JACKIE BRENSTON & HIS DELTA CATS – ROCKET 88 / COME BACK WHERE YOU BELONG – CHESS – THIRD MAN 45

This is arguably the first distorted rock and roll single ever. It is even sometimes claimed, most prominently by Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, as the first rock and roll single ever. This song’s story is a roller coaster, being recorded by Ike Turner and his band, of which Brenston was a member, in March 1951 at Memphis Recording Service. Because Sun Records was yet in operation, the recording then sold to Chess Records in Chicago and was wildly popular, selling over 500,000 copies. Unfortunately, the success and fame of the single caused tense clashes in the band, eventually leading to Ike and Jackie splitting ways to pursue their own solo careers.

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Format: Vinyl Single