Rock and Roll Music

Rock and Roll Music is a song originally written and recorded by Chuck Berry. The Beatles performed the song in many of their early Hamburg shows, and also played it on the BBC show Pop Go The Beatles. In late 1964, exhausted from non-stop touring and recording and short of original material, they decided to record several of their old rock and rhythm and blues favourites to fill out their LP release Beatles for Sale. Among these was a version of Berry's tune that eventually became as well-known as the original. The lead vocal in The Beatles' version was performed by John Lennon. In contrast to Berry's even-toned rendition, Lennon sang it as loudly and dynamically as his voice would permit. In the USA, it was released on the LP Beatles '65.

It also served as the title song to The Beatles' 1976 compilation album, Rock 'n' Roll Music.

The Beatles' version of "Rock and Roll Music" was released as a single in some countries, and topped the charts in Norway, The Netherlands (double a-side with No Reply) and Australia.

Personnel

 * John Lennon – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1964 Rickenbacker 325), piano
 * Paul McCartney - bass guitar (1963 Hofner 500/1), piano
 * George Harrison – lead guitar (Gretsch Tennessean)
 * Ringo Starr - drums
 * George Martin - piano

Rock and Roll Music