Sunday, August 18, 2013

Richard Berry - "Louie Louie"

One of our favorites here at Dad's 45s is the original recording of Louie by Richard Berry.
Richard Berry released his version in April 1957 (Flip Records 321), originally as a B-side, with his backing band the Pharaohs, and scored a regional hit on the west coast, particularly in San Francisco. When the group toured the Pacific Northwest, local R&B bands began to play the song, increasing its popularity. The track was then re-released as an A-side. However, the single never charted on Billboard's national rhythm and blues or pop charts. Berry's label reported that the single had sold 40,000 copies. After a series of unsuccessful follow-ups, Berry sold his portion of publishing and songwriting rights for $750 to the head of Flip Records in 1959.


Monday, August 12, 2013

Red Prysock - "Fruit Boots"

Here is the A side from a record I posted back in 2011.
This was released in March of 1956 and both songs are featured on the Prysock LP, "Fruit Boots" that was released the following year on Wing's parent label, Mercury Records.
Red Prysock was one of the first of the big blasting tenor sax players of the rock 'n roll era. In the early fifties Red backed up blues singer Lonnie Johnson for some sessions with King Records which produced the sides "Darlin" / "Seven Long Days" on King #4503, and "My Mother's Eyes" and "Me And My Crazy Self" on ##4510. Red signed with Mercury Records, the Chicago based major in early January of 1954.