I first heard Elvis sing “Rip It Up” when I was 5 or 6 years old. It was on a 4-song 45 my mother had when she was a kid, and one of the records I played a lot on my little portable, faux denim-covered record player. I didn’t know anything about Elvis except what I saw on the cover. He probably reminded me of Fonzie and Bowzer.
I didn’t know until much later that this was a cover of a Little Richard song, and I certainly didn’t understand what a common practice it was at the time for white artists to perform songs originally recorded by black artists. I didn’t know that the song was an anthem to living your life for music. All I knew was that I dug Elvis and this song. It’s really swingin’, so much fun to dance to and sing along with. Elvis’ version isn’t so different from Little Richard’s, just a little faster and not as much sax.
What I notice about it as an adult is how bare bones it sounds, how basic and perfect it is. 100% rockabilly. 100% kickass. 100% real music. If you listen to this and don’t want to hear more Elvis, you’re dead inside.
Reblogged this on Nina's Soap Bubble Box and commented:
I totally agree – this is one of my fave Elvis tracks of all time
http://dykewriter.wordpress.com/elvis/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elvis…immortal artist! From ’69 to ’77 is my favorite years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, I think Elvis never really covered Little Richard convincingly. But maybe it’s got to do with me preferring the latter when it comes to 50s rock ‘n’ roll.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on What I Like Is Sounds and commented:
It’s Elvis’ birthday!
LikeLike