KREIS (USA)

Singer and a Tony Award winning actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Born 1973. His debut album “One Of The Ones” was released in 2005. He portraited Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s “Million Dollar Quartet“ for which he received a Tony in 2010. He can look back at some 10 albums including his latest being “Bad Habit” in 2020.

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: Home For The Holidays [Vision 9 Records ] • USA, 2018

A pretty standard rockin’ version.

LA SETTA (Italy)

Very authentic quartet, sounding just like the ‘60s.

Carol ( : ) 1992
Oh Baby Doll ( : ) 1992
Our Little Rendezvous ( : ) 1992

LP: 1965, Ramazzini Street [Dischi Impero/Contempo Records DI-102] • Italy, 1992

They are also covering “Don’t You Lie To Me” but since this is not a Berry song in the first place it’s not counted for.

Around And Around (2:59) 1993

LP: Hey! [Destination X Records DSX-33010] • Italy, 1993

They also do covers of “Route 66” and “Don’t You Lie To Me” (blues version).

You Can’t Catch Me (3:13) 1993

CD: Torture [Contempo Records CD-014] • 1993

LATERAL BLUE (USA)

A Nashville based string quartet, consisting of two guys, Caleb Edwards (mandolin), Kyle Lee (banjo) and two girls, Kori Caswell (bass), Laura Epling (fiddle), and it seems that they all sing.

Run Rudolph Run (3:27) 2019

CD: This Christmas [Green Hill Productions 562142] • USA, 2019

As the cover proclaims, A Progressive Bluegrass Holiday Collection. 15 mostly well known Christmas songs done in a traditional Bluegrass style. Again I find it interesting that they include this Berry classic among the other standard Yuletide songs.

SCOOTER LEE (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1312 for a cover of “You Never Can Tell” from 2005.
And!!! I beg you to excuse me for the very short and unfortunate comment on page 1312.
Line-dance queen (sounds better). She was born in 1957 and raised in the bayou’s of Lousiana, New Orleans that is. She’s been performing since 1971, so she’s been around for a while(!) And despite that her first album came as late as 1994 she has released over 20 albums. Currently, Scooter Lee lives in Atlanta, Georgia where she owns and operates her international distribution company for audio and video. She also runs a charity organization for better health through dancing for elderly people. “Dancing For The Dream, Inc.” is a non-profit charity.

Tulane (3:04) 2013

CD: Welcome To Scooterville [Scooter Lee/Superline Inc. ] • USA, 2013

Quite a good version.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

Medley: Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] / No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] / I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (6:30) 2016 (live)

2-CD: Big Band - Palais des Sport 2016 [Polydor 572 315-5] • France, 2016

Recorded 2 December 2016.

I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (3:57) 2017 w/ Johnny Hallyday

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788976] • France, 2017
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788977] • France, 2017

No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] (2:48) 2018
Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] (3:19) 2018

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450542] • France, 2018
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450573] • France, 2018

LEO MORACCHIOLI (Norway)

A singer and multinstrumentalist based in Oftedal. Born 1978 (Italian father). He is known for his metal covers of famous songs which have gained him over 4 million followers (!) on YouTube as Frogleapstudios. Besides arranging all the songs and playing all instruments (mostly) he also creates videos. The story goes that he has recorded over 400 covers. He also has a band called Frog Leap who did a European tour in the Spring of 2019 which resulted in an album, “Frog Leap Live In Europe”.

Johnny B. Goode (3:52) 2017

Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 13 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2017

This should not be here but thinking of how many albums he’s done I think he deserves it.

Run Rudolph Run (Metal Version) (4:03) 2019

Single mp3 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019
Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 22 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019

I know this should not be here either, however, I do fancy this version with great guitar work. They call it metal but to me it sounds more like rockin’ punk.

EMILY OSMENT (USA)

Actress, singer, songwriter Emily Jordan Osment was born in 1992. She has starred in numerous TV series and movies.
Nominated for several performances and has won a few. She has released two EPs (2009) and (2019) as Bluebird and one album called “Fight Or Flight” 2010. Plus some nine singles.

Run Rudolph Run (2:14) 2008

CD single: The Bicycle Music Company • USA, 1 January 2009

Recorded late 2008. There are various performances on YouTube where she sings this Berry cover.

KAT PERKINS (USA)

Kathy Joan Perkins, singer, songwriter from Scranton, North Dakota, born 1980. So far she’s released one full album “Kat Perkins” (2015) and four EPs and a few singles. She was also a part of the Voice 6th season in 2014 and reached the semifinale.

Run Rudolph Run (2:55) 2018

CD: A Kat Perkins Christmas III [Kat Perkins Music Inc. ] • USA, 2018

A rockin’ version with a horn section.
It’s interesting to notice that more and more female artists are covering this Berry classic.

ROCKPILE (UK)

See volume 3, page 1471 for biographical info.

Let It Rock / Let’s Talk About Us (6:58) 1980 (live)
Promised Land (3:40) 1980 (live)

CD: Live At Rockpalast [Repertoire REP-5325] • Germany, 2013

Previously unissued. 1 DVD and CD, same tracks. Recorded at Markthalle, Hamburg, West-Germany, 12 January 1980.
Featuring Dave Edmunds (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bremner (guitar, vocals), Nick Lowe (bass, vocals), Terry Williams (drums).

S-CAPE (Germany)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Sina Emmerich (born 1969) from Kloster Lehnin (near Berlin). After many years as a guitar player in various rock bands she decided to go solo in 2010 and released her first album “Imagination”. Rock & roll legends like Chuck Berry influenced her style of playing. She also uses the standard rock & roll set up, guitar, bass and drums.

Johnny B. Goode [In a Rock & Roll Medley] (4:58) 2020

CD: Raceday [RecordJet 1002 189REJ] • Germany, 2020

The medley consists of Let’s Have A Party - Blue Suede Shoes - Johnny B. Goode.

WILLIAM SHATNER (Canada)

Born in 1931. Singer and actor. He’s probably best known as Captain James T. Kirk of The USS Starship Enterprise from the science fiction TV series Star Trek and also the TV police series T. J. Hooker in the ‘80s and many others. He’s had several albums out and as late as 2020 he released one titled “The Blues” featuring a.o. Brad Paisley and Sonny Landreth.

Run Rudolph Run (3:13) 2018

CD: Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album [Cleopatra Records CLO-0959] • USA, 2018

It’s also been released as a limited LP variant (same cat.no.) in four different colours, red, green, white and splatter vinyl.
The rockin’ cover is a cross between talking and singing but he’s doing a good job of it. He was around 87 years old when he recorded this. Remarkable. And by the way, I had no idea he had recorded so many albums!

SHOWADDYWADDY (UK)

See volume 3, page 1504 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (1:05) [in medley with “Move It” (3:14)] 2002

CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Ovation Recordings CLAP-001] • UK, 2002

Tulane (2:35) 2006

CD: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll [Demon Music Group DMGTV-030] • UK, 2006

SARAH SMITH (Canada)

Singer, songwriter born 1978 in Guelph, Ontario and now lives in London, Ontario. She’s a very popular rock artist who was the lead singer of the rock band The Joys but started her solo career in 2012 with the album “Stronger Now”. She’s won several awards in her homeland and play some 300 gigs a year. So far she’s released six albums, including her newest titled “Unveiling” (2019).

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: A Christmas Wish [Sarah Smith Music ] • USA, 2018

This is a pretty goode hard rockin’ version and I must say doesn’t reflect the image of the CD cover. Most of the songs have a rockin’ beat to them although you get a few slower and kinder approaches.

GEORGE THOROGOOD (USA)

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

No Particular Place To Go (4:36) 1982 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (8:16) 1982 (live)

4-LP: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00282] • USA, 2020
2-CD: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00340] • USA, 2020

Previously unissued. Part of this concert was first out in 2010 on a single Rounder Records CD including “It Wasn’t Me” (see page 1559). So there are actually three Berry covers in the whole set, plus the Berry soundalike “House Of Blue Lights”.
This new edition is remastered and adds 12 previously unreleased tracks.