Who Did It First?
Great Rhythm and Blues Cover Songs and Their Original Artists
By (author) Bob Leszczak
Publication date:
10 October 2013Length of book:
320 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810888661
“Everybody has to start somewhere. Businessmen start on the ground floor and try to work their way up the corporate ladder. Baseball players bide their time in the minor leagues wishing for an opportunity to move up and play in the majors. Musical compositions aren’t very different—some songs just don’t climb the charts the first time they’re recorded. However, with perseverance, the ideal singer, the right chemistry, impeccable timing, vigorous promotion, and a little luck, these songs can become very famous.” So writes Bob Leszczak in the opening pages of Who Did It First? Great Rhythm and Blues Cover Songs and Their Original Artists
Here readers will discover the little-known history behind legendary rhythm and blues numbers on their way to the majors. As Leszczak points out, the version you purchased, danced to, romanced to, and grew up with is often not the first version recorded. Like wine and cheese, some tunes just get better with age, and behind each there is a story. Who Did It First? contains interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, often gathered through Leszczak’s vast archive of personal interviews with the singers, songwriters, record producers, and label owners who wrote, sang, recorded, and distributed either the original cut or one of its classic covers.
The first in a series devoted to the story of great songs and their revivals, Who Did It First? is the perfect playlist builder. Whether quizzing friends at a party, answering a radio station contest, or simply satisfying an insatiable curiosity to know who really did do it first, this book is a must-have.
Here readers will discover the little-known history behind legendary rhythm and blues numbers on their way to the majors. As Leszczak points out, the version you purchased, danced to, romanced to, and grew up with is often not the first version recorded. Like wine and cheese, some tunes just get better with age, and behind each there is a story. Who Did It First? contains interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, often gathered through Leszczak’s vast archive of personal interviews with the singers, songwriters, record producers, and label owners who wrote, sang, recorded, and distributed either the original cut or one of its classic covers.
The first in a series devoted to the story of great songs and their revivals, Who Did It First? is the perfect playlist builder. Whether quizzing friends at a party, answering a radio station contest, or simply satisfying an insatiable curiosity to know who really did do it first, this book is a must-have.
Scholars and trivia fans of rhythm and blues recordings produced in the US in the 1950s-60s will welcome this unique reference book by singer and music producer Leszczak. Over 475 entries describe popular R and B hits and the remakes that often made them staples on the radio and music charts. Arranged alphabetically, entries list composers, performers, labels, and chart positions of both originals and covers of the songs discussed, followed by brief, informative accounts of each tune's history. Leszczak also provides firsthand information from interviews with composers and performers when available. Included are an appendix listing the artists who covered the greatest number of songs (the Beatles and Elvis Presley stand out) and suggestions for further reading. Though clearly intended to be a fan's resource, Who Did It First? is also a great history of early R and B, American radio, and studio recording. Students of early American rock 'n' roll, soul, funk, and the British invasion will also discover compelling facts and connections. This book is the first volume in a projected set of three; the next two installments will cover pop and rock songs, respectively. A useful book . . . Summing Up: Recommended. General readers.