Monday, August 28. 2023CBID - Covers, Chart Listings, and Not-Covers
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: Here's just a short list of two dozen new cover versions, but we have to add some chart listings to chapter 12 in volume 2. Let's start with a few comments about cover versions that aren't. A blues quintet from Germany called Black Cat Bone has a song titled “Nadine” on their album “Blue Shadows” from 1993. Back in time there were three main music trade magazines in the USA: Billboard, Cashbox, and Music Vendor/Record World. Very few people have ever heard of the latter, but it was still an important source. Music Vendor was founded in 1948, changed its name to Record World in 1964 and ceased publication in 1982. It was a weekly magazine housed in New York. They had Pop, R&B and Country charts, and Record World had Non-Rock survey comparable to Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. The Cash Box Kings is a very good US group of men playing Chicago style blues with a really good groove. And even though they haven’t recorded any Berry numbers their influence of the man’s music shines through on several recordings, such as “Ride Santa Ride” (2023) and “Build That Wall (2017). The group was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 2001 by “Low Rollin’Joe” Nosek. They have 11 albums out so far, stretching from 2002 - 2023. CRAZY HAMBONES (Germany) Blues trio from Berlin. Peter Krause (guitars, vocals), Henry Heggen (harmonica, vocals), Michael Maass (drums, vocals). Thirty Days [as “30 Days”] (3:31) 2007 CD: Blowin’ The Family Jewels [Stormy Monday Records MO-81221] ● Germany, 2007 Berry track recorded at Überschall Tonstudios, Kiel. Okay swingin’ version with a blues feeling. See also Jan Preston & Michael Maass (below). DERRINGER (USA) Rock and blues group consisting of Rick Derringer (vocals, guitar), Neil Giraldo (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Kenny Aaronson (bass, vocals), Myron Grombacher (drums). At least on the album below. The band was active from 1975 to 1978. Rick Derringer himself had hits from 1974. By the way he was the lead singer/guitarist of the rock band The McCoys who had a big hit in 1965 with “Hang On Sloopy”. Back In The USA / Long Tall Sally in a Medley (4:58) 1978 (live) CD: Live At The Paradise Theater, Boston, Ma. July 7, 1978 [Phoenix Gems 4004] ● USA, 2000 FIREBIRDS (Germany) A rock’n’roll quintet from Leipzig. So far they have released around 10 albums since 2000. On their latest one “Stripes” (2023) they have a very goode Chuck Berry soundalike titled “My Guitar”, check it out on You Tube. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2012 (live) CD: Live! 20 Jahre Firebirds – Die Jubiläumsshow [Broken Silence CD-00752] ● Germany, 2013 Anniversary concert in Leipzig, November 2012. They also released a DVD set with the complete concert. Broken Silence is the distribution company. Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 2015 CD: The Firebirds Meet The Pearlettes [Broken Silence CD-00753] ● Germany, 2015 And in 2020 they released a DVD (only) titled “25 Jahre The Firebirds – Die Jubiläumsshow” including a cover of “Roll Over Beethoven”. 40 ACRE MULE (USA) 5 piece popular rhythm & blues/rock’n’roll group formed in Dallas, Texas 2015. J. Isaiah Evans (vocals, guitar), John Pedigo (guitar, vocals), Chris Evetts (Baritone sax, percussion), Tim Cooper (bass), Robert Anderson (drums). Their debut album came in 2019 titled “Goodnight & Good Luck” on State Fair Records. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (4:10) 2021 You Tube video: State Fair Records (Dallas, Texas) ● USA, 2021 Yes I know but what can I say? It such a damn good and unusual version … Here’s what’s been said by the band: HEARTBEATS (West Germany) Garage beat band from Munich, Germany, founded in 1983. They released two cassettes by themselves before they got a single out in ’89 on Universe Records, and another in 1993 on Twang! Records. They had a CD out on Twang in 1995 and another on Fortune Records in 2001. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1987 MC: Animal Crackers [Two By Art no cat number] ● West Germany, 1987 Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 1988 MC: Why I Cry [Two By Art no cat number] ● West Germany, 1988 H.I.T (Germany) Rock’n’roll quintet. Add hornsection on the album below. Carol (3:02) ? CD: Chickenthief [Revenge Music Force – RMF 366.000.32 40] ● Germany, ? Recorded at the Revenge Studios, Frankfurt/M. They also do a cover of “I Wouldn’t Lay My Guitar Down” from Eddy Clearwater. Again I am so tired of searching for year of release and year of recording. It should have been a law that forbid such an unprofessional behaviour from the various companies. CHRIS JANSON (USA) Christopher Pierre Jamson, country singer, songwriter, born 1986 in Perryville, Missouri, now lives in Nashville. So far he has five albums out, 2015-2023. Run Rudolph Run (3:45) 2019 (live) CD single: Warner Nashville [Official Music Video] ● 2019, USA 2019 CMA Country Christmas performance. FREDDIE LEE (USA) Black singer, songwriter, guitarist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who formed his first band back in 1995. Nadine (A Tribute To Chuck Berry) (3:42) 2000 CD: When An Earresistable Force Meets An Immovable Object [Intense Anxiety Records IA-44663] ● USA, 2000 I haven’t been able to listen to this so I can’t comment. Is it really a tribute or just a cover of “Nadine”? LOS SIREX (Spain) Rock band formed in the early ‘60s. in 1965 they had a big hit with “La Escoba”. They split up in 1971 but reunited in 1977 and recorded several albums. I’m Talking About You (as “Si, Lo Hago Por Ti) (1:48) 1966 45: Vergara 45.143 ● Spain, 1966 PIANO DREAMERS (USA) Various musicians who perform piano renditions of contemporary popular music like pop, country and rock. There’s plenty of albums out there of the same, and I mean plenty. This has no doubt been going on since 2006. Back In The USA / Johnny B. Goode / Maybellene / Memphis, Tennessee / My Ding-A-Ling (!) / No Particular Place To Go / Rock And Roll Music / Roll Over Beethoven / (Route 66) / You Never Can Tell - 2019 (instr) CD digital: Piano Dreamers Cover Chuck Berry [CC Entertainment] ● USA, 2019 Since this is a Tribute album I thought it best to include. Except for Ding-A-Ling and Route 66 this is probably okay, but instead of those two why not include songs like “Down Bound Train” or “Havana Moon”? Just a thought guys. PLAYTONES (Sweden) Rock’n’roll quartet formed 2008 in Kallinge. Little Queenie ( : ) 2008 CD: The Legacy [Enviken KREC-0108] ● Sweden, 2008 Released as Boppin’ Steve & The Playtones. A tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis. Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2013 CD: In The Mood [Atenzia ATZ-1319] ● Sweden, 2013 It has a good groove but today it sounds silly not learning the lyrics correctly. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2010 CD: Rock’n’Roll Christmas Party [Kavalkad LHICD-0121] ● Sweden, 2010 JAN PRESTON & MICHAEL MAASS (New Zealand & Germany) Jan is a female singer, songwriter and pianist (boogie woogie style) from New Zealand who has some 13 albums out since 1993, and Maass is a drummer from Germany who’s been involved in groups like Crazy Hambones, who by the way is also on this blog (above). Too Much Monkey Business [as “Monkey Business”] (2:24) 2007 CD: The Piano Has The Blues [Stormy Monday Records MO-81254] ● Germany, 2008 Recorded October 2007 at Highland Studio, Berlin. A good boogie version. I like it when people are doing it differently, but this could well have been a little longer. It has a good groove. Monday, March 27. 2023CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - final part 10
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This is the final chapter on my search for unknown cover versions using discogs - so far ... BLIXTERZ (Sweden) Rock and roll quintet (2012) that became a quartet (2014). Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2014 CD: Steel Mill Elvis [Blixterz BXZ-001] ● Sweden, 2014 Self-released. Back To Memphis ( : ) 2020 LP/CD: We’re Gonna Rock Tonight [Blixterz BLX-001] ● Sweden, 2020 Self-released album, limited edition of 250 handnumbered copies. DIRTY HARRY And THE MAGNUM HORNS (Netherlands) Rock band. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1999 (live) CD: One For The Road – Live [Tapeless 171196] ● Netherlands, 1999 DRONGOS (New Zealand) Already on this blog. Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 1980 (live) Various LP: Stars Of The Streets Encore [Cachalot Records CA-125] ● USA, 1981 It was recorded live in Bryant Park, N.Y.C. on 30 September 1980. JASPER (UK) Rock quintet. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1974 LP: Front To Back [SRT Custom Pressing SRT-73327] ● UK, 1974 LES SULTANS (Canada) Rock/beat quintet. Carol ( : ) 1967 (live) LP: En Personne Les Sultans À Starovan (Leur Spectacle S’Adieu) [DSP LP-16028] ● Canada, 1967 PEPA PILAŘ (Czechoslovakia) See Volume 3, page 1418 for biographical info. Johnny B. Goode (2:18) 1996 CD: King Of Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Band [Polygram 533 375-2] ● Czechoslovakia, 1996 25 tracks. He also does “Route 66” and “Down The Road A Piece”, both in a Berry way I would reckon. PINK LADY (Japan) Disco pop duo consisting of Mitsuyo (Mie) and Keiko Kuwaki (Kei). One of the biggest disco acts in Japan from the late ‘70s. Despite disbanding in 1981, they have reunited several times. Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1977 LP: Bye-Bye Carnival [Victor SJX-20047] ● Japan, 1978 Recorded live at Budokan in Tokyo, 27 December 1977. MARY KAY PLACE (USA) American actress and singer, songwriter, born 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Not so many albums but she’s recorded with Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. That’s at least something! Almost Grown (2:17) 1979 CD: Almost Grown [Wounded Bird Records WOU 3751] ● USA, 2011 This album was previously unissued. By the time CBS decided not to release the album, Mary Kay had pretty much had it with the music industry and chose to get back into screenwriting. Interesting to hear a female version of this male oriented song, following Berry’s arrangement. As far as I can tell she was the first woman. Fairchild (Connie) did a version in 2004 on the St. Louis Berry Tribute album, “Brown Eyed Handsome Man: St. Louis Salutes The Father Of Rock & Roll” Undertow UTCD-625 (2004). PLATINUM PLAYERS (USA) ??? Nuff said. Back In The USA ( : ) 1979 LP: Pure Platinum Vol. II [Pickwick SPC-3671] ● USA, 1979 According to discogs there are three albums by this “group”, Pure Platinum Vol.I – II – III. Much covers, and therefore we can assume that the Berry cover above sounds like the version from Linda Ronstadt which was a hit for her by the end of ’78. PLEASERS (New Zealand) Beat quartet formed in 1964 and disbanded in 1966. Roger Skinner (guitar, vocals), Bryan Layton (guitar, vocals), Kevan Walsh (bass, vocals), Max Thomson (drums). Memphis, Tennessee (2:26) 1965 LP: Let’s Go [Red Rooster RLP-2] ● New Zealand, 1965 Let’s Go With The Pleasers and Peter Sinclair. Now, Sinclair (1938-2001) was an Australian-born television personality and radio host. On the front cover he’s pictured with the group in a TV-studio. The version is a standard mid ‘60s interpretation of this Berry classic, done in the Johnny Rivers mould, as so many others. Beautiful Delilah ( : ) 1965 EP: The Pleasers Again [Red Rooster RPE-5] ● New Zealand, 1965 PROLETARYAT (Poland) Heavy metal band. Sorry guys I think it’s great that you play Chuck Berry but it becomes a little too much for me. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1993 (live) CD: Live ’93 [Tres TC-001] ● Poland, 1994 Recorded during “Czarne Szeregi” Tour ’93. PREACHERS (UK)) Featuring Steve Carroll, Peter Frampton, Roger Chapman, Terry Clark among others. The original group had one single out in 1965 on Columbia DB-7680, “Hole In My Soul/Too Old In The Head”, produced by Bill Wyman. Back In The USA ( : ) 1964 (live) LP: Nod-Shake & Stomp With The Preachers [Tenth Planet TP-053] ● UK, 2001 There are two previously unreleased demos from 1964, and 14 live tracks from the same year. “Don’t You Lie To Me” (performed twice) is also included and credited to Berry, which is wrong, of course (Tampa Red 1940). Only relased on vinyl, 1000 numbered copies. Liner-notes by Bill Wyman. PRESENT HISTORY (Australia) Darlene Zschech, singer-songwriter, born 1965 in Brisbane, Queensland. Peter Beveridge, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, producer. It’s Darlene who’s singing lead on the Berry track. Both artists have released solo albums. Roll Over Beethoven (3:28) 1990 CD: Present History [Nightlight Records NRCD-100-2] ● Australia, 1990 Roll Over Beethoven (5:28) 1990 Extended mix CD single: Roll Over Beethoven [Overseas Records TEDP-8] ● Japan, 1990 Two versions, original and extended mix. Only released as single CD in Japan. CD: Roll Over Beethoven [Overseas Records TECP-28368] ● Japan, 1990 The extended mix is a hidden track on this Japanese CD. PROTEST (USA) A Christian heavy rock quartet from Indianapolis, formed in 2016. Brothers Josh and Jacob Bramlett, T. J. Colwell and Adam Sadler. Rockfest is a Christian rock/metal label. Run Rudolph Run (3:14) 2022 Various CD: A Merry Rockfest Christmas [Rockfest Records 84597 9] ● USA, 2022 A heavy punk rock version. Ten tracks by various heavy rock groups. RHYTHMEN (Australia) R&B quintet. You Can’t Catch Me (3:23) 1965 Various CD: Big Beat Cellar Scene [Nickoff Records NCD-003] ● Australia, 2009 The Lost Sounds Of Adelaide 1965-70. Containing various oz bands playing “famous” songs from the ‘60s recorded at various studios. The above was recorded in 1965 at Gamba Studios, Adelaide. Typical ‘60s sound with uninspiring vocals. ROCKAROUNDS (Sweden) Rock’n’roll quartet. Jan Oldaeus (vocals, guitar), Micke Finell (vocals, saxophone), Tommy Cassemar (bass), Ingemar Bunker (drums). Veterans in the Swedish rock’n’roll/country envirement. Finell was one of the founding members of The Refreshments which are well documented in Vol.3 with numerous cover versions. On the album below they have a special guest: Hans Engström (keyboards). They also have help from Geraint Watkins (piano, accordion) on two tracks and Joakim Arnell [again Refreshments] (vocals, guitar) on one track. Plus Mat Davies (backing vocals) on one track. They have also backed Linda Gail Lewis, Dave Edmunds and Sven Zetterberg. Brown Eyed Handsome Man ( : ) 2016 CD: The Rockarounds [Ball And Chain Records BACCD-2016004] ● Sweden, 2016 VIC RUGGIERO & KEPI GHOULIE (USA) Bluesy music. Victor J. Ruggiero, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer from New York City in the ska and punk genre. It Wasn’t Me ( : ) 2021 LP/CD: After The Flood…The Moldy Basement Tapes [Eccentric Pop Records EP-72] ● USA, 2021 The LP comes in blue vinyl, 700 copies. And trusting the info the CD came in only 300 copies. MARK T. SMALL (USA) Acoustic guitar blues performer. Maybellene (4:23) 2008 (live) CD: Screamin’ & Cryin’ The Blues [Whaling City Sound WCS-043] ● USA, 2008 Seven tracks (including “Maybellene”) recorded live 7 March 2008 at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Massachusetts, as the opening act for James Cotton. Fifteen tracks on the CD which means the rest are studio recordings. SMART PILLS (USA) Punk rock band. Git Smart aka Will Ivy (guitar, vocals), Vince Conrad (bass, vocals), Billy Ray (drums) Around And Around (2:22) 1979 (live) 2-CD: Live In Kansas 1979 [Vince Conrads Productions 022015 ] ● USA, 2015 Self-released album of mostly previously unissued material. It has actually a 16 page booklet. Both songs played at rapid speed. “Around And Around” recorded 30 March ‘79 at Off The Wall Hall in Lawrence. “Bye Bye Johnny” recorded in 1979 at Disconnection in Topeka. ARTO SOTAVALTA & HÄKÄPÖNTTÖ (Finland) See page 1522. At the time I had no info regarding this release. But now things are different thanks to internet flowing all over the place with all you need to know (well almost). Rock And Roll Music (2:20) 1975 (live) LP: Täyttä Häkää [Scandia SLP-618] ● Finland, 1975 Recorded live in March 1975. Standard rock version. ALAIN SOUCHON (France) Alain Édouard Kienast, born 1944 in Casablanca, Morocco. Singer, author, composer active since the early ‘70s. His first album came in 1974. Memphis, Tennessee (1:58) 2011 CD: À Cause D’Elles [Virgin 509996 799532 5] ● France, 2011 Recording this classic in 2011 running for just under two minutes seems like a waste of time, if you ask me. But I haven’t heard it, so? SPATS (USA) A seven piece beat/rock band from California. Released one LP and several singles, 1964-1967. Nadine ( : ) 1965 LP: Cookin’ With The Spats [ABC-Paramount ABCS-502] ● USA, 1965 The song is credited to A. Freed on the album. If you look at page 1753 you’ll find this song mentioned as a NO Chuck. HARRY DEAN STANTON with The Cheap Dates (USA) American actor, born 1926 in West Irvine, Kentucky and died 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Promised Land (3:53) 1993 LP & CD: October 1993 [Omnivore Recordings OVLP(CD)-414] ● USA, 2021 The live track recorded at The Troubadour, West Hollywood, Los Angeles. Promised Land (4:33) 2013 LP & CD: Partly Fiction [Omnivore Recordings OVLP(CD)-89] ● USA, 2014 Here Stanton gets the help from Jamie James (guitar) and Don Was (bass). Recorded acoustic in Harry Dean’s living room. This was the soundtrack to the acclaimed movie Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction from 2012. WENDELL “DUANE” STEWART And The Sunglows (Bahamas) Calypso, reggae singer and guitarist, born 1944, died 1987. He’s had a few albums and singles out. The first LP came in 1969 as Wendel Stewart And The Downbeaters. However, the Berry cover below might be his first release overall. Johnny B. Goode (3:04) 1964 45: Carib 1026 ● Bahamas, 1964 Not so much reggae here, more mid-tempo rock oriented. STOP (Yugoslavia) See page 1537 where the three songs were mentioned but with no info. So here it is: Johnny B. Goode (2:00) 1982 LP: Play Rock And Roll [CBS 25383] ● Yugoslavia, 1983 Recorded in May 1982 at Jugoton Studio, Zagreb. HUGO STRASSER (West Germany) See Volume 3, page 1538 for biographical info. However, the entry on this page was for the 1980 reissue album. (Strasser died in 2016, he was 93.) The original album was as follows: Memphis, Tennessee (2:08) 1965 (live) LP: Die Tanzplatte Des Jahres [Electrola EMI SME-74 055] ● West Germany, 1965 ANGELA STREHLI (USA) Born in Austin, Texas in 1945, now living in Marin County, California. White blues singer and songwriter. She’s been playing a lot at Antone’s in Austin, a place she helped to run with Clifford Antone. Her first album “Soul Shake” (as Angela Strehli Band) came in 1987 on the Antone’s Record label. However, she had already in 1984 been singing on a couple of singles by guitarist Denny Freeman and also released a three track EP in 1986. The album below is her first in 17 years. You Never Can Tell (2:54) 2022 CD: Ace Of The Blues [Antone’s/New West Records ANT-2513] ● USA, 2022 Pretty good straight forward version with a horn section, piano solo and all but the song differs a lot from the others on the album. Again it goes to show when it comes to Berry’s music, you never can tell (!) Recorded at Laughing Tiger Studios, San Rafael, California. SUICIDE COMMANDOS (USA) Punk rock trio from Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1974. Members: Chris Osgood (guitar), Steve Almaas (bass), Dave Ahl (drums). Carol [as “O Carole”] in a medley ( : ) 1978 (live) LP: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert [Twin/Tone Records TTR-7906] ● USA, 1979 Back In The USA ( : ) 1978 (live) CD: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert [Garage D’or 005] ● USA, 2000 (ext. reissue) Recorded live at Jay’s Longhorn Bar, Minneapolis, 24 November 1978 (their final show). The original album from 1979 had 19 tracks (limited edition 1000 copies) and didn’t feature “Back In The USA”. The extended reissue above have 32 tracks and was also a limited edition of a 1000 numbered CDs. SUICIDE KINGS (USA) Punk rock'n'roll group from the Los Angeles area, California, active from 1984 to 1990. Let It Rock ( : ) 1987 LP/CD: Teenage Disaster [Sympathy For The Record Industry SFTRI-437] ● USA, 1996 Previously unissued demo. SYMPTOMS (USA) Blues-countryrock quintet from Springfield, Missouri. D. Clinton Thompson, Jim Wunderle, Lou Whitney, Maralie Whitney, “Rongo” Gremp. The group evolved into The Morells, The Skeletons and has also played with Bo Diddley, Dave Alvin and Jonathan Richman. Interesting that all these people are featured in the Berry Covers Songbook! No Money Down (4:20) 1978 (live) CD: Always Heed The Symptoms – Live in ’78 [Almeron Records 1003] ● USA, 2008 Recorded live in 1978 at Mississippi Nights, St. Louis, Missouri SYNKOPY 61 (Czech Republic) Rock group from Brno. Formed way back in 1960 by Petr Smӗja which evolved into Synkopy in 1981, and by 2017 they were still performing. Roll Over Beethoven (3:52) 2011 (live) CD: Live [FT Records FT0149-2] ● Czech Republic, 2021 Pretty ordinary rock version without any highlights. ALAN TAYLOR (UK) Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1945 in Brighton. Has released many albums since 1971. Nadine (5:00) 2000 2-CD: Collector’s Set: Colour To The Moon/Behind The Mix [Stockfisch Records SFR-333.9001.2-1/2] ● Germany, 2000 According to Taylor himself the album “Behind The Mix” began as a bonus CD to accompany the “Colour To The Moon” special wooden box set edition. By popular demand the bonus CD was finally reissued in 2017. Very good acoustic version recorded live in the studio, where he even addresses Chuck Berry in the opening riffs. Featuring Chris Jones on twelve string guitar and Grischka Zepf on bass. TEXAS CHAINSAW BAND (USA) Back In The USA (4:43) early 1980s (live) Various LP: Town House “Live” [Rail records Rail-103] ● USA, 1984 Live recording from the Town House Club in Emeryville, Northern California (East Bay). GEORGE THOROGOOD (USA) See volume 3, page 1558-1561 for biographical info and a lot of other Berry covers. Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( 3:43) 2011 2-LP: 2120 South Michigan Ave. [Capitol 50999029338-18] ● USA, 2011 Sorry, but this slipt my mind when the album came out. Nobody told me the LPset had a bonus track, namely the Berry one above. AND we can now add even another Berry cover to the Thorogood Sings Chuck Berry series. 16 songs altogether. You can find live clips of him on You Tube doing this song both in 2011 and 2012. BILLY THORPE & THE AZTECS (Australia) Rock/beat quintet. Many changes throughout the first years but Billy Thorpe was the sole leader. They developed into the ‘70s as a popular hard rock band, however, in 1975 it was all over. Though Thorpe continued as a solo act and released several records. He moved to the USA in 1976 but returned in the mid ‘90s. I’m Talking About You (2:24) 1965 LP: Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs [Parlophone PMCO-7525] ● Australia, 1965 ROGER THWAITES (Australia) Country singer, songwriter. His first album, “North By North West”, came in 1970. Memphis, Tennessee (2:16) 1981 LP: Bound For Glory [Aussi-Tal AT-01] ● Australia, 1981 TIN MEN (USA) They call themselves Americas premier sousaphone, washboard and guitar trio, from New Orleans. Formed in 2002. Maybellene (2:39) 2013 CD: Avocado Woo Woo [Threadhead Records 93381] ● USA, 2013 Interesting to hear this rocker performed this way. It goes to show that you don’t need many people to make it swing. Check it out on You Tube. LESLIE TOM (USA) Pure country singer/songwriter, born and bred in the heart of Texas, now based in Denver, Colorado. She grew up listening to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Bob Wills. You Never Can Tell (C'est La Vie) (3:21) 2012 CD EP: The Second Act [3L&D Productions 64602 8 ] ● USA, 2012 6 tracks. Pretty ordinary straight forward country version, but she sings good and you get the lyrics crystal clear. GREG TOPPER (USA) Singer, producer, pianist. I’ve seen a clip of him on You Tube and he sounds like Jerry Lee. Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1978 LP: Breaking Out [Mad Dog Records MDR-001] ● USA, 1978 TRIP DADDYS (USA) See volume 3, page 1574 for biographical info, plus there are already two entries on this blog. Carol (3:35) 2007 CD: Too Much, Too Fast [Trip Daddys] ● USA, 2007 TRUST (Switzerland) Ruedi Lehmann (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Larry Schmuki (vocals, lead guitar), Bruno Hõltschi (bass), and Speedy Bösch (drums). They also released an album in 1994 titled “Rhythm ‘N’ Blues”. No Berry though. Carol ( : ) 1991 CD: Trust [Trust Music 29390-602-OGA] ● Switzerland, 1991 Of the eleven tracks there are 2 covers, the Berry one and “Dust My Blues” by Elmore James. The rest were written by Lehmann/Schmuki. TÛZKERÉK (Hungary) Rock band founded in 1970 by guitarist Radics Béla. But cultural problems were ahead and they disbanded in 1971. Radics revived the band around 1975. He had other projects in the years to come with different line-ups. He died in 1982. Johnny B. Goode (4:39) 1978 (live) CD: Tûzkerék ’78 Koncertfelvétel Iváncsa [Grund Records GR-027] ● Hungary, 2014 Recorded live in Ivãncsa 25 june 1978. Previously unissued. He’s also doing a title called “Guitar Boogie” which turns out to be Shadoogie from The Shadows. Johnny B. Goode (1:45) 1978 (instr) (live) Recorded live in Budapest, March 1978. Johnny B. Goode (5:00) 1979 (live) Recorded live in Gyôr, May 1979. CD: Zôld Csillag [Radics Béla RB Emjéktársaság RBCD-011 003] ● Hungary, 2004 UFO (UK) Heavy metal band formed in 1969. Their first album came out in 1970 “UFO 1”. As far as I can tell the line-up on the live recording below were: Phil Mogg (vocals), Larry Wallis (guitar), Paul Chapman (guitar), Pete Way (bass) and Andy Parker (drums). Mogg and Parket were still members of UFO in 2019. Back In The USA ( : ) 1972 (live) 4-CD: Live Sightings [Cleopatra CLP-2345] ● UK, 2015 (limited edition) This CD set includes a bonus LP containing previously unissued live tracks. The above was done at The Marquee, London 31 May, 1972. UNDER THE STREETLAMP (USA) 4 piece acappella group consisting of Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley. Run Rudolph Run (2:11) 2018 CD: Hip To The Holidays [RetroRecords UTSCD-018] ● USA, 2018 David is singing lead on this Berry classic. It’s rockin’ but goes a little too fast and becomes a bit annoying. JOHN VERITY BAND (UK) Already on this blog. Run Rudolph Run (1:52) 2014 CD EP: Got The Blues For Xmas [Vavoom Records VVJVX] ● USA, 2014 I like this, very Berrysh with the rhythm and guitar. VIENNA TANZORCHESTER (Austria) Memphis, Tennessee (2:14) 1989 45: Gloria VS 2001 ● Austria, 1989 (PS) ”Europameisterschaft der Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik der Amateure 1989 Wiener Stadthalle 11. XI 1989”. This is what’s printed in German on the label. Instead of translating I think you understand the message. The flip side was titled “Dr. Rock”. VOX (Finland) See Volume 3, page 1591 for biographical info. Run Rudolph Run (2:22) 1979 Various LP: Pokorock 1979 [Poko Records POKOLO 1] ● Finland, 1979 To add a little to the entry in the book on page 1591. The timing for “Little Queenie” is (3:31) and the cover was also released on a 45: Love Records LRS-2187 (1977). RICH WAMIL And COPPERPENNY (Canada) Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Kitchener, Ontario. Co-founder of the group Copperpenny, formed in 1965. Run Rudolph Run (2:20) 1975 45: Capitol Records 72765 ● Canada, 1975 Ok version and very ‘70s rock’n’roll. CHRIS WATSON (Belgium) Rock’n’Roll and boogie-woogie pianist, singer, songwriter, born in Liege. Very influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis (of course). Little Queenie (3:31) 2012 CD: Authentic [L.D.R. LDR-00005] Belgium, 2012 JOHN WETTON & RICHARD PALMER-JAMES (UK) John Wetton born in 1949, died 2017. Singer, guitarplayer, bass and keyboards. He’s played in various bands throughout the years like Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash and more. Too Much Monkey Business ( 2:29) ? CD: Monkey Business 1972-1997 [Blueprint BP-295-CD] ● UK, 1998 Recorded at various studios in England. But nothing is mentioned on the cover where or when this particular Berry cover was recorded. WHISKEY RIVER (UK) Cajun and zydeco styles of music. Eight people are listed under musicians, there are two different bass players and two different on drums. The album below was produced by Dave Wood and Martin Blake who are both in the line-up. I have only found this album by the group, so maybe this was just a studio project? You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (4:06) 2003 CD: Tales From The Swamp [Pump Row Records PRC-208] ● UK, 2003 Tracks recorded at Broad Oak Studios, Herefordshire in 2003, except three recorded in 2001. WHITEHORSE (Canada) Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland from Toronto, active since 2011. Reading a little of what music they are playing you get some of the following: Ethereal folk, space cowboy twang, psychedelic western, intergalactic blues grooves, pop noir. It makes me a little confused to be honest. They have released 8 albums so far, 2011-2021, and many singles. Nadine (5:37) 2016 CD: The Northern South Vol. 1 [Six Shooter Records SIX-098] ● Canada, 2016 Distributed by Universal Records. This is very slow almost a little heavy techno performance. Unusual and quite different but for some strange reason I like it (!) Seems like they are playing several instruments, and both take turns to sing the verses and do harmony on the refrain. You can see them on you tube both in the studio and live doing “Nadine”. WIDESPREAD PANIC (USA) Southern rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1986. On the album below the band consisted of: John Bell (vocals, guitar), Michael Houser (guitar, vocals), John Hermann (keyboards, vocals), David Schools (bass, vocals),Domingo S. Ortiz (percussion), Todd Nance (drums). Let It Rock (7:09) 2001 (live) 3-CD: Oak Mountain 2001 #1 [Widespread Records WR-0122] ● USA, 2013 “Widespread Panic Archives – Release #8-1”. Recorded live at Oak Mountain Amphtitheatre, Pelham, Alabama, 27 July 2001. I’ve seen this on You Tube and the sound is so and so and the musical result is not much better. A. FRANK WILLIS (Canada) Singer, songwriter from Newfoundland. Nadine (3:08) 1976 LP: Any Kinda Music! [Periwinkle Records PER-7335] ● Canada, 1976 WINNERS (Sweden) See page 1610 in Vol.3, however, at the time I had no info regarding these two covers. But here they are: Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) (part of rock medley) 1968 LP: Winners [Hendrix Music Production NSLP-55] ● Sweden, 1968 Roll Over Beethoven (2:05) 1976 LP: Vinnande Nummer [EMI 4E 062-35294] ● Sweden, 1976 EDGAR WINTER (USA) See Volume 3, page 1610 for biographical info, and 1610-1611 for Johnny Winter. Johnny B. Goode (3:24) 2021 CD: Brother Johnny [Quarto Valley Records QVR-0149] ● USA, 2022 Featuring Joe Walsh (vocals), David Grissom (guitars), Edgar Winter (piano, saxophone, vocals) Bob Glaub (bass), Gregg Bissonette (drums). This is Edgar’s tribute album to his brother Johnny, who died in 2014. AL “PORKY” WITHEROW (USA) Born 1935 in York, Pennsylvania. Died in 2004. Traditional country singer who had five singles out from the late ‘60s and up and five albums on Arctic Records in the ‘80s, as far as I can tell. There is absolutely no info on release year on any of his albums. How come? Memphis, Tennessee (as “Memphis”) (2:01) 1983 LP: Everybody’s Favorites [Arctic Records CLPS-1001] ● USA, 1983 Album recorded at Atwell Studios, Lafayette, Tennessee. Produced by Al Witherow. Arctic Records = A division of Al Witherow Productions. Then you have full control(!) CAROLYN WONDERLAND & GUY FORSYTH (USA) Carolyn Bradford is an Austin, Texas based blues singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Houston, Texas where she was born in 1972. She has won several Texas Awards since 1996, starting with Best Blues Band – 1996 Public News Music Awards. Run Rudolph Run (4:05) 2010 (live) CD: Fireside Songs For The Soul [Bismeaux Records BR1-306] ● USA, 2010 Now what a very good rockin’ bluesy rendition by the two. They are also both singing verses, and here the girl gets an amplifier instead of a doll. TOM WU (Germany) Thomas Wuhr from Munich. New wave and synth pop drummer. Memphis, Tennessee (3:06) 2018 LP/CD: All You Want [Cut Surface CS-013 / Echokammer EK-082] ● Germany, 2018 Very electronic version, featuring Dizzy Errol aka Erol Dizdar on vocals and guitar. ZIPPY KID (Ukraine) Real name: Rusian Troknyuk. Born 1981. Electronic music. It seems like he’s produced and recorded songs since around 2005. Memphis, Tennessee (2:13) 2015 File, AAC, single: MARS label (self released) ● 2015 (PS) Yes, I know, perhaps it shouldn’t be here since it’s not an ordinary commercial release, but he’s from Ukraine and has actually a whole bunch of similar releases (and I mean many) and being from Ukraine in these troubled times (Spring 2022) I think he’s in for the treat. However, this is very electronic and his voice is pretty low in the mix so I don’t know exactly what to say. ZITHER-MANÄ (Germany) German folk-rock band using a zither, sort of a harpe, and electronic guitars. It was founded in 1980 by Manfred Zick. You Never Can Tell [as “Lago di Bonzo”] (4:51) 1984 LP: Zither Manä 2 – Rock Blues Boogie [Bogner Records LP-190885] ● Germany, 1985 It seems the Berry cover must have been a favourite as the sticker on the CD says incl. Lago de Bonzo. MIKE ZITO (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri, now based in Nederland, Texas. Johnny B. Goode (4:20) 2021 (live) 2-CD: Blues For The Southside [Gulf Coast Records 661558942725] ● USA, 2022 Seventeen tracks, recorded live on 26 November, 2021 at the Old Rock House in St. Louis and produced by Mike Zito. Monday, March 13. 2023Little Queenie overdubs
On this site we maintain a database containing all Chuck Berry recordings ever published on CD or Vinyl. We welcome every user comment enhancing the correctness of the data listed, such as reader Marty’s recent email regarding the recording of Little Queenie:
We believe there’s a ride cymbal over dub on the original version, what do you think? Because you can hear drum fills and the ride cymbal continues. As even Odie Payne couldn’t play a two-handed drum fill and a cymbal in parallel, this is a very valid comment. Marty’s email triggered some in-depth investigations and a huge number of emails floating between the contributors to this site. Today’s technical possibilities allow you to extract, modify and single out parts of a historical recording. This allowed our technical expert Arne Wolfswinkel to both verify Marty’s findings and to discover some additional astonishing facts. You should know that besides the original 1958 record release we have another, slightly different take of Berry’s classic tune. This “previously unreleased version” (later called “Take 8”) of Little Queenie came into light in 1986, when Steve Hoffman presented to us lost recordings from the vaults of Chess Records. (“Rock’n’Roll Rarities”, CHESS CH2-92521) Overdubbing was a common practice with Chuck Berry’s recordings at Jack Wiener’s Sheldon Recording Studios. That way the producers could add more Chuck Berry guitar to a recording or more Chuck Berry voice. Even a classic such as Johnny B. Goode was created in such a two-step process. (See the blog article “The Johnny B. Goode Session”) Overdubbing means that a first recording was made using the full band. During recording, Berry played some of the guitar elements and sung the main vocal. Later the engineer and Berry worked out the finer details such as additional guitar solos or a second voice without the need of the band. The engineer played back a tape containing the original base track, Berry sang or played, and the result was recorded to a second tape. This procedure was necessary, because in the 1950s Chess could not record multiple instruments separately and mix them later. One example for a guitar and vocal overdub is take 9A of Merry Christmas Baby from the Little Queenie session. This is the variant released on Chess single 1714. With Little Queenie this overdubbing happened a bit differently. As Marty found, some parts of the drums were recorded for the base track while other parts were recorded during the overdub. And comparing the two slightly different takes of Little Queenie which survived, it becomes obvious that in this session the overdubbing involved not just Berry or Odie Payne, but also Lafayette Leake. Both takes of Little Queenie are based on the same base track which consists of Berry playing rhythm guitar, Willie Dixon playing double bass and Odie Payne playing the drum rhythm. This base track is 100% identical on both takes. Different, and thus overdubbed onto this base track, is Berry’s singing, some additional guitar playing, Odie Payne’s cymbal or hi-hat, and Lafayette Leake’s piano. As due to sound degeneration overdubbing was reasonable only onto the first-generation tape, we have to imagine that Berry, Payne, and Leake on this 19th November 1958 were listening to the base track and together added their overdubs. The correct recording details for both takes of Little Queenie will therefore be: Chuck Berry guitar, vocal (overdub), 2nd guitar (overdub) We will alter our database accordingly. We will keep the “Take 8” distinction for the alternative even though it is completely unclear where it comes from. The count-in preceding the song (“Are you ready, Chuck?”) on the 1986 album is probably not from the original tape as the guitar intro overlaps the engineer’s announcement which would usually result in an immediate stop to the recording. It is known that Steve Hoffman shuffled such segments around and even created completely new songs from segments of different takes. (For details, read the blog posts “Sweet Little Eight Variants of Sweet Little Sixteen” and “Chuck Berry in Stereo”) [addition 08.01.2024: Those who know have found that the take 8 introduction has been taken by Steve Hoffman from a tape containing the recording takes of Sweet Little Rock and Roller.] Run Rudolph Run from the same session uses the same melody and the same rhythm as Little Queenie. And here as well we hear both a guitar overdub and additional cymbal or hi-hat playing. We would like to thank reader Marty for finding the cymbal overdub and especially for telling us. Saturday, March 4. 2023CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 9
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This list even includes a Berry number sung in Occitan [continued] CHRISTIAN ALMERGE & Test (France) Singer, songwriter. In the early ‘80s and ‘90s he was a member of the band Test who released two singles and five albums including a compilation. In 2004 he released his first solo album (the one below) but using Test as backing band, and several albums followed. In October 2022 he had a completely new album out. All sung in Occitan, an ancient French language. Carol [as “Caròl] (2:45) 2004 CD: On Dirait Le Sud [Agorila AGCD-369] ● France, 2004 A variety of covers ranging from Chuck to Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Brigitte Bardot, James Booker, The Weavers, Serge Gainsbourg and more. All translated to his own language by Almerge himself. AUTOMATIC CITY (France) Psychedelic rhythm & blues quartet from Lyon, formed in 2015. Havana Moon (3:44) 2017 CD: Bongoes & Tremeloes [Stag-O-Lee STAG-O 105] ● France, 2017 Pretty ordinary rendition. ANDY CHRISTIAN & THE SUNLIGHTS (Austria) Probably a dance/pop quintet. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) mid 1970s 45: Berton Records 8752 ● Austria, mid ‘70s The Berry cover was the flip-side. The A-side was titled “Dance To The Music”, which seems like an original song from the band. D.J. BLUES BAND (UK) Sue Noel (vocals), Ray Deefholts (guitar), Jim Pitts (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Derek Dailey (organ, keyboards), Norman Leppard (tenor saxophone), Geoff Hoare (trumpet), John Bradford (bass), Derek Middleton (drums). I still Got The Blues (2:56) 1965 (?) Various artists 4-CD set: Something Inside Of Me [Wienerworld Presentation WNRCD-5114] ● UK, 2021 “Unreleased Masters & Demos from the British Blues Years 1963-1976”. I don’t have the actual album set so I have no more info. But it’s Berry’s and another track to add to the already huge amount of Berry songs that’s been covered. ESTEFAN FAMILY (USA) Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo Garcia Estefan and her daughter Emily Estefan and her grandson Sasha Estefan-Coppola, plus other family members. Gloria is a Cuban/American singer, songwriter and actress, born 1957 in Havana,Cuba, raised in Miami, Florida. First million seller in 1985-86 with “Conga” as Miami Sound Machine which included her husband Emilio on keyboards. In 1989 she was just Gloria Estefan and had several hits during the ‘90s. Run Rudolph Run (medley titled “Run, Little St. Nick”) (3:33) 2022 CD: Estefan Family Christmas [Sonic Music Latin 19658778982] ● USA, 2022 On page 752 (Vol.2) you’ll find a song mentioned by The Beach Boys titled “Little Saint Nick” (Songs with similar lyrics to Chuck Berry songs). So here Estefan has combined the Berry classic with this Brian Wilson composition which works very well indeed. CHRIS ISAAK (USA) Now finally we have Christopher Joseph Isaak on this list of Berry covers. Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor who was born in Stockton, California on 26 June 1956. In 1984 he released his debut Warner Bros. album titled “Silvertone”. His album “Heart Shaped World” sold two million copies in 1989-1990. His next albums also sold really well, two gold and one platinum. His biggest hit being “Wicked Game” from 1990. Run Rudolph Run (3:18) 2022 CD: Everybody Knows It’s Christmas [SUN 8017/27558017 27] ● USA, 2022 Recorded at RCA Studio A, Nashville. In the beginning it sounds very ordinary, but later we get an exciting guitar solo which also ends the song. EARL JACKSON (UK) He was born in Lambeth in 1964 by Jamaican parents. Very influenced by gospel music, however, it seems that he started an interest for rock’n’roll as he joined a rock’n’roll band in the mid ‘80s and later on took an interest in the music of Chuck Berry. Nowadays he appears regurlary at various venues with his Tribute to Chuck Berry, often wearing that silly captain cap. You can watch several clips on You Tube. Little Queenie ( : ) 2020 CD: Earl Jackson & The Savoys Explains… [Tombstone Records TOMBCD 30-13] ● UK, 2020 Album recorded in Eindhoven, Netherlands with cc Jerome & The Savoys. JOE And THE JAGUARS (USA) Aka Joe Bennett of Joe Bennett & The Sparkeltones fame (“Black Slacks” and “Penny Loafers And Bobby Socks” 1957). Singer, songwriter, guitarist born 1940 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Died in 2015 at the age of 75. However, this Berry cover below was recorded when he was stationed in Spain with the Air Force. It was released on a Hispavox EP in 1964 credited to Joe And The Jaguars. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:00) 1964 (instr) EP: Si Tuviera Un Martillo [Hispavox HH 17-274] ● Spain, 1964 NEATBEATS (Japan) Garage rock/beat quartet who was formed in 1997 and had their first single and album released in 1998. The original line-up was Manabe Nakashi (vocals, guitar), Tosa Kazube (vocals, guitar), Ura Dai (bass, vocals), Kusube Shinya (drums, vocals). VERY popular in Japan and has released a vast numbers of singles/EPs and albums. They're good musicians with the right feeling but their English pronounciation is pretty bad. Reelin’ And Rockin’ (2:31) 1999 CD: Mercurial… [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-003] ● Japan, 1999 Little Queenie ( : ) 2001 (live) EP: Top Beat Live EP [Majestic Sound Records MSEP-014] ● Japan, 2002 Beautiful Delilah (2:15) 2001 CD: The Neatbeats [Deckrec/UK Project DCRC-0026] ● Japan, 2001 Sweet Little Rock And Roller ( : ) 2004 CD: Big Red Partner [Beatex BTXSCD-020] ● Japan, 2004 Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2006 LP: Rock’N’Roll Christmas [Majestic Sound Records MSLP-035] ● Japan, 2006 I’m Talking About You (2:05) 2009 CD: Beat Side Hits [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-042] ● Japan, 2009 There’s an interesting clip on You Tube from a Halloween Ball in 2016 where the boys are performing this cover dressed in almost full Berry outfits like shiny shirts (different colors) and each with the silly white Berry cap. Great tribute though. Around And Around ( : ) 2011 (live) CD: Like The Cavern Live! Reel No.1 [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-051] ● Japan, 2011 Too Much Monkey Business ( : ) 2011 (live) CD: Like The Cavern Live! Reel No.2 [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-052] ● Japan, 2011 I’m Talking About You ( : ) 2016 (live) CD: Like The Cavern Live! Lost Reel [Majestic Sound Records MSCD-089] ● Japan, 2017 I Want To Be Your Driver ( : ) 2018 (live) CD: Live At Bigcat Coliseum ’18 [Majestic Sound Records MSDVDCD-002] ● Japan, 2019 This seems to have been released as a complete set with a DVD (limited edition). Keeping up with the releases here by The Neatbeats are not easy. There are so many albums and 45s which indicates the popularity of the group. And not any of the albums have any timing on them. I found a complete show on You Tube titled Live At The Red Cloth – Back To The Cavern! 2011 where they perform “Beautiful Delilah” (2:00) and “Around Around” (1:40). Don’t know if this was available on any CD? NOI TRE (Italy) A blues-rock/R&B trio, Paolo Tofani (vocals, guitar), Agostino Nobile (vocals, bass),Giuseppe Pini (vocals, drums). Too Much Monkey Business (2:33) 1968 (live) LP: Compendium [Habla Label HBL-20403] ● Italy, 1989 Recorded live in Sesto Fiorentino, Florence in December 1968. They also do a version of “Don’t You Lie To Me” credited to Berry. Unfortunately, this was very common in the ‘60s but should have been corrected in 1989 to Hudson Whittaker (Tampa Red). The CD has additional tracks from various sources which are not from the ’68 concert. DICK NOLAN (Canada) As the cover proclaims: Dick Nolan and Marlene Beaudry present an album of today’s country hits. I am sure the cover below sounds like Waylon Jennings’ version as that one entered the Billboard charts in November ’69. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:15) 1969 LP: Marlene Beaudry & Dick Nolan - Country Hits [Arc records AS-819] ● USA, 1969 The two artists sing five songs each. Recorded at Bay Studios, Toronto, Ontario. NOMADDS (USA) 1960s rock-beat quintet from Chicago. Dean Kuehl (vocals, harmonica), Lee Garner (lead guitar), Greg Johnson (rhythm guitar, vocals), Denny Kuhl (bass), Tony Cannova (drums). Roll Over Beethoven (2:50) 1965 LP: Nomadd Originals Plus [Radex Recording Studios MLP-6521] ● USA, 1965 OGI & THE FLINTSTONES (UK) An obscure beat group from Liverpool, active during the early and mid ‘60s. Around And Around ( : ) 1961 (live) Various CD: Beat Waves ‘Cross The Mersey Vol.3 [Merseyside Records ME-1003] ● UK, 2013 “Around And Around” live in 1961 is very early and somewhat strange(!) If true it will be the very first cover of this Berry classic. OHAŘI (Czechoslovakia) Country band formed in 1971 and it seems like they were still playing in 2021! Memphis, Tennessee [as “Újezd Nad Lesy”] ( : ) 1979 45: Supraphone 1143 2265 ● Czechoslovakia, 1979 OIL CAN CHRISTMAS BAND (USA) From Moline, Illinois, lead by guitarist Jerry Lee Wright. Run Rudolph Run (2:46) 1994 Various CD: Run Run Rudolph: The Oil Christmas Compilation [Oil Music OIL-01] ● USA, 1995 Credited to Chuck Berry. The recording of the Berry song took place too late (11 December 1994) for a proper Christmas launch in ’94 so it was shelved and released in time for Christmas ’95 together with 12 more spirit of Christmas songs into a full-fledged CD. Now this is a very good rendition of this Berry Xmas classic. There are many players and singers on this one and if you want to hear and see go to You Tube and have fun. OLD SCHOOL BASTERDS (Austria) Rock’n’roll quintet. Stanley (vocals), Johnny (guitar), Jerry Lee (piano),Vincenzo (bass), Charlie (drums). They have several self-released albums since 2011. And there’s a Chuck Berry medley on You Tube you can watch. Johnny B. Goode (2:35) 2011 CD: No. 1 [OSB self-released] ● Austria, 2011 No Particular Place To Go (2:15) 2019 CD: Dance Potion No. 5 [screamingPIGrecords SPR-020] ● Austria, 2019 ORIGINAL BATTERSEE HEROES (Australia) Rock group founded in 1963. Members: Bob McGrowan, Dennis Burke, Peter Nehill, Terry Darmody, Tony Burkys. Johnny B. Goode (4:26) 1972 LP: Rock ‘n’ Roll With [Violets Holiday SVHL-934390] ● Australia, 1972 OUTLAW LYNN (USA) Country-rock band from Houston, Texas led by Lynn Lewis. Maybellene (4:01) 2012 CD: Jus Drinkin’ [Double L Squared Records 1290] ● USA, 2012 Opens with a 30 seconds drum solo and has a little Diddley sound in the verses and very country like in the chorus, and the guitar solo is very heavy and follows with a rolling piano. Unusual arrangement but I like it. You can listen to it on You Tube. And by the way, there’s a song titled “Texas Comin’ Home” on You Tube which is a very good country-rock ballad from the band, just wanted you to know. P-51 AIRPLANES (Italy) On the album below they are a rock’n’roll sextet, hailing from the Northern parts of Italy, led by Mauro Tognin aka Jim Singer on vocals and guitar. They have a video on You Tube titled “Ten Years Of Rockin’ “ from around 2013. It really swings and the guys are very good at what they do, but here they are a quartet, though, and sounds more like a rockabilly band. You Never Can Tell (3:00) 2020 CD: 23 Flying Hits [Part Records PART-CD 679.006] ● Germany, 2021 Recorded August-September 2020. They also do a version of “Surfin’ USA” which is credited to Berry only (!) It should have been Berry/Brian Wilson. There’s a bonus track on the CD, which makes it 24. PACIFICS (Ireland) Beat/garage quartet from Dublin. I’m Talking About You (1:38) 2011 45 EP: Play Favourites [Bachelor BR-51] ● Ireland, 2011 Carol (2:51) 2012 LP: Pacifically… [Blood Red Vinyl & Discs BRLP-12018] ● Ireland, 2012 JOEP PEETERS & The Terrific Ten (Netherlands) From Breda, born 1949. Singer, playing piano, sax and vibes. He’s been part of the Jazz music scene since the mid ‘60s. Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2009 CD: Elvis Anders [HKM 42681] ● Belgium, 2009 A tribute album to Elvis, although some of the 16 tracks have nothing to do with Elvis at all. Dennis Kolen (singer, songwriter, guitarist from Rotterdam) is doing the vocals on both Berry covers, he was at the time part of the Terrific Ten. Peeters is playing alto.sax and piano and also doing the vocals on several other songs. BEV PEGG (UK) Singer, songwriter, guitarist who plays all sort of music (and instruments too), rock’n’roll, country, pop, folk… He’s been around for a long time and has had several various outfits, like Bev Pegg & His Rock’n’Roll Band, Bev Pegg And His Good Time Jazz Gang, Bev Pegg & His Railroad Skiffle Group, Bev Pegg And His Cowboy Band. This should give you an idea. He’s released many albums on the Beaujangle label. Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1993 MC: The Bev Pegg Band – Live Gigs 1992-1995 [Beaujangle DB-0012] ● UK, 1990s Promised Land (3:04) 2008 CD: All Sorts Of Stuff From Bev Pegg [Beaujangle DB-0022] ● UK, 2008 This album was re-released in 2013 because Bev was never satisfied with the mix, and is said to have been re-recorded which should mean there are two different recordings, but since I haven’t heard any we settle for the original above. AL PERKINS (USA) Multi-instrumentalist Perkins can look back at some incredible projects. Steel-guitarist. He’s played with who’s who in the bluegrass and country/country-rock genres. Flying Burrito Brothers is one group he was a member of. The Nash Ramblers (Emmylou Harris) another. His steel-guitar work can be heard on 100s of records. He was born 1944 in De Kalb, Texas. You Can’t Catch Me ( : ) 1987 (demo) featuring Gary Walker (vocals) CD: Snapshots [Klear Tone Records KLR-0016] ● USA, 2002 I was pretty amazed when I spotted this. Again it shows Berry’s importance as a songwriter. The song was included on an album project for Gary Walker, produced by Al after a request from Pete Anderson. The album was never released, though, but since Al produced and played on it, the song above fitted this compilation of Al’s work. ALEXANDROS PERROS & The Lone Stars (Greece) Rock'n'roll/rockabilly band formed in 1987 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Nice to finally have a rockabilly unit from Greece doing Berry. The line-up on the album below: Alexandros Perros (vocals, guitar), Kostas Hasiotis (bass) and Chris Koutsouris (drums). They have several albums out from 1988. They write most of their material and includes a cover now and then. You Never Can Tell (3:16) 2019 CD: Still Alive And Driving Faster [On Stage Records OSR-033] ● Greece, 2019 The Berry cover is one of two bonus tracks on the CD. JOE PERRY (USA) Joseph Anthony Pereira was born 1950 in Lawrence Massachusetts, and grew up on Hopedale, singer, songwriter, guitarist. Founding member of rock band Aerosmith in 1970. He’s also released several solo albums, The Joe Perry Project. Run Rudolph Run (2:59) 2014 CD EP: Joe Perry’s Merry Christmas [Unison Music UM-64] ● USA, 2014 Ordinary mid-tempo rockin’ version. Joe Perry (vocals, guitar), Ron Dziubla (tenor & baritone saxophones), Lee Thornburg (trumpet, trombone). Bruce Witkin (bass), Dan Potruch (drums), Kristle Murden, Linda McCrary (backing vocals). TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS (UK) See Volume 3, page 1415 for biographical info. Except that he unfortunately died 2 October 2017 at the age of 66, and the world lost a great artist. Around And Around (2:26) 1997 (live) 4-CD box set: Live At Fillmore - 1997 [Warner Records 093624879633] ● UK/Europe, 2022 Now these are very good, rockin’ versions with great guitar picking. It only says “Bye Bye Johnny” on the album, but he never uses the refrain Bye Bye only Go Johnny Go. The verses are first taken from Johnny B. and then he sings some of the Bye Bye verses with a couple of variations. PHINEAS & FERB (USA) An American animated musical and comedy television series created by Dan Povenmire (Phineas) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsch (Ferb). It had a one-episode preview in August 2007 but run officially on the Disney channel from February 2008 until June 2015. Run Rudolph Run (2:41) 2010 CD: Holiday Favorites [Walt Disney Records D-000652592] ● USA, 2010 Dan Povenmire is doing the vocals on this Berry number and it’s a hard rockin’ version. TOMMY RIVERS (USA) Rock singer who was a member of The Desperate Angels in the late ‘70s, and Tommy Rivers & The Raw Ramps who had an album out in 1998 and more in the 2000s. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 1992 Various CD: Christmas Present 1992 [Sister Ruby SIS-004] ● USA, 1992 Limited edition of a 1000 copies. DAVID SINCLAIR (UK) Singer, songwriter, music journalist from London, born 1952. As a music journalist he’s been involved with The Times of London, Rollin’ Stone and Billboard. His group called David Sinclair Four, or rather DS4, was formed in 2013. So far they have six albums out. Bye Bye Johnny (4:03) 2022 CD: Apropos Blues [Critical Discs CDISCS-006] ● UK, 2022 A pretty good rockin’ version enhanced by a horn section. SLINGSBY HORNETS (UK) Seems like this is a one man’s job, Jon Paul Allen performed and recorded all the instruments and vocals. Run Rudolph Run (2:46) 2019 CD Single: Christmas Past [Expedition HotDog Records XM-08] ● UK, 2019 Mr. Allen did a good job on this hard rockin’ version. STRAIGHT NO CHASER (USA) Ten piece acappella group (at least when the song below was recorded). It was founded in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. I won’t mention any names here as obviously there’s been a lot of changes in the lineup. Run Rudolph Run (2:05) 2016 CD: I’ll Have Another…Christmas Album [Atlantic, ATCO Records 555752-2] ● USA, 2016 Also released as LP. Don’t know what to say, it’s good but runs a little too fast and you get the feelin’ let’s do it but hurry up so we can sing another … Maybe I’m getting paranoid by listening to so many Rudolph versions lately? TEST (France) See page 1554 for more info, however, I didn’t know much at the time. Among other things, the year of recording/release was totally wrong. Test was a parodic hard rock band from Carcassone, France. The group started in 1982. They had a couple of singles out and a few albums. Carol [as “O Carole”] (2:40) 1984 (live) 45: Polygone Studios PS-5076 ● France, 1984 (picture sleeve) Their first release. Carol [as “Escota-me Caròl”] ( : ) 1994 CD: Sea, Sex And Sòm [Revolum 199702] ● France, 1994 See also Christian Almerge at the beginning of this blog post. Tuesday, January 31. 2023Lonely School Days - the variants explained
Several Chuck Berry songs have been recorded multiple times - not only live, but also in the studio.
Sometimes a second recording was made for commercial reasons, e.g. when a new record company tried to generate additional income from old songs. A typical example is Roll Over Beethoven, initially recorded in 1956 in Chicago for Chess Records, re-recorded 1966 in Clayton for Mercury Records. Sometimes a second recording was made for artistic reasons when Berry tried to make a song sound better or at least different. See for instance Havana Moon, initially recorded in 1956, then in 1979, and finally in the late 1990s. In addition, songs evolve over time during the recording process itself until a final version pleases both artist and company. See for instance the song recorded as 21 (Twenty-One) of which some studio tapes survived. There are fairly different variants until a final result was reached and published under the title Vacation Time. Lonely School Days is another song which evolved over time. One surviving variant has been recorded in late 1964 and released on the back of Chess single 1926, Dear Dad, published in March 1965. This variant is a slow, emotional song. It can be easily identified by the prominent use of a sax, probably played by Bill Hamilton. This variant is almost three minutes long and commonly referred to as the "Slow Version". B side of CHESS single 1926 (DJ Copy) Somebody really liked this song. Just one and a half years later it made it again to the song list of a recording session. In the spring of 1966, a second variant of Lonely School Days was cut. This time it had no sax, but more guitars. Most importantly it was much more rocking, played much faster. Singing the same song at much higher speed reduces the run length to a little over 2:30 minutes. Surprisingly, this "Fast Version" immediately was used again as the B side of a Chess single. Chess 1963 having Ramona, Say Yes on the plug side was released in June 1966. So we have two Chess singles, released not far apart, having the same song in two different versions. B side of CHESS single 1963 (DJ Copy) Soon after the release of the second single, Chuck Berry left Chess Records to work for Mercury. The "Slow Version" never made it to a contemporary album. Only in the late eighties and nineties it was found on some rare LP albums. However, the "Fast Version" was included on an official Chess album: San Francisco Dues (Chess 50008) was published in 1971, five years after the song's initial release. Berry had returned to Chess and to fill his second new album a few recordings were added which had not made it to LPs before. Interestingly the LP contained a Stereo mix of the "Fast Version" while both singles had been in Mono - as were all Chess singles in the 1960s. This is the track listing from the back of San Francisco Dues (Chess 50008) containing the Stereo mix of the shorter, fast version. Remember: San Francisco Dues contained the Stereo mix of the "Fast Version". Simple, isn't it? However, who listens to Vinyl albums any more? If you listen to San Francisco Dues from one of the streaming services, Lonely School Days isn't fast at all. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube all play the "Slow Version" as part of San Francisco Dues. Due to this a reader recently emailed and wanted us to correct our database of all Chuck Berry recordings. We are happy for every hint or correction, but here we refused to do any changes, as our listing is correct! How can it happen that online services play the wrong song - all of them alike? This is due to how they get their playing lists. Record labels such as Universal provide the streaming platforms with the files to play. If the record company is in error, so are all their customers. We assume that this specific error was introduced as early as 2013. That year Universal in the U.S. published a CD re-release of San Francisco Dues (Geffen GET-54058-CD). And on this re-release they included the wrong variant of Lonely School Days. Morten Reff noticed this and complained about it in his review on this blog soon thereafter. It was not the only thing to complain about: Over and over on label, box, and booklet the company managed to spell "San Fransisco" with an s! One really has to wonder about quality control at Universal. This is the track listing from the back of Geffen's CD re-issue of San Francisco Dues (Geffen GET-54058-CD) containing the wrong version. Note the mis-spelling of San Francisco and the missing run lengths. Universal in Japan did a much better job with their re-release of San Francisco Dues (Geffen UICY-94635). They not only included the correct "Fast Version" where it belonged, they also added three bonus tracks: the "Slow Version" in Mono and two different mixes of Ramona, Say Yes. Moral of the story: In today's digital world errors reproduce fast and are hard to correct. Always double-check with a reliable source. Many thanks to reader Andy for pointing us to the error in the streaming services - though not for complaining about our database [Addition by reader Andy: "I should mention that my initial email was actually a failed attempt at correction rather than a complaint. Why would I ever complain about so meticulous and thorough a database regarding one of my favorite artists? Keep up the good work."] Sunday, January 29. 2023An Interview with Johnnie Johnson - 1987
On July 5th, 1987 Chuck Berry performed in Båstad, Sweden.
This site's contributor Morten Reff and the Berry fans Johan Hasselberg and Thomas Einarsson had the opportunity to talk to Johnnie Johnson, long-time partner and pianist for Chuck Berry. Thanks to Morten and Johan we can reprint the questions and answers. Left to right: Morten Reff, Johnnie Johnson, Thomas Einarsson, Johan Hasselberg, and Herman Jackson at the Park Hotel in Båstad, Sweden, July 5, 1987. Herman was Chuck Berry's drummer during the summer 1987 tour. Thomas had done a painting by Chuck Berry that he handed over to Johnnie Johnson. Photo: Carl Hasselberg The interview is made over a cup of coffee at the hotel's outdoor seating. Johnnie takes a big chunk of coffee and starts telling about himself: I was born in West Virginia on July 8, 1924. When I went to school I played piano, drums, and bass. But piano was my main instrument. I was in a High School band until 1943, when I started my military service at the navy. When I pulled out in 1946, I started my first own band. In 1949 I moved to Chicago, and then on to St. Louis. DID YOU PLAY MOSTLY RHYTHM & BLUES? Well, most of the time there were nothing but standard songs, such as "Stardust", "Body and Soul", Sunny Side of the Street", or whatever. It was before this rhythm & blues breakthrough. WHAT PIANISTS DID YOU LISTEN TO AT THIS TIME? I'm a Oscar Peterson-fantast. Yeah! Oscar Peterson, Errol Garner, and Pete Johnson. Pete Johnson was my first favorite. It was late 1930's and 1940's. I used to play a Pete Johnson song, called "627 Stomp". That was my signature then. HOW DID YOU TO GET IN CONTACT WITH CHUCK BERRY? I heard him at a club in East St. Louis called Hoff's Garden. I liked the way he played the guitar. One evening when I was playing, my saxophonist became ill. I called Chuck and asked if he could have the possibility to play the guitar. And he said, "sure, I can play". He came home to me and we played through the songs and then we drove to the show. Chuck Berry in concert, Norrvikens Trädgårdar, Båstad, Sweden, July 5, 1987 Photo: Johan Hasselberg WHO PLAYED THE SAXOPHONE IN THE JOHNNIE JOHNSON TRIO? His name was Alvin Bennett. But it was only until 1954. Now he is paralyzed. He can't even... yes, you know. WAS IT A BASS PLAYER IN THE BAND? No, it was drums, piano, and saxophone, and then guitar when Chuck came along. We played most at Club Cosmopolitan in East St. Louis. Ebbie Hardy, who played drums, suffered a heart attack and died a few years ago (1983). CHANGED THE BAND NAME WHEN CHUCK CAME? No, it was still called The Johnnie Johnson Trio. It was only when Chuck went to Chicago and met Leonard Chess we renamed the band. We recorded the single "Maybellene" and Chuck said, "Johnnie, is it okay that I call it The Chuck Berry Combo?". I said, "Of course, you paid the gas to Chicago", and then it became The Chuck Berry Combo. Left to right: Chuck Berry, George French, Johnnie Johnson in concert, Norrvikens Trädgårdar, Båstad, Sweden, July 5, 1987 Photo: Bo Berglind YOU PLAY A MELODY ON THE PIANO ON MANY OF CHUCK BERRY'S SONGS. That's what Chuck Berry wanted me to play. I play as I feel so everything rolls smoothly, just like ice cream on a cream cake! IT WORKS AS A SOLO INSTRUMENT. That's right and that's what Chuck Berry likes with my pianoplaying. That's why he doesn't like someone else's pianoplaying than mine! Let me give a good example. Chuck and I have recorded some songs that have not been released. For example, Frog's "Good Times Boogie" and "Honky Tonk Train". It was in the 1950's. It was my music style, but Chuck and I could play together and it sounded like Chuck Berry's music. Chuck is still playing some jazz, as for example, "Jazz at the Philharmonic". He plays all kinds of music! DO YOU STILL PLAY IN THE CLUBS IN ST. LOUIS? Yes, three nights a week. DO YOU PLAY ALONE OR DO YOU HAVE A BAND? I have a band called Johnnie Johnson & The Magnificent Four, and when Chuck comes to town he plays with us. WHAT REPERTOIRE DO YOU HAVE? There are blues, jazz, rhythm & blues, and usually rock when Chuck visit us. DO YOU EVEN SING? No, no, I can always talk, but do not sing! YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED A DISTINCTION AT ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME. Yes, I was chosen as the fourth biggest rock'n'roll pianist throughout the ages. It was Fats Domino, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and myself. I didn't know about it, but they sent me a magazine afterwards. THANK YOU, JOHNNIE !! Thank you, I hope to see you again! And, Johan tells, they met again: "Johnnie gave me his address and two years later I greeted him in St. Louis, and listened to Johnnie Johnson & The Magnificent Four." Many thanks to Morten and Johan for sharing these memories with us! Thursday, January 12. 2023Chuck Berry: An American Life - by RJ Smith
There‘s a new book out about Chuck Berry. Hachette Books was so kind to send me a review copy and I spent much time of my holidays to read through it. But with every chapter read I became more and more frustrated and angry. Until I came to RJ Smith‘s remarks on the next to last page:
“What we have is more interesting. A choice of threading through the details of his life or working around them completely – your call! - and simply hearing him. To pull the joy and poetry out of the music he created and have it take us where it wants to go – not where he went. To live our lives with it, and not live his life. That’s a lot.” As the creators of this website we have made our choice a long time ago. These pages here are about the music of Chuck Berry and only about his music. We do not discuss any other aspects of Berry‘s life in this blog or on the main page. For us there were at least two very good reasons for this decision. For one, we are deeply convinced that Berry‘s music is much more entertaining than his criminal, sexual and business affairs. And secondly we think that with recordings and records we have at least a small factual base to build our research upon. RJ Smith in his new „Chuck Berry: An American Life“ decided to concentrate on all the other stuff instead. Chuck Berry was a control freak, a sex maniac and business-wise everything but a nice person. His criminal records included armed robbery, tax evasion, and what we would call today child abuse, plus many more. All this is no new news. We have read about these in newspapers and books as well as all over the Internet. RJ Smith quotes Berry saying he wants the people to tell the truth about him. But there are many truths. There is the truth about a strange man with a weird character and perverse habits. But there also is the truth about the musical artist whose output had a huge impact on what became popular music during the last 70 years. It might have been interesting to discuss Berry’s personality from a psychological perspective. Or it might have been interesting to analyze how this pathological mindset affected Berry‘s music or lyrics. None of this you will find in this book, though. Instead RJ Smith has taken a huge effort to document Berry‘s failings. Most has been known before and is documented in detail e.g. in Bruce Pegg‘s excellent biography. Smith dug even deeper into court documents and he tried to get quotes from witnesses not published before. However, most of the contents is a simple repetition from old sources such as Berry’s own autobiography – even repeating errors included. Where Smith’s book enhances the previously published biographies is the coverage of Berry’s last years. That’s the advantage of a biographer who waits until his subject has deceased. So here we get a few additional pages about his latest tours, the release of his last record, and we learn how his family declared Berry incompetent. Smith in many aspects tries to write a different biography and succeeds in doing so. He completely concentrates on Berry’s personal and business matters, almost ignoring his musical work. Only for one song Smith reserves a complete chapter: My Ding-A-Ling. And again the author accomplishes something different as this song was left out of any serious discussion about Berry’s œuvre so far. One peculiarity of this text is a bit confusing for European readers: All over the book RJ Smith tries to find arguments to justify Berry’s behavior as a result of black versus white America. As being no part of the American society, we are not qualified to judge on RJ’s findings. From a musical point-of-view I think it is a bit far fetched to locate racially related hints in the lyrics of e.g. Promised Land. Is this a book you want to read? If you love Chuck Berry, don’t do it. If you are interested in Chuck Berry’s music, there’s nothing to gain from reading it. But if you want to learn about Berry’s porn collection or any other aspect of his life, there’s almost too much information in “Chuck Berry: An American Life”. But in the end it definitely is “your call”: a choice of threading through the details of his life or working around them completely. “Chuck Berry: An American Life” by RJ Smith (Hachette Books, ISBN 978-0-306-92163-6) is available in every better book store near you.
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Wednesday, January 11. 2023CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 8
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This time all new entries start with the letter M [continued] MADHOUSE (Sweden) Early ‘80s rock band produced by a.o. Dr. John and Willy DeVille. Members: Anders Kraft, Bengt Kirschon, Björn Gideonsson, Christian Falk and Gabbe Gabrielsson. Nadine (4:10) 1982 12” EP: Private Hell 36 [Sound Of Scandinavia SOSM-1136] ● Sweden, 1982 MARCE & CHEMA (Spain) Latino pop duo with a little rock in them. They usually sing in Spanish but I haven’t heard the Berry medley so I can’t verify. Rockmania medley: Johnny B. Goode / Carol / Memphis, Tennessee / Nadine / Roll Over Beethoven / Rock And Roll Music (8:30) 1979 LP: Ganador [Reflejo 10C 062-062.888] ● Spain, 1979 (promo) LASSE MÅRTENSON (Finland) Lars Anders Fredrik Mårtenson, popsinger, songwriter, musician and actor, born 1934 in Helsinki. His first single came out in 1962, and many more followed. Several albums since 1966. He died in 2016. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Saanko Turkuun, Naapuriin”] ( : ) 1966 LP: Lasse [RCA Victor LPM-10071] ● Finland, 1966 MARTÒ & THE JUDAS (Italy) Giancarlo Martelli, pop/rock singer. Seems like he had a great hit in Italy with “Hey Joe” in 1967. Performed in Italian. Bye Bye Johnny [as “Bie Bie Johnny!!!”] (1:40) 1966 LP: Lost And Found [Discoverix DSX-33001] Italy, 1991 Limited edition 500 copies. Previously unissued. I am always skeptical to such short versions. It’s almost over before it starts. MAYBERRIES (UK) Rock sextet based in Mayfield, East Sussex fronted by lead singer John Murray. They play rock’n’roll, blues and soul and are gigging in Mayfield and the surrounding area. They recorded some demo tracks back in July 2018. Little Queenie (3:22) 2022 70th Jubilee Edition for streaming on all platforms and a special You Tube video Yes I know, this is not the way this list usually goes. But this was recorded to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The video was produced incorporating classic photographs and clips from the queen’s reign and artwork by local primary school children. And best of all, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the song will go to help seriously ill children from across the UK treated at Great Osmond Street Hospital. PETE MacDONALD & THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN (Canada) Country music singer, songwriter and guitarist from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Leader of The Country Gentlemen. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2.17) 1968 LP: Pete MacDonald And The Country Gentlemen [Banff SBS-5330] ● Canada, 1967 Recorded at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, P.Q. One side is instrumental and one side vocals (“Memphis”). ALI McGREGOR (Australia) Born 1974 in Melbourne, Victoria. Soprano opera singer, actress and cabaret performer. Run Rudolph Run (3:22) 2015 CD: A Very Jazzamatazz Christmas [ABC Music (Universal) 4729008 ] ● Australia, 2015 Can’t say it sounded so very jazzy (unfortunately) despite featuring a horn section. More like a “soul” version except her voice is not. MEDECIN’E (France) Rock’n’roll quartet. Beautiful Delilah (2:06) 2004 CD: Rock Therapy [Caducée Records CD-004] ● France, 2004 They also do “Route 66” credited to Chuck Berry(!), sorry Bobby. MEFISTO (Czechoslovakia) See Volume 3, page 1359 (Mefistos) for biographical info. Also this blog for correct info regarding the band name. Rock And Roll Music (2:19) 2003 CD: Mefisto Rock’n’Roll Vol. 2 [Areca Multimedia AM 80215-2] ● Czech Replublic, 2004 Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1989 (live) 2 CD: Mefisto Stoy 1964-1992 [Saturn KK-0353-2] ● Czech Replublic, 2011 Recorded live at KD Eden, Praha 26 October 1989. Here they also do a live version of the instrumental tribute “I Like Chuck Berry” between Johnny B. and Queenie. Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 1992 (live) 2 CD: Mefisto Stoy 1964-1992 [Saturn KK-0353-2] ● Czech Replublic, 2011 Recorded live at Letni Kino, Praha 3 May 1992. MEK & THE X-MAX PEKS (Denmark) Ole Ballund aka Mek Pek (vocals), Mika Vandborg (guitar), Kim Nekroman (bass), Jens Daugaard (drums). Run Rudolph Run (2:36) 2000 CD: Mek & The X.Mas Peks [Kick Music KICKCD-118] ● Denmark, 2000 A little heavy rockabilly rendition of this classic. EDDIE MESA With THE HI-JACKS (Philippines) Eduardo de Mesa Eigenmann was born in 1940. As Eddie Mesa he’s known as a Filipino singer and actor. He was at a time famous as “the Elvis Presley of the Philippines” because of his impersonation of the man. Later on he moved to the USA and eventually saw the light... Roll Over Beethoven (2:21) 1970 45: Scoop Records SP-116 ● Philippines, 1970 RAPHAEL MEYNER & The Sleep Workers (West Germany) Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1971 45: Life Records St 71 310 ● West Germany, 1971 It’s not easy when you find absolutely nothing about this artist on the net. MIKO (Japan) Mieko Hirota, female singer who was born in Tokyo 1947, died in 2020. She was very popular and regarded as a dynamic and great singer. Her first album came in 1961 and she’s had a lot of them throughout the years. Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1971 2-LP: Rock Rock [Columbia JPW-37-38] ● Japan, 1971 Not sure if she sings in English or Japanese on this one. MIRABELLO 3 (Italy) Pop trio, one girl, two boys. But they have additional musicians on board. Rock And Roll Music [Italian lyrics] (2:28) 1977 LP: Chi Porta Giù Questo Cane? [Intingo ITLM-14501] ● Italy, 1977 MIRROR IMAGE ( USA) Back In The USA (2:54) 1980 LP: Performs The Songs Of Linda Ronstadt [Pickwick SPC-3745] ● USA, 1980 The more correct title here would have been Performs The Hits Of … Anyway, if you look at the entry by Platinum Players on this blog performing Back In The USA, released on a Pickwick LP in ’79, it wouldn’t surprise me if it is actually the same version. Although I don’t know for sure as I haven’t heard either one. Do I really have to? MISSING MOONLIGHTERS (USA) Actually called The Moonlighters, who had an album out in 1977 and another in 1983. Country-rock group, led by vocalist and guitarist Bill Kirchen (page 1292). Let It Rock (3:36) mid 1980s (live) 2-CD: Live / Studio Closet Tapes [Globe Records GLO-037] ● USA, 2008 All tracks are previously unissued. The studio ones were recorded at various places in California. And the live ones? Well it was recorded at various night clubs in the San Francisco Bay area, but nothing is mentioned when it happened? Irritating. However, “Let It Rock” is a good country-rock version with solid bass and beat and after 2 minutes with an interesting interlude. “Oh What A Thrill” works just as good. You can listen to the entire album on You Tube. MISSING SOULS (France) Beat/soul band from Lyon. Ian Kapoudjian (guitar, vocals), Ricky Bilbao (organ, bass), Zaza Sharps (vocals, bass, tambourine), Lester Mizzi (drums). I’m Talking About You (2:02) 2015 LP/CD: The Missing Souls [Dangerhouse Skylab DSL-009] ● France, 2016 ELIZABETH MITCHELL (USA) Multi-instrumentalist, it seems she plays any kind of everything with a sound to it. Looking at the amount of musicians who participated on the album below, it would probably take a page. The whole album is aimed at children. School Day (3:43) 2006-2009 CD: Sunny Day [Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD-45064] ● USA, 2010 Recorded 2006–2009 at On-Me Sound, Mount Tremper, New York. The vocals on the Berry track is by Charlotte Constan. She’s also singing on “Mystery Train”, the other only rock’n’roll song included on the album. Good education for children nevertheless. MOHAIR SWEETS (Canada) Colin Bryce, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist. Russ Kroeker ( bass) and Greg Gardner (drums). Bryce is regarded as being punk-rocker from the late ‘70s and from 1997-2007 the man behind Mohair Sweets print and webzine. As far as I can tell they have five CD EPs out from 2014-2018. You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2017 CD EP: The Ronnie Lane Tribute EP [Mohair Sweets Mohair #03] ● Canada, 2017 Well, Ronnie Lane himself did perform this song on almost all of his concerts, so people connected to his music think it is a proper choice to include this Berry classic. (See Ronnie Lane on page 1305) MONTE CARLOS (USA) Country-rock quintet, Billy Cioffi (vocals, guitars), Michael Clark (vocals, keyboards), Philip Krawzak (saxophone), Will MacGregor (bass), Kirk Arthur Trachsel (drums). You Can’t Catch Me (3:24) 1994 CD: Monte Carlos [B.T. Puppy Records BTP-055222-2] ● USA, 1994 MONTROSE (USA) 1970s hard rock band from California led by founding member Ronnie Montrose. They had four albums out on Warner Bros. from 1973 to 1976. Roll Over Beethoven (3:39) 1974 2-CD: Paper Money [Warner Brothers R2 557788] ● USA, 2017 (DeLuxe Edition) CD 1 is the original “Paper Money” LP from 1974. CD 2 contains a previously unissued (incl. R.O.B.) KSAN Radio Session, Record Plant, Sausalito, California, 26 December 1974. MOODY BROTHERS (USA) We already have this group on the blog, however, I have added this new cover. Run Rudolph Run (2:43) 1987 CD: Home For The Holidays [Intersound Digital CHD-1502] ● Canada, 1991 Recorded at Lamon Sound Studios, Charlotte, North Carolina in October 1987. GARY MOORE (UK) See Volume 3, page 1373 for biographical info. Thirty Days (3:15) 2007 (live) CD: Live At Bush Hall 2007 [Eagle Records ER-203672] ● USA, 2014 This album was released all over EU, Australia and Japan. Later re-issued in EU on a 2-LP set in 2019. I like this live version better than the studio one. R. STEVIE MOORE (USA) Robert Steven Moore, born 1952 in Nashville. Son of Bob Moore, the famous studio bass player. Stevie is sometimes called the Godfather of Home Recording and one of the most recognized of the cassette underground. Rumor has it that he has Havana Moon (3:03) 2016 CD: Lids & Blankets: A Covers Collection Vol.1 [Stevie Moore self-released] ● USA, 2016 Ok, but a little predictable and boring. MOTIFS (UK) Obscure Liverpool beat group active on Merseyside during the 1960s. A trio formed by former members of The Del Renas. All Aboard ( : ) 1963 Various CD: Beat Waves ‘Cross The Mersey Vol. 2 [Merseyside Records Me-1002] ● UK, 2012 Previously unissued. Recorded 1963, so this will have to be the very first cover of this rather obscure Berry song, first available on the “Chuck Berry On Stage” album that came out in England October 1963. Tuesday, January 10. 2023CBID - Sounding like Chuck Berry
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: Here is a little info about newly discovered Soundalikes which are not mentioned in Volume 4: AC/DC (Australia) See Volume 3, page 1032 for biographical info. Rocker [Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott] (2:54) 1975 CD: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap [Atlantic K-50323] ● UK, 1976 Well this is done in rapid speed, too rapid for my taste. Anyway, Berry guitar in both the rhythm section and solos, I am a rocker, I’m a roller… The original Australian LP didn’t include this track. MARC BRISTOL & The Shack Shakers (USA) Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and editor of fab-mag Blue Suede News, from Seattle. Regarding the soundalike below he says that he checked Vol.4 of CBID to see if this particular song was included, and said that he will have to wait for Vol.5 (it’ll never happen!) But to compensate a little it’s finally here on this blog in four versions. Sorry for the delay Marc. Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:29) 1989 MC: Fresh Rockabilly [Moon Record Company no cat. #] ● USA, 1989 Record company out of Cleveland, Ohio. Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:38) 1995 (live) CD: Rockabilly Rhythm & Blues [King Noodle KN-1015CD] ● USA, 2003 Recorded live at the Tractor Tavern, Seattle, “Rockabilly Hell Night”, 27 October ‘95. Both versions above has a very good rockabilly sound, maybe not so much Berry riffs but still very Berry in the verses. FILÉ GUMBO featuring MARC BRISTOL (USA) Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:29) 1994 CD: Big Big Love [King Noodle KN-1012CD] ● USA, 1994 Here it is zydeco music with washboard (by Marc Bristol) and accordion. Also recorded by Ronnie Dawson (see Vol. 4 page 1794) on the album “Just Rockin’ and Rollin’” Upstart Records CD-032 (USA) and No Hit Records NOHIT-019 (UK) 1996. A solid rockin’ version. GARY CLARK Jr. (USA) Vocalist, guitarist and actor, born 1984 in Austin, Texas. Travis Country [Gary Clark Jr.] (3:38) 2012 CD: Blak And Blu [Warner Records 531981-2] ● USA, 2012 This is a direct influence of listening to Berry’s music. Berry rhythm and especially the guitar solo played by Clark himself. MOTT THE HOOPLE (UK) Glam rock band who was active from 1969. Original line-up: Ian Hunter (vocals), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Pete Watts (bass) and Dale Griffin (drums). Walkin’ With a Mountain [Ian Hunter] (3:52) 1970 CD: Mad Shadows [Island Records ILPS-9119] ● UK, 1970 Berry guitar and beat, sounds a bit like The Rolling Stones’ Jumpin’ Jack Flash, but more noise(!) They have also done this several times live. Monday, January 9. 2023CBID - A Tribute to a Tribute to Chuck Berry
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. One of the tribute albums reported recently now got a tribute on its own. And a new album is full of Berry covers, though only for download. MIKE ZITO (USA) Mike Zito received two awards from The Blues Foundation in Memphis during Blues Music Awards 2021 for the album: AT THE HOP (Australia) Rock n Roll tribute quintet from New South Wales, formed in 2003. Johnny B. Goode / Roll Over Beethoven / Sweet Little Sixteen / Route 66 * / Maybellene / Rock And Roll Music / You Never Can Tell / Nadine / Run Rudolph Run / School Day / No Particular Place To Go / My Ding-A-Ling Johnny B. Goode –A Tribute To Chuck Berry (Talking Clive - OMP [One Media Publishing]) ● 2012 They follow the Berry original arrangements as close as you could get, which is good but since you’ve heard all the songs before by Berry himself it’s somewhat a disappointment. And they could have skipped “Ding-A-Ling”. The only really interesting cover is “Route 66” which is very similar to Berry’s and not Stones. You don’t hear that too often. Wednesday, November 9. 2022CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 7
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This time I include a few special items. [continued] ERICA DiCEGLIE (USA) Singer, songwriter, musical director, actor. Performing regularly in Tampa, Florida. She’s released four CDs so far, the first one in 2003. You Never Can Tell (3:31) 2021 TV performance ● USA, 2021 Not on album. Recorded live at Center for The Arts at River Ridge, New Port Richey, (Tampa) Florida, with Stan Collins at the piano. (Check it out on You Tube.) She’s used the slow arrangement that Elise LeGrow did in 2017, although this is not so good and souldful, but ok. DIRE STRAITS (UK) Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler is not in here, however, I have seen so many unofficial live albums by them and very often they are including “Nadine”. Just wanted you to know. DIRECT HITS (UK) Rock trio from South London, formed in 1980. First single in 1982 and first album in ‘83. The band folded in 1987 but reformed a few times, 1988, 2004 and 2017. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 2017 (live) CD: Lost And Found [Blaamm! Records BLAAMM-514] UK, 2020 Previously unissued. DR. BOP & THE HEADLINERS (USA) Rock’n’roll quintet from Wisconsin. Active from 1971 – 1978. School Day ( : ) 1976 (live) LP: Dr. Bop & The Headliners – Live ! [Chicken Records 1001] ● USA, 1976 Recorded live November 1976 at Lucifer in Boston, featuring The White Raven (!) You’ll actually find various clips on You Tube by the band. GO-GETTERS (Sweden) Rockabilly trio from Västerås. Founded in January 1988 by Peter Sandberg. See also Volume 3, page 1215 for another Berry cover. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2004 45: Goofin’ Records XMAS-210 ● Finland, 2004 (PS) On red vinyl. GO KATZ (UK) Psychobilly band from Loughborough, Leicestershire, formed in 1986. Let It Rock [as “Let It Roll”] ( : ) 1990 EP: Blues-A-Billy [Scary Thoughts 41090] ● UK, 1990 Yellow vinyl. TOM GREED & The Snowflakes (Germany) Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist who in the mid to late ‘80s played bass in various garage and punkrock bands and in the early ‘90s played drums in a rockabilly quartet called Pyromanix which later became the Ray Collins’ Hot Club. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2001 45: Three Kings Records TKR-730701 ● Germany, 2001 I haven’t heard this but the A-side, “Christmas Love”, is pure modern rockabilly. HOT ROD LINCOLN (USA) See Volume 3, page 1256 for biographical info. Let It Rock ( : ) 1996 CD: The Boulevard [Dionysus DCD-123332] ● USA, 1996 They also have a private press 12” colored vinyl five tracks EP (released 2018) including “You Never Can Tell”. Not counted for. JEREMY & THE HARLEQUINS (USA) Jeremy Lublin (Jeremy Fury). He’s released 17 MP3 and FLAC singles for downloading. He also has 3 ordinary albums out as Jeremy & The Harlequins. On one album from 2018 the band has 5 guys pictured on the cover. You Can’t Catch Me (3:34) 2020 2 x File, Flac single: Play Chuck Berry [Yep Roc Records no cat no] ● USA, 2020 (PS) Yeah, I know. But since this is a special Tribute to Berry I thought it was necessary and interesting to include. It was even displayed online with a picture sleeve(!) The band has recreated Berry’s 1956 Chess single. JOHNNY A. (USA) Johnny Antonopoulos. Now here’s another one of those guitar pickers extraordinaire that I haven’t heard about although I found 4 albums by him, 1999-2014. On the album below he’s accompanied by Jesse Bastos (bass) and Chris Farr (drums). Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2007 (live) (instr) (DVD)/CD: One November Night [Aglaophone Records AR-110107] ● USA, 2009 This is a DVD/CD combined, but “Memphis” is not included on the DVD. The show recorded live at Scullers Jazz Club In Boston, and according to the cat no I would assume 1 November 2007. JUAN De La CRUZ BAND (Philippines) Rock group, formed 1968 in Manila. Guitarist Wally Gonzales was the founding member. In 1971 the band released their first album, “Up In Arms”, as a quintet. Around And Around [as “Round And Round”] (5:24) 1973 LP: Himig Natin [Sunshine TSP-5104] ● Philippines, 1973 JUNIOR CADILLAC (USA) See Volume 3, page 1282 for biographical info, also pages 2079-80 for more covers. No Money Down (5:03) 1971 (live) LP: Jr. Cadillac Is Back [Great Northwest Record Company GNWRC-1000001] ● USA, 1971 Recorded live at the Grapevine Tavern in Seattle, July 1971. No Money Down (4:15) 1981 LP: In For Life [Great Northwest Record Company GNWR-006] ● USA, 1981 JUSSI & THE BOYS (Finland) See Volume 3, page 1282 for biographical info. Brown Eyed Handsome Man [as “Harmaa Herrasmies”] (2:07) 2014 LP/CD: Kerran Vielä, Pojat! [Turenki Records 14200-21] ● Finland, 2014 Unfortunately it is a copy of the Buddy Holly version. Johnny B. Goode [as “Tommie B. Goode”] (4:26) 2018 LP/CD: Unioninkatu 45 [Turenki Records 14200-71] ● Finland, 2018 I understand that the Finnish people prefer their own language, however, the language doesn’t flow like English do when it comes to singing. K-MAN & THE 45s (Canada) Reggae quartet. Kristin Daniel (vocals, guitar), Josua Michaud (Trombone, vocals), Mathieu Forget (saxophone, vocals), François-Charles Poirier (bass, vocals), Paulo Max Riccardo (drums). With a little help from pianist Julien-Carl St. Pierre. You never Can Tell (3:13) 2019 CD: Stand With The Youth [Stomp Records STMP-154] ● Canada, 2019 Now this is interesting. As far as I know it’s the first reggae version of this Berry classic. And well done! KARTUFFELSTAMPERS (West-Germany) Jazz-dixieland band. Don’t know anything except that they also cover Erroll Garner and Duke Ellington a.o. Memphis, Tennessee (3:01) 1984 (instr) LP: Kartuffelstampers [Kartuffel-Record KR-5707] ● West-Germany, 1984 Should have loved to hear this version, hopefully in a dixieland style. However, they could have used the Count Basie arrangement from 1967? JOHN PAUL KEITH & The One Four Fives (USA) A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, singer, songwriter, guitarist. He’s been a veteran of the Memphis music scene for 17 years. Has six solo albums to his credit. He seems like being very popular in later years. John Paul Keith took on a huge European tour in April and May 2022 (see clip on You Tube from 28. April). He sounds a bit like Buddy Holly but with a more modern rockin’ style. Back In The USA (2:58) 2009 (live) CD: Live At The Hi-Tone [Big Legal Mess Records 0251] ● USA, 2009 Recorded live on the fourth of July 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee. MIKE KENNEDY (West Germany) Michael Volker Kogel, born 1944 in Berlin. He was the singer in the Spanish rock band Los Bravos, famous for “Black Is Black” (1966). Roll Over Beethoven (3:03) 1971 LP: Mike Is Mike [Explosión 85.049-SL] ● Spain, 1971 Album also released 1972 in both Venezuela and Brazil. SPEEDY KING AND HIS FEETWARMERS (Belgium) Rock sextet. Members: Dirk van der Jonckheid, Dirk Versmissen, Frans Gommeren, Guy Versmissen, Jonas Ceelen, Jules Daems. Nadine (3:15) 1979 LP: Breaking Up The House [Racoon Records RR-116 L] ● Belgium, 1979 And now ladies and gentlemen another Berry song to be covered, or is it? Muddy Waters also had a song titled “Oh Yeah” which has been covered before, so…? Anyway, “Oh Yeah” on the LP above is credited to Berry. I haven’t been able to find any info on the net, except discogs says it’s written by Berry. KIT KATS (USA) Rock and roll band from the Philadelphia area. Original members: John Bradley (vocals, guitar), Karl Hausman (piano), Ron Cichonski [aka Ronnie Shane] (bass) and Kit Stewart (drums). They had their first single out in 1963. A couple of singles in 1966 and ’67 on Jamie were minor hits. In 1970 they changed their name to The New Hope and hit the charts with “Won’t Find Better Than Me”. By 1974 they had disbanded. Kit Stewart died in 2001. Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:15) 1965 LP: The Very Best Of The Kit Kats [Virtue V-102067] ● USA, 1967 This seems to be a collection of out-takes from 1964-65, and therefore far from a Best Of compilation. There’s a song called “Hey Hey Hey” (1:55) credited to C. Berry (Arc Music) but that’s actually an original by the group. KNACK (UK) Garage band from Ilford, later based in London. Also known as The Londoners. The Knack was: Paul Gurvitz (vocals, guitar), Brian Morris (vocals, guitar), Gery Kenworthy (bass), Mick Palmer (bass on the Berry number), Topper Clay (drums). They had six singles released during the ‘60s. Back In The USA ( : ) 1965 CD: Time Time Time (The Complete UK Singles And More 1965-67) [Rev-Ola CR REV-199]● UK, 2007 Previously unissued. HERVÉ KRIEF BLUES TRIO (France) Guitarist, songwriter, arranger from Paris. Has played with both Miles Davis and Ray Charles. Roll Over Beethoven (3:24) 1994 CD: Paris-Bruxelles [BSM Records BSM-04] ● France, 1994 KRZYSZTOF KRAWCZYK (Poland) Pop-rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1946 in Katowice. He must have been very popular in Poland because he released plenty of albums since 1974 and a whole lotta singles! Died in 2021. Memphis, Tennessee (3:03) 1980 EP: Oh Pretty Woman [Tonpress N-58] ● Poland, 1980 KRAYOLAS (USA) San Antonio, Texas garage-rock band. Hector Saldana (vocals), Van Baines (guitar), David Saldana (drums). Run Rudolph Run (3:18) 2011 CD: Tipsy Topsy Turvy [Box Records B-63052-2] ● USA, 2011 A good rockin’ version, and this is not a Christmas album. LA ROCKORQUESTA SPORT CLUB (Spain) Don’t know but I will think they are studio musicians. Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1990 LP: It’s Only Rock And Roll [Libélula Records L-027] ● Spain, 1990 Here we have 12 tracks on each side, and 5 Berry songs are covered. LAHARYHMÄ (Finland) According to discogs they are a punk/hard rock/metal band. Their first CD (an EP) came in 1998. Later they released 3 albums from 2000 to 2005 and several CD singles. On the record below they are Richard Rape (vocals), Fast Eddie Beast (guitar), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (bass), Hermann The German (drums). Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (2:45) 2000 CD: Kotimaan Katsaus [Kråklund Records KråCD-78] ● Finland, 2000 Album recorded at Old Bang Studio, Lapua, 18-24 September, 2000. 15 tracks with humorous versions of Finnish classics. Several Finnish bands/artists have covered this version of the Berry classic, originally done by Rauli “Badding” Somerjoki in 1973, which was a big hit for him (see Somerjoki on page 1521). ROLF LEBEDA (West Germany) Musician Rolf Lebeda was very much into the rock’n’roll, R&B and blues genres. He was born 1952 and died in 2007. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1981 LP: Boogie [B-Flat Records MD 15120080] ● Germany, 1981 Here he also do versions of both “Route 66” and “Down The Road A Piece”. This is a bigger production than the trio below. Lebeda (vocals, keyboards, harmonica), John Marshall (guitar), Cliff Wren (ac.bass), Willo Lindfors (drums), plus Michael Runkel (saxophone), Edwin Wren (trumpet). & HIS ROCK’n’ROLF BAND: Bye Bye Johnny (2:31) 1987 (live) LP: Live In Düsseldorf [B-Flat Records RL-0787018] ● Germany, 1987 Recorded live on 18 and 23 July ’87 in the Party Tent during the Düsseldorf Shooting match. Rolf Lebeda (vocals, piano), Jürgen Frenzel (guitar), Waldo Karpenkiel (drums). They also do a version of “Route 66” which I am sure is in the Berry/Stones way. LED ZEPPELIN (UK) Jimmy Page (guitars), Robert Plant (vocals, harmonica), John Paul Jones (Bass, organ), John Bonham (drums). Again it goes to show that everybody does Chuck Berry. According to discogs there’s been several unofficial (bootlegs) albums with Led Zeppelin during the years where they do Berry covers. Here are two examples, both soundboard recordings. The bootlegs listed first contain excerpts, the ones listed second are more complete. School Day ( : ) 1973 LP: Sound Check 5th July 1973 [Timpani SLZ 30] ● Europe, 1990 Recorded during soundcheck at Chicago Stadium, July 1973. School Day (Hail Hail Rock’n’Roll) ( : ) 1975 CD: Round + Round [Ghost Records CD 53-48] ● New Zealand, 1991 Recorded during soundcheck at Met Center, Bloomington, Minneapolis 1975. ALBERT LEE (UK) See Volume 3, page 1310 for biographical info. Back In The USA (4:09) 2018 (live) CD: Live in Concert 2018 [Mann Brothers Media Ltd. 0602573654385] ● UK, 2018 Recorded live at The Clarets Bar, Chelmsford City FC, Essex. LES MALADES (France) New wave, rock trio: Thierry Cailliez (Guitar, vocals), Bruno Cheynier (vocals, trombone), Jean François Declercq (bass). Carol (3:20) 1986 LP: Chaud Devant [Editions De La Péniche EDP-861] ● France, 1986 Thierry Cailliez sings on this one. LES SOUNDS GUITARS (France) Probably studio musicians. Bye Bye Johnny (2:08) 1966 LP: Les Plus Grands Succès Du Rock [Adria 655 036] ● France, 1968 16 tracks. Not sure about 1966 as there is no year printed anywhere on the album sleeve or label. Don’t know either if it’s plain instrumentals, vocals or whatever. MIKE LIDDELL & GLI ATOMI (Italy) Beat quintet from Rome led by singer Mike Liddell. Bye Bye Johnny (3:07) 1966 (live) LP: Una Serata Al Piper [Arc SA-9] ● Italy, 1966 Piper Club Series. CD: Una Serata Al Piper [On Sale Music 64 SOM-104] ● Italy, 2015 CHRISTINA LINDBERGS (Sweden) Christina Agnes Maria Lindberg Wigardt born in 1968, Helsingfors. Recorded a couple of albums in 1985-86. Then had a time as singer in the dance-band Lasse Stefanz (see page 1308) in the late ‘80s. Had her own orchestra in the ‘90s, but nowadays touring as a solo artist. Her latest album came in 2018. She sings everything in Swedish. You Never Can Tell [as “Vi Får Hoppas Att Allting Går Bra”] (2:46) 1992 LP & CD: Gyllene År [Frituna 0270-1 / -2] ● Sweden, 1992 Recorded at NCS Studio, Norrköping in September ’92. She uses the full backing here, even including the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Actually it’s a cover of the version by Vikingarna (page 1588) from 1979/1980. LOS MISTERIOSOS (Spain) Beat-rock sextet. Memphis, Tennessee (2:40) 1968 EP: Los Misteriosos [Tam Tam -17] ● Spain, 1968 LOS PUMAS (Spain) See Volume 3, page 1332. However, in addition to the two EPs from 1964 and 1965 (the latter which actually included the Berry cover) they also had a single out in Ecuador (including the Berry track as the A-side) in 1965, which tells us that the song was not from ‘67. And by the way, songs by Los Pumas have also been included on a couple of compilation albums from Spain. Carol (2:25) 1965 EP: Pegueña Honda [Hispavox HH-17.320] ● Spain, 1965 LOS REBELDES (Spain) See Volume 3, page 1333 for biographical info. No Particular Place To Go (2:47) 1987 (live) 2-LP: Preferiblemente Vivos [Epic EPC 450385 1] ● Spain, 1987 See also Tributes. LOS ROLLS (Spain) Known as The Spanish Beatles Tribute Band. A quartet. Rock And Roll Music (2:30) 1987 LP: Los Rolls [Alligator Records 56.0371] ● Spain, 1987 Since they are a tribute band to The Beatles, I can understand (a little bit) that they included these two Chuck Berry classics because they were hits for the group. However, they also included “Boys”, “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”, “Twist And Shout” and “Money” amongst the 12 tracks on the album above. My oh my. LOS SALT LAKE CITY (USA/Spain) According to discogs this was a US folk rock quintet created in Spain in the early ‘70s. One single (1972) and two albums (1972 / 1973). Rock And Roll Music (2:00) 1973 (live) LP: Los Salt Lake City [Diábolo N-27.009] ● Spain, 1973 LOS SPEAKERS (Colombia) A pioneering Colombian rock band led by guitarist Rodrigo Garcia from Spain. Formed 1960 in Bogotá. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1965 LP: La Casa Del Sol Naciente [Bambuco DBS-4017] ● Spain, 1965 The album was reissued in 2009 in a cardboard sleeve, same label and cat number. DONNA LYNN (Canada) Camille Donna Albano, born 1950. Popular teen pop singer who had some 9 singles out on Capitol from 1963-1965. Roll Over Beethoven (2:31) 1964 LP: Java Jones/My Boyfriend Got a Beatle Haircut [Capitol Records ST-2085] ● USA, 1964 We can all assume what this sounds like. JACKIE LYNTON (UK) See Volume 3, pages 1337-1338 for biographical info. Let It Rock ( : ) 1996 (live) 2-CD: Alive! At The Bleak House, August ’96 [A New Day Records ANDCD-12] ● UK, 1996 Recorded on 19 August ‘96 at The Bleak House in Ottershaw (or Horsell). JACKIE LYNTON’S H. D. BAND: Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1978 (live) LP: Till We’re Blue In The Face [Thumb Records TR-002] ● UK, 1979 Recorded live at The Golden Lion, London, 18 November 1978. The album came with a single, “The Hedgehog Song/Farting With The Famous” (Thumb Records TR-003). Thursday, October 20. 2022Andy McKaie RIP
MCA/Universal music executive Andy McKaie has died, aged 76, following a 17-year struggle with Parkinson's disease. Andy established a significant reissue program of material by blues, rock, jazz and country artists, from the Motown, Mercury, and Island labels and, most significantly, the Chess imprint which had become part of the MCA/Universal catalogue following a series of take-overs and buy-outs. He meticulously catalogued and reissued the music of the great blues giants at Chess: Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers plus the soulful sides of Etta James and Bo Diddley’s magic music amongst many others. He won four Grammy Awards in the Historical Recordings category: for Chuck Berry’s The Chess Box, Billie Holiday’s The Complete Decca Recordings, Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey and Little Walter’s The Complete Chess Masters (1950 to 1967).
Following the publication of my Berry book, Long Distance Information, Andy contacted me to help compile and produce a comprehensive release of Chuck Berry’s Chess recordings issued under the collective title ‘His Complete Chess Recordings’ (which wasn’t exactly correct but near enough for rock ‘n’ roll). Three, four CD box-sets were released spanning Chuck’s work from 1955 to 1974 which included a number of previously unissued recordings. Andy would call up Berry’s tapes from the huge MCA/Universal vaults, copy them onto CDRs and mail them to me to review and sort out. The raw Chess tapes were a complete jumble, mixing old and new, stereo and mono together on individual tapes, some cuts only partial, some with false overdubs. From my point of view this was manna from heaven and I waited eagerly for the next batch to drop through my letter box. It is a sobering thought that the original tapes may well have been lost when fire swept across the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood in June 2008 and perhaps significant that Richard Weize used my CDRs when producing the Bear Family ‘Rock And Roll Music’ 16 CD box-set in 2014 rather than seek them from Universal. Andy was undoubtedly one of the good guys and it is terribly sad that we have lost a dedicated advocate of the music we all love. Monday, October 10. 2022CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 6
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. This segment starts with Run Rudolph Run and it ends with it. [continued] PSYCHIC ILLS (USA) Tres Warren (vocals, guitar, organ, piano), Elizabeth Hart (bass), Chris Millstein (drums). Run Rudolph Run (4:02) 2013 Various CD: Psych-Out Christmas [Cleopatra CLP-1069] ● USA, 2013 This has to be one of the worst ever, the singer sounds like he just woke up and the guitar is out of tune. And four minutes!!! You could kill for less. Sorry guys. PUSH (USA) Rock quintet from California. Roll Over Beethoven (3:15) 2011 CD: American Too [Push 86559] ● USA, 2011 SUZIE QUATRO (USA) Susan Kay Quatro, born 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. Singer, songwriter, bassist. Very popular rock performer since the early ‘70s. First album “Suzi Quatro” or “Can The Can” in 1973. She was actually much more popular in the UK and Europe than in the USA. In the UK she had 5 Top Ten albums (2 at #1). And I must say that it is about time she’s finally in this survey. She rocks! Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:53) 1978 Box set: The Rock Box 1973-1979 The Complete Recordings [Chrysalis CRB-1438] ● EU, 2022 Previously unreleased. She’s often done this live and you’ll find several, both early and later clips, on You Tube. QUEEN DIVAS OF THE UNIVERSE (USA) Formed in 2009. Roni Lee (vocals, guitar), Laurie Beebe Lewis (piano), Shaaron Hancock-Schuemaker (bass), Chuck Lewis (drum programming) !!! The three ladies are music vets who separately have been involved with other bands back in the ‘70s and up. The Xmas album below was their first as a group. Run Rudolph Run (3:56) 2011 CD: All Wrapped Up In Christmas [Remnant Studios 111711] ● USA, 2011 It’s a rockin’ version in the traditional way with a few new lyric interchanges here and there. CASSIE RAMONE (USA) Real name Cassie Grzymkowski. Born 1986 and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Moved to Brooklyn in 2004. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. She released her debut album in August 2014 titled “The Time Has Come”. She’s been involved in several bands since 2008, like Vivian Girls, Bossy, The Babies, OCDPP, and all have released records. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2015 CD: Christmas In Reno [Burger Records BRGR-960] ● USA, 2015 Don’t know why the title is as it is, because the album was recorded in New Jersey and Los Angeles during February 2014 – August 2015, and there are no titles with Reno in them. Maybe her grandparents lived there? BO RAMSEY And The Sliders (USA) Robert Franklin Ramsey. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. Born 1951 in Burlington, Iowa. Has released several albums since 1982. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1983 LP: Feelin’s Getting’ Stronger [3rd Street Records RR-001] ● USA, 1983 LARRY RASPBERRY & THE HIGHSTEPPERS (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist. Blues/rock group from Memphis, Tennessee. Back In The USA [as “Livin’ In The USA”] (3:32) 1975 CD: Highsteppin’ And Fancy Dancin’, Jukin’ And Jivin’ [Intense/Backroom Records BR-1000] ● USA, 1996 This album is a compilation of previously released and unreleased tracks. The Berry cover previously unissued. DAVID REA (USA) David Ernest Rea. Born near Akron, Ohio in 1946, died in 2011. Singer, songwriter, musician. Session work with Ian & Sylvia and Gordon Lightfoot. Nadine (2:45) 1973 LP: Slewfoot [Columbia KC-32485] ● USA, 1973 I haven’t heard this version but I would reckon it sounds a little folky. REBEL CATS (Mexico) Rockabilly trio. Run Rudolph Run [as “Corre Rodolfo Corre”] (2:29) 2009 CD: Navidad Rock-A-Billy [Grabaxiones Alicia 0045] ● Mexico. 2009 RED HOT ROCKIN’ SANTAS (Australia) Rock’n’roll trio, Brian Dean, Mick Hamilton, Leon Isaacson. Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 1987 45: Festival Records K-471 ● Australia, 1987 I haven’t heard this, as it is the A-side “Another Rock’n’Roll Christmas” that turns up. RED TOPS (Spain) Rockabilly band. Thirty Days (3:30) 2012 CD: …Are Back In Town [Vaso Music VM-473] ● Spain, 2012 A rock swingin' version, with a guitar solo and sax solo. BUDDY REED & THE ROCKET 88s (USA) Blues-rock quartet. Buddy Reed (vocals, guitar), Bill Tarsha (harmonica), Jerry Smith (bass) and Roger Rotoli (drums, vocals). Sweet Little Rock And Roller (3:41) 1983 LP: Short Dress Woman [Trash Records TLP-1002] ● USA, 1983 CHRIS ROBERTS (West Germany) Real name: Christian Klusáček, pop singer and actor, born 1946 in Munich-Schwabing, died in 2017. He was very popular and had A LOT of record releases, both singles and albums. Rock And Roll Music (3:03) 1972 LP: Love Me [Polydor 2371 314] ● West Germany, 1972 Well, this is awful to say the least. The backing is by Orchester Hans Bertram and production by Bertram. It goes too fast and the happy sound by the tanzorchester is too much to swallow. R.O.C.K. FLAMINGOS (Japan) Rockabilly band from Nagoya, formed in 1997. Thirty Days (2:16) 2013 CD: Play With Mr. Pan [Get Hip Records GC-042] ● Japan, 2013 The problem is their English pronunciation, but they should have for trying, and for playing the guitar solo the same way Berry did. That’s not done very often. ROCKEC IVO PEŠÁKA (Czech Republic) Jazz musician -flute, clarinet, saxophone-, singer, actor and painter. Born 1944, died 2011. Although being in the jazz field he sounds very rockin’ on the Berry covers. Maybellene [as “Má Drahá”](2:18) 2002 CD: Rockec Ivo Pešáka [Areca Multimedia AM-80119 2] ● Czech Republic, 2002 Again interesting to notice that Berry’s music is in the lead when it comes to numbers of covers on an album. ROCKVEREINIGUNG WINTERTHUR (Switzerland) Rock sextet, Markus Hodel (vocals), Päde Morf (guitar), Roger Flieg (guitar), Beat Iseli (steel-guitar, guitar) Bob Curiano (bass), and Stefan Engler (drums). Guests: Roman Weissert (saxophone) and Marc Wagenbach (backing vocals). Carol (3:41) 1998 (live) 17 tracks. Recorded live at Winterthurer Musikfestwochen, Steinberggasse-Bühne, Sunday 6 September ’98. ROLLING STONES (UK) See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info. Around And Around (3:53) 1977 (live) 2-CD: El Mocambo 1977 [Rolling Stones Records (Polydor) 4549589] ● UK-USA, 2022 Recorded live at the El Mocambo Tavern in Toronto, Canada on 5 March 1977 in front of 300 people. It’s the full concert (previously unissued) from 5 March ‘77 and three bonus tracks from the 4 March performance. In addition to the Berry number they also perform soundalikes like “Route 66”, “Star Star”, “It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (But I Like It)”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”. There is also a 4-LP box set available. LEON RUSSELL (USA) See volume 3, page 1484 for biographical info. Roll Over Beethoven (3:10) 2011 (live) LP: The Montreux Session [Edel: Content 0208394CTT] ● Germany, 2013 Recorded at Miles Davis Hall in Montreux, 6 July 2011, during Festival De Jazz De Montreux 2011. SALEBARBES (Canada) Cajun quintet. Singing in French. You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:03) 2021 CD: Gin À L’Eau Salée [L-Abe LABECD-21001] ● Canada, 2021 Pretty good swingin’ cajun version in French which makes it more authentic despite not being from Louisiana. SEACRUISERS (Finland) Rock’n’roll band from Helsinki. Sweet Little Rock And Roller (3:36) 2020 CD: The Seacruisers [Turenki Records/Pressworks Music cat no? ] ● Finland, 2020 Good rockin’ version. SEB’S MUSIC SHOP (Canada) Sébastien Plante, one man band. Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 2019 LP: Blues Volume 1 [Seb’s Music Shop no cat no] ● Canada, 2019 I haven’t been able to find this Berry cover on You Tube but he has a complete sound despite being on his own. SECRET SERVICE (USA) Garage rock quartet from New York City. Wayne Manor (vocals), Rob Normandin (guitar), Jim Gange (bass), Steve Peper (drums). Too Much Monkey Business (2:29) (live) CD: Power And Volume ! [Snap, Crackle & Pop FUNCD-007] ● Spain, 1998 This is a compilation album from different sources. Berry track recorded live at CBGB, New York, NY, 28 May 1987. They also did “I Got To Find My Baby” the same year (different venue) credited to Berry which is wrong. Written by Willie Dixon and originaly recorded by Little Walter for Checker in 1954. JAY SEWALL (Canada) Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Boston, but grew up in Montreal. He played in Chicago during the seventies and the eighties. Based in Quebec over the past twenty years and he is today a legend in Canadian blues. Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:37) 2018 CD: Payin’ My Dues – 50 Years Of Blues [Mack Records JS2-4788] ● Canada, 2018 SHINDIGGERS (Australia) Garage rock quartet from Melbourne. Members on the Berry cover below are: Bill Leggett (vocals), Pete Andrews (guitar), Steve Agar (bass) and Spud Wildman (drums). I’m Talking About You [as “Talking About You”] (2:22) 1984 EP: The Shindiggers [Preston Records 13673] ● Australia, 1985 Recorded September 1984 in Pete’s Lounge Room. 2-CD: Maximum Beat [Off The Hip OTH-7056] ● Australia, 2008 The 2-CD set is a remastered compilation of all their recordings from 1984 to 2000. SHUSHA (UK) See page 1505 in Volume 3. The entry below is already in the survey, however, I didn’t know anything about this lady back then. But her life story is kinda interesting. Shamsi Assãr, a very versatile lady, was born 1935 in Tehran, Iran and was an author, editor, actress, singer, songwriter who recorded under the name of Shusha, performing Persian and Western folk-songs. She was a student in France in the late ‘50s and moved to London, England in the early ’60s. Shusha was also a talented amateur documentary filmmaker and was even nominated for an Oscar back in 1976 for her feature documentary “People Of The Wind” which was also narrated by famous actor James Mason. She released 13 albums altogether, 1971-1995. She died in 2008. Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 1974 LP: This Is The Day [United Artists UAS-29684] ● UK, 1974 This is one of those unusual entries. Much the same as Marianne Faithful and her version of “Sweet Little Sixteen” in 1976. Shusha was a folk singer, sounding like Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell (sort of), and it’s pretty peculiar that she included this Berry title to cover together with songs from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Cole Porter, Van Morrison, Jacques Brel, Bob Dylan and others. The result is a little doubtful, but at least it’s quite different from all other versions! SILENCE (UK) Rock/Beat quintet from Herefordshire. Patrick Brooke (lead vocals, harmonica), Overend Watts (guitar, vocals), Paul Jeffery (rhythm guitar, vocals), Robert Fisher (bass, vocals), Dale Griffin (drums). I’m Talking About You (2:40) 1990 2 CD: Doc Thomas Group: Italian Job / The Silence: Shotgun Eyes [Angel Air Records SJPCD-278] ● UK, 1998 The Silence tracks recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, October 1990. They also did “Route 66” which I am certain sounds like Stones/Berry. SKY HIGH (Sweden) Blues-rock band formed 1978 in Gothenburg by guitarist Clas Yngström. Too Much Monkey Business (3:52) 2004 (live) CD: Soul Survivor [Virgin 7243 473524 2 3] ● Sweden, 2004 14 tracks recorded live at Fasching, Stockholm, between 9 and 11 March 2004. SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS (UK) See Volume 4, page 1890 (Soundalikes) for biographical info. Run Rudolph Run (3:39) 2015 Various CD: Punk Rock Christmas [Cleopatra CLO-0091] ● USA, 2015 Heavy rockin’ version. This album was reissued both in 2017 and 2021. Thursday, August 18. 2022CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 5
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: The more you browse the Internet, the more cover versions you find. Here's another list of artists and band playing Chuck Berry's music. [continued] JEAN-LUC ATTARD & Orchestra (France) Rock And Roll Music (2:10) 1966 (instr) LP: Guitar Boogie Vol. 2 [Discara 138] ● France, 1966 BERLIN BRATS (USA) Punk-rock quintet led by vocalist Rick Wilder. Bye Bye Johnny (1:31) 1976 (live) CD: Believe It Or Not 1973-1976 [Ratchet Blade Records RBR-714] ● USA, 2010 I haven’t heard this and the time of 1:31 is pretty short(?) I haven’t found any original release details of this Berry cover so it might be previously unissued? CARBONAS (Spain) Rock’n’roll band from Madrid, formed in 1998. Nadine ( : ) 2001 CD: Rock ‘n’ Roll Romance [Garage Sónico Records GSR-001] ● Spain, 2001 Recorded in August 2001. PETER CASE (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1954 in Buffalo, New York. He’s been into various musical styles, new wave, folk-rock and plain acoustic solo performances. Had his first records out in 1986, and I was amazed of how many singles and albums he’s released! Nadine ( : ) 2010 45: Live At Euclid [Euclid Records EISS-011] ● USA, 2010 (PS) Recorded 23 July 2010 at Euclid Records, St. Louis, Missouri. Limited edition of 300 copies. DECADES (USA) Very popular pop-rock quintet from California. They do covers of songs from each of the decades, the ‘40s and up. On the album below they were: Samantha Francis (vocals), Ben Ruttenburg (vocals, keyboards), Will Watje (guitar, saxophone), Tobias Brooks (bass), Billy DiBono (drums). So far the band has 3 albums out. School Day (2:47) 2013 CD: Take Me Back [Decades Music no cat #] ● USA, 2013 Recorded June 2013 at Loud Palace Studios, Weed, California, by Grammy-nominated producer Sylvia Massey. DELTA MUDD (Canada) Blues duo from Kingston, Ontario. Rick Anglin (vocals, guitar) and Tom Harpell (harmonica) No Money Down (3:26) 2000 CD: Playin’ In The Mudd [Summit Sound Inc. SCD-5397] ● Canada, 2000 Recorded at The Toucan, Kingston, Ontario, 14 October, 2000. MICKY DOLENZ (USA) Originally a founding member of the ‘60s super group The Monkees. He was also a member of the ‘70s group Starship (see page 1531). See also The Monkees on page 1372. Rumour has it that Johnny B. was the song he auditioned for The Monkees. Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2012 CD: Remember [Robo Records RRMD-0001] ● USA, 2012 Acoustic light version but very effective. The album comes as a six panel digipak and a 20 page booklet. Interesting to see that he includes this classic as late as 2012. He’s also done it live together with a cover of “Too Much Monkey Business”. Not included here as they were not official releases. DUISBURG CITY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STARS (Germany) Leader Herbert Pelikan aka A.S.H. Pelikan was born 1953 in Duisburg. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. No Money Down ( : ) 1988 (live) CD: Showtime Im Neumühl [OTZ Musik Production Ausflug #3] ● Germany, 2010 Recorded live at Bürgerhaus Neumühl, Duisburg, 27 August 1988. EXPRESS (Finland) Rock quintet from Oulu, Finland. It was formed in the late ‘60s and was most active in the 1970s. Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (3:27) 1997 CD: XXX Since 1967 [EXM CD-2] ● Finland, 1997 This is a cover of a cover, namely Raul “Badding” Somerjoki’s original Finnish hit version from 1973 (see page 1521). FLASHBACK Best Of The 50’s (USA) 1950s cover band (sextet) from Connecticut. Roll Over Beethoven (2:37) 1986 LP: Now & Then [FEE Records WRA1-308] ● USA, 1986 It’s printed June ’56 besides the Berry title which is probably referring to the month Berry’s original entered the Billboard Hot 100, 30 June ’56. Anyway, I can’t find any other releases by the group except the album above. GATHERS (Japan) Rock quartet. Let It Rock (2:23) 1996 CD: The Gathers [Nutmeg NC-2069] ● Japan, 1996 GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS (UK) See Volume 3, page 1211 for biographical info. Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 1965 (live) CD: Live At The BBC [Parlophone 0190295636319] ● UK, 2018 Previously unreleased. Recorded for Saturday Club, 27 July 1965. JOHN GOTTING (UK) Singer, songwriter, also known as Johnny G. Nadine (5:42) 1994 (live) 2-CD: A Month Of Sundays + The Best Of Johnny G [John Gotting JGCD-1+2] ● UK, 1994 A self-released double CD. The live set “A Month Of Sundays” was recorded at The Best Inn, Bath, February 1994. GIBBY (Jamaica) Leebert “Gibby” Morrison, singer, songwriter, guitarist. Johnny B. Goode (3:42) 2001 CD: I’m Just Electrified [High Voltage LM-001] ● Jamaica, 2001 HARD WORKING AMERICANS (USA) American rock group with members from various Americana and rock bands, formed in 2013. Todd Snider (lead vocals), Neal Casal (guitar), Jesse Aycock (guitars), Chad Staehly (keyboards), David Schools (bass), Duane Trucks (drums). From 2014-2017 they released four albums and a couple of singles. School Day (3:54) 2017 (live) LP: CD: We’re All In This Together [Thirty Tigers MEL-005] ● USA, 2017 Pretty good rock version. They even released a video of this, and also various live clips, check You Tube. HARDIN & YORK (UK) As a duo they have released several albums since 1969 which was the year they came out with their debut album, namely “Tomorrow, Today”. Rock And Roll Music-Sweet Little Sixteen (3:52) 1969 CD: Tomorrow, Today [RPM Records RPM-128] ● UK, 1994 Reissue with bonus tracks. Series: The RPM Hardin & York Collection – Volume One. GRADY HARRIS And The Modern Country (USA) Country quartet. Grady was born in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains near Sylva, North Carolina and has been playing the guitar and singing since the age of 10. The album below was recorded at Ripcord Recordings Studios in Vancouver, Washington. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:13) late 1970s LP: Grady Harris And The Modern Country [Ripcord Records RSLP-1015] ● USA, late 1970s Again it is an irritating fact that companies doesn’t print any year on their releases. I have never understood why? HARVEY & THE WALLBANGERS (USA) Harvey Brough, a versatile singer, guitarist, composer, arranger. The Wallbangers: a jazz/blues vocal harmony group. Band members shifted but on the album below they are in addition to Harvey: Chuck Baker (guitar), Dean Dixon (piano), Chris Wiser & Theron Sharp (saxophones), Matt Blagg (trumpet), Kevie Hazelton & Martin Butcher (bass), Mike McCarty (drums). It seems the band was active around 6 years (ending in May 1987) and released three albums (1984-1987). However, the album below means they must have had a reunion. A compilation album “Early Days” was released in 2005. It’s My Own Business ( : ) 1999 CD: Nothing Takes The Place Of You [HWB Records LLC KH-3504] ● USA, 1999 HERMAN’S HERMITS (UK) See Volume 3, page 1243 for biographical info. You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie…) (3:04) 2006 (?) CD: Live In Germany [Zounds Gold 24 Karat 600680] ● Germany, 2007 The correct title of the CD is: Herman’s Hermits & Chantal – Live In Germany. Chantal has 3 tracks, Herman’s Hermits have 13, then Hermits & Chantal have 5 tracks together. The CD is in a series titled Audiophile Edition – Volume 15. DAN HICKS And The Hot Licks (USA) Daniel Ivan Hicks was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1941, and died in 2016 at the age of 74 in his hometown Mill Valley, California. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I counted 16 albums by him spanning 1969-2017 including 5 compilations. He called his music Folk Swing. Run Rudolph Run (2:27) 2010 CD: Crazy For Christmas [Surfdog Records 2-525580] ● USA, 2010 This is an unusual folk swing (yes) version, really goode ! HI-FREQUENCIES (USA) Rock quintet from Philadelphia, formed in the late ‘90s. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:53) 2001 CD: H-F House Party! [MSP-002] ● USA, 2001 I’m Talking About You ( : ) 2005 CD: Money Isn’t Everything [Teen Regime Records TR-004] ● USA, 2005 HOBO BLUES BAND (Hungary) Also known as HBB, a blues rock sextet formed in 1978 and disbanded 2011. They have released plenty of albums. Bye Bye Johnny (3:27) 1980 CD: Kopaszkutya [Mega HCD-37692 (93/M-085)] ● Hungary, 1993 Actually a soundtrack album for the 1981 movie “Kopaszkutya”, songs that first became available in 1993. HOMETOWNERS (Japan) Country music quintet from Tokyo. Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1970 LP: I Wanna Go Stateside (Hometowners In Guam) [Green City GCL-1971] ● Japan, 1971 Recorded live on the American Island Guam 21 November, 1970. RICH HOPKINS & BARRY “THE FISH” MELTON (USA) Rich Hopkins, born 1958 in Fort Worth, Texas, singer, songwriter guitarist. Barry Melton, born 1947 in Brooklyn, New York City, singer, guitarist. They have help from Nick Augustine (bass) and Tom Larkins (drums). Thirty Days (3:16) 2005 CD: Duel In The Desert [Taxim Records TX-2082-2 TA] ● Germany, 2007 Recorded at Cavern Recording Studios, Tucson, Arizona. Unusual and different rockin’ version. JANICE HOYTE (UK) Black singer who had worked at Marks & Spencer and their Social Society was behind the release of her first album (see below). A live album came out in 1977 on the SRT label and also a single on the Seismic label. In 1979 she had a single out on United Artists and later on started working behind big names like Pete Townshend (studio backing vocalist) and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings (singer in the band). Another single came out in 1992. Brown Eyed Handsome Man ( : ) 1974 LP: I’m A Winner [Marks & Spencer Social Society, no cat #] ● UK, 1974 All proceeds from the sale of this record were to be donated to B.A.R. (The British Association for the Retarded). HUMAN NATURE (Australia) Male vocalist quartet, Andrew James Tierney, Michael John Tierney, Phil Andrew Burton and Toby Charles Allen. Since their debut in 1996 they have released several albums and singles, and many of them have covers of soul and R&B hits from the ‘60s/’70s. Run Rudolph Run (3:17) 2015 CD: The Christmas Album (Deluxe Edition) [Sony Music 8887 514 4382] ● Australia, 2015 This album was originally first issued in 2013, but this new Deluxe Edition has 4 extra tracks newly recorded, including the Berry number. A rockin’ version with a girl choir. HUMPERS (USA) Punk rock band from Long Beach, California, who started out in 1989. Some of the members had already been part of the L.A. punk band The Suicide Kings in the ‘80s. Run Rudolph Run (3:29) 1993 Various 10” LP: Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus [Sympathy For The Record Industry SFTRI-271] ● USA, 1993 As so often with punk bands they play in a rapid speed. Although this is actually rockin’ without the usual noise. HUNTERS (Netherlands) Rock band. Paul Hubert (vocals, guitar), Ron Bijtelaar (vocals, guitar), Wilfred Arends (bass), Sidney Wachtel (drums). Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 1983 LP: Russian Spy And I [Universe Productions LS-44] ● Netherlands, 1983 MICHAEL HURLEY (USA) Singer, songwriter, guitarist and fiddle player, born 1941. He grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and has released a lot of albums since 1964. It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes ( : ) 1976 (live) MC: Land Of Lo-Fi & Redbirds [Bellemeade Phonics no cat #] ● USA, 1988 Consists of two albums, the first recorded in 1988 together with Dave Reisch and the other recorded live in 1976. This is a self-released ditti where he’s used C-90 cassettes. LP: Redbirds Live At Folk City [Feeding Tube Records FTR-240] ● USA, 2017 Re-issue of the live album above. Good that he did it or else it wouldn’t have been here. I usually don’t include private cassette releases. JACKIE AND THE CEDRICS (Japan) A trio instrumental garage rock/surf band from Tokyo, formed in the early 1990s. They had their first two singles out in 1993, and by the way they also sing a little. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:51) 1994 (instr) 2 x 7” 33 1/3 EP: Great 9 Stomps Set [One plus Two Records EP-058] ● Japan, 1995 Album recorded 1994 at the Blue Plum Studio in Tokyo. This is a strange version, as they have incorporated some of the Buddy Holly riffs and the song ends sounding a bit like “Tequila” (!) JACKPOT (Germany) Pop-rock quintet. You Never Can Tell (3:33) 1998 CD: Bringin’ Back The Good Times [Jackpot Music 2405-1983-2] ● Germany, 1999 Album recorded at “Onkel Toms Hütte-Tonstudio”, Berlin. August-October 1998. PAUL JAMES BAND (Canada) See Volume 3, page 1265-1266 for biographical info; also on page 1824. Nadine (4:12) 1987 LP: Paul James Band [OPM Records OPM-PJ-1] ● Canada, 1987 The album also includes a soundalike version of “Route 66”, which is by the way included in Vol. 4 (see above). LEO JAIME (Brazil) Leonardo Jaime, born 1960, singer, songwriter, actor, author and journalist. Released his debut album in 1983 which was the one below here. Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’N’Roll”] ( : ) 1983 45: Epic 46.075 ● Brazil, 1983 (picture sleeve) Recorded At Sigla Studios and Transamerica Studios, Rio De Janeiro. JAMMIN’ (Switzerland) Blues-rock trio from Berne, originally formed in 1976 by Boris Pilleri as Jammin’ The Blues. It was renamed Jammin’ in 1989 and Boris Pilleri’s Jammin’ in 2008. Nadine (3:58) 1990 CD: Too Many Nights [Mercury 842 228-1] ● Switzerland, 1990 JANCREE (Germany) Hard rock trio formed in 1987, Diddi Hock (guitar, vocals), Olaf Steffens (vocals, bass), Klaus Schmid (drums) are the members on the album below. School Day [as “School Days”] (2:51) 2005 (live) 2-CD: Night Moves – Live [Pesch Records PR-1007] Germany, 2007 JAYBIRDS (Austria) Rhythm & blues / mod quintet from Vienna. Let It Rock (2:20) 1993 EP: Oh, Baby [Ilsa Records ILSAREC-69002] ● Austria, 1993 PETER JEZEWSKI (Sweden) See Volume 3, page 1271 for biographical info. In 2021 he released a new album titled “Rock Me Tonight”. Roll Over Beethoven (3:15) 2013 (live) 2-CD: Be Bop A Luba - Back To The Fifties Live [Be Bop A Luba CD-001] Sweden, 2013 Tuesday, August 9. 2022CBID - And they play Chuck Berry music - part 4
CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.
CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID. Today: 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] As mentioned before, more and more cover versions are now available as download only, and you’ll find most of them on You Tube. ALEX CHILTON (USA) See more info on this blog. Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:11) 1977 (live) 2-LP: Ocean Club ’77 [Norton Records ED-400] ● USA, 2015 Recorded at the Lower Manhattan Ocean Club in ‘77. Previously unissued. CONRADS (Germany) Blues trio led by singer, songwriter, guitarist Stefan George, plus Jay Trapp (bass) and Will Clipman (drums). No Money Down (4:48) 1998 CD: Way Back Home [Line Music 9.01369] ● Germany, 2000 Recorded by Jim Pavett at Allusion Studios, Tucson, Arizona. COPS LTD. (USA) Rock quintet of law enforcement musicians from Yakima, Washington. Joe Smith (guitar, vocals), John Caiman (guitar, vocals), Mike Schreimer (keyboards, vocals), Bob Broyles (bass, vocals), Terry Roseberry (drums, vocals). Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1975 LP: Play Old New [Tell International Records 27152] ● USA, 1975 Recorded at R.P.M. Studios, Yakima, Washington, in September ‘75. COPS ’N ROBBERS (UK) 1960s beat/R&B group, formed in Watford, Hertfordshire. They had one single on Decca (1964) and two on PYE (1965),and one EP in France (1965). It’s not easy, they are pictured as a quartet, quintet and sextet. Members: Dane Stephens (vocals), Brian “Smudger” Smith (vocals, guitar), Duff Jackson (vocals, guitar), Colin Strange (guitar), Brian “Chuck” Rainer (guitar), Terry Fox (keyboards), Keith Canandine (harmonica), Steve Smith (bass), Alan Whitehead (drums), Henry Harrison (drums). Betty Jean (2:24) 1964 CD: The Cops ’N Robbers [Distortions Records DR-1036] ● USA, 1997 Both songs copied from acetates, previously unissued. JEFF CURTIS & THE FLAMES (UK) Beat band formed in 1961. However, on the tracks below the band was as follows: Jeff Curtis [real name David Myers, born 1940] (lead vocals), Louis McKelvey (lead guitar), Keith Gardiner (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Malcolm Randall (saxophone), Dave Wigginton (bass), Malcolm Tomlinson (drums, backing vocals). Jeff Curtis really had a career in pop music during the ‘60s, check out garagehangover.com/jeff-curtis-and-the-flames Bye Bye Johnny (2:17) 1963 (demo) 4-CD set: Something Inside Of Me [Wienerworld Presentation WNRCD-5114] ● UK, 2021 “Unreleased Masters & Demos from the British Blues Years 1963-1976”. They also did “Route 66” which I am sure is in the Berry/Stones way. DAVOLI (Croatia) Pop band from Split, active from 1983. They were playing a mix of ‘50s and ‘60s rock’n’roll, rockabilly and Mediterranean pop. Memphis, Tennessee (3:32) 1998 CD: Space Twist [Dallas Records CD-2415] ● Croatia, 1998 Recorded summer/autumn 1998 at Studio Garaža, Rijeka. Memphis, Tennessee (2:20) 2016 (live) 2-CD: Studio M & Kulušić Live [Croatia Records 2CD-6074389] ● Croatia, 2016 JERRY DEEWOOD (Belgium) Pop singer, born 1943 in Bruges. Promised Land (2:45) 1980 LP: From Ballad To Rock & Roll [International Bestseller Co. 1A 058-63714] ● Belgium, 1980 This album is a tribute to Elvis in some way, so I would assume it sounds like Presley’s version. Back In The USA (3:00) 1982 LP: Souvenirs [Sounds Superb (EMI) 4M 036 64748] ● Belgium, 1982 “Back In The USA” is based on the Linda Ronstadt version, at least for the tempo and the piano. DELFINI (Italy) Delfini was a beat/rock quartet from Padua, founded in 1961. They actually released a lot of singles and two albums during their heydays 1964-1968. Memphis, Tennessee (3:29) 1966 (live) LP: Una Serata Al Piper [Arc SA-9] ● Italy, 1966 (Piper Club Series) DIVIN’ DUCKS (Norway) Rock quartet from Oslo. Roll Over Beethoven (3:01) 1998 (live) CD: Brewed And Bottled – Alive! [Clean Cut Records CCR-01] ● Norway, 1998 DONNEZ (Sweden) They are a Swedish danceband from Perstorp in Skåne (the very south area), formed in 2000. Donald “Donne” Laitila is the leader on vocals, keyboards and accordion. They sing both in English and Swedish. Run Rudolph Run (3:12) 2014 CD: Vem Tänker På Tomten? [Neptun NEP-1406] ● Sweden, 2014 Pretty goode rockin’ version, actually. DREAMBOATS (Canada) An old fashion rock’n’roll quartet from Mississauga, comprised of Sir Ritchie Hummins (vocals, guitar), Matt Best (lead guitar, vocals), Bryan Lewis (vocals, bass), Johnn G. Wiz (drums, vocals). I’m Talking About You (1:53) 2021 CD: Back To The Start [Dreamboats no cat no] ● Canada, 2021 I am a little uncertain if there’s actually a proper CD or is it just for downloading? But this version is so good it needs to be here. Yes, I can make an exception. And there is also a video on You Tube from 2015 where they play a speed-up version of “Maybellene”. T. O. EARNHEART (USA) Thomas O. Earnheart, singer, guitarist in the rock’n’roll genre. Around And Around (3:05) 1970s LP: Big Rockin’ Daddy [Audio Dimension AD-077] ● USA, 1970s Recorded at Audio Dimension, Memphis, Tennessee. Again these kind of record labels had trouble of getting any year printed. DAVE EDWARDS (Canada) Real name: Gaston Fortier, singer, songwriter, guitarist from Québec Johnny B. Goode / Rock And Roll Music (in a R&R medley) (7:20) 1982 45: Unidisc UN-158 ● Canada, 1982 This is a shorter version at (4:19). LP: Everybody Likes Rock And Roll [Unidisc UNI-1084] ● Canada, 1982 The rock’n’roll medley is titled “Everybody Likes Rock And Roll” containing in addition to the two Berry ones the following songs: Rock Around The Clock, Blue Suede Shoes, Good Golly Miss Molly and Long Tall Sally. ETHICAL DEBATING SOCIETY (USA) Kris Martin (el.guitar, vocals), Tegan Christmas (el.guitar, vocals), Eli Caballero (drums). Run Rudolph Run (2:02) 2015 Various CD: Riot Grrrl Christmas [Cleopatra CLO-0092] ● USA, 2015 What the f… and what a noisy version, guitars all over the place (!) You get completely mad after 20 seconds. FATHER Featuring RICKI YORKE (Canada) Ricki (Ricky) Yorke is a vocalist from Toronto. In the ‘70s she was one of the singers for session work at Art Snider’s Sound Canada Recording Centre studio and releases on his Periwinkle Records label, and also on Ed LaBuick’s Cachet Records. Members on the album below: Ricki Yorke (lead vocals, tambourine), Dave Konvalinka (lead guitar, backing vocals), Rick Santagato (keyboards), Peter Simpson (tenor sax), Bruce Flynn (tenor and baritone sax), Brian Lucrow (trumpet), Bill Short (bass), Leigh “Leroy” Robinson (drums). Chuck Berry Medley: Roll Over Beethoven-Rock And Roll Music-Sweet Little Sixteen-(Can’t Turn You Loose) (5:32) 1974 LP: Father [Periwinkle Records PER-7319] ● USA, 1974 Don’t know what the last title is all about, as there is no Berry song with that title, and I haven’t heard the medley so I can’t comment. FATHER DOLAN (USA) Singer, guitarist. He’s a minister according to the picture. Songs on the album varies from Oh, Rock My Soul, Universal Soldier, Cotton Fields to Blowin’ In The Wind and Mansion Over The Hilltop. Therefore interesting that he included Memphis. I assume he liked the fabulous lyrics. Memphis, Tennessee (2:27) 1965 LP: Guitar In Hand [T N’ R Records (Guildcraft Productions) 803V-1001] ● USA, 1965 Guitar supplement: Dwight Pacific. Record label out of Hammond, Indiana. Recorded for Guildcraft Productions by RCA Custom Records. DANNY FISHER (Belgium) Singer, songwriter, guitarist. Real name Edmond Vermeylen, born in 1940, died in 1980. Had his first single out in 1961 and he had many after that, and a few albums. Memphis, Tennessee (2:19) 1972 LP: Rock & Roll [Diábolo LS-27007] ● Spain, 1972 HALINA FRĄCKOWIAK (Poland) Pop singer, songwriter, born 1947 in Poznań. She must be a popular performer as she’s had a lot of singles and albums out since 1970. Rock And Roll Music [Polish lyrics](1:56) 1986 (?) CD: Napisz Proszę… [Polskie Nagrania Muz PNCD-204] ● Poland, 1992 This is a compilation album which means some of the tracks have been out before. I haven’t been able to find the Berry cover on other releases so I will assume that it’s previously unissued. Two songs on the album, including the Berry one, have PRiTV written behind them so maybe it’s taken from a TV show? You can check a clip of her on You Tube doing it from a 1986 TV performance. FRANK OG FYRENE (Denmark) Six piece dance-band of elderly musicians, based in Nordsjælland. To be quite honest, they call themselves a ‘60s band playing music from that Decade. So far they have released three albums. You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2020 CD: Alle Gode Gange 3 [Eldorado (BMG) unknown cat no] ● Denmark, 2021 Pretty ordinary and a little boring, but I am sure it’s a good dance tune for the people. GABBY HAZE (USA) Good time music played by a band consisting of Dan Layman (vocals, autoharp), Dave Magnone (Guitar, vocals), Carl Bailey (Sax, flute, keyboard, vocals), Bill Yetzer (harmonica, percussion), Jerry Fretwell (double bass, vocals), Paul Cline (drums). Maybellene (2:49) 2011 (live) CD: Live At The Mockingbird [Gabby Haze 49213] ● USA, 2012 Recorded live at The Mockingbird in Staunton, Virginia, July 2011. Album released in March 2012. Goode and a little unusual version. GAMSI (Slovenia) Folk-rock band consisting of three brothers Marko Omahna (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Tone Omahna (accordion, keyboards, vocals) and Janko Omahna (bass). They also have a drummer and other guest musicians when necessary. Roll Over Beethoven [as “Zarolajmo Na Slaka”] (2:20) 1998 CD: Jodl Korl-Hit [Helidon 6740919] ● Slovenia, 1998 ANTHONY GERACI (USA) Blues and jazz keyboard player and composer. Born 1954 in New Haven, Connecticut. Promised Land (4:21) 2018 (live) Various 2-CD: Lucerne Blues Festival 2018 [Lucerne Blues Festival no cat no] ● Switzerland, 2018 The 24th Annual Lucerne Blues Festival. This was released by the help of many sponsors. TONY HADLEY (UK) Anthony Patrick Hadley from London, born 1960. He was a member and lead singer of the 1980s new wave band Spandau Ballet. And started on his solo career in 1990 after the band split up. You’ll find a lot of records by him, singles, CDs, videos from 1992 and up. Run Rudolph Run (2:33) 2015 CD: The Christmas Album [Universal Music 0602 547 627025] ● UK, 2015 Standard rock version with guitar and a good piano solo.
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