The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: On the 'tube: Chuck Berry On Jay Leno

Chuck Berry On Jay Leno

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- Rated: 50 ↑
Sep 1, 2008 9:20 a.m. Richard Hudson:

One cat that no one has mentioned is Little Richard. I've heard him claim more than once that he is the first rock and roll singer. I don't necessarily agree with that; but who knows? When rock and roll started is a little cloudy to say the least; all I know is in the mid 50's on it was all over us and I didn't want to hear anything else (except Chet of course j)

One thing no one will ever change my mind on is this. There has never been anything like Elvis. No disrespect; but not the Beatles or anyone else. I know girls used to swoon and scream (reservedly) for Frank and Bing; but Elvis drove them crazy. He's been dead 30 years and he still drives them crazy. There was an Elvis impersonator, Kraig Parker, came to town a couple of weeks ago. He was sold out a month before he got here. Because he was Kraig Parker? Crap no!!!! It's because people still can't get enough of ELVIS!!!
- Rated: 23 ↑
Sep 1, 2008 1:39 p.m. johnnyringo:

Little Richard is the relative of some friends of mine with whom I grew up with.From what I gathered,It was apparent early on that Richard Penniman was.....Well,a little different.He was shunned and in turn,he shunned them.The friends I speak of were(of course)telling what their fathers and uncle's told of their famous cousin.Who know's,it was interesting though.The biggest kick I got out of Little Richard was that he hired the unknowm Jimi Hendrix and while touring the "Chitlin" circuit apparently got a bit jealous of any attention that went Jimi's way.That was bad news to take any attention from a "Diva" of Little Richards caliber.Little Richard was talented and does deserve respect for his role in music.It was not really my kinda music,but it's stood the test of time.

I would say in order of being the biggest in their respective generations it would go to Frank Sinatra for his era,Then Elvis in his era and in the last era of the 1900's would have to be The Hoff aka Knightrider .That is "of course" if you live in certain parts of Europe.Is he really that popular over there?
- Rated: 39 ↑
Sep 1, 2008 2:06 p.m. Rocketman:

I saw hime live about 20 years ago. He did the intro, sang the first line and the audience sang the rest. That happened with every song.

The guitar was in tune at the start but he kept "tuning" it during the show, which didn't help.

It was one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Wish I'd kept the poster but that is now gone.

I saw Jerry Lee Lewis last year, also one of the best gigs I've ever seen.

Other best gigs I've ever seen were Status Quo and some local dutch bands.
- Rated: 1 ↑
Sep 1, 2008 6:55 p.m. Rasputan:

I grew up in the Chuck Berry era... This man has contributed so much to the music scene of ALL time... Not just the 50's,,, and 60's...

Folks say he demanded his money up front,,, and used house bands to his advantage...

I'll tell you,,, he was a lot more truthful than the record companies of those times...

He knew the score,, how the record companies were screwing the artists... He just didn't want to be one of the ones that was getting screwed,,,"Can't blame him for that"...

He has deserved the right to miss a chord,,, or a note,,, or to be out of time once in a while...

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<><> Rasputan <><>