Big Joe Turner’s Classic “Shake, Rattle and Roll”: The Song That Shook the Charts and Defined an Era
In the rich tapestry of American music history, Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll” stands out as a seminal work that not only helped define the sound of the 1950s but also bridged the gap between the blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Written in 1954 by the prolific Jesse Stone, under his pseudonym Charles Calhoun, this up-tempo blues number was an instant hit, cementing Turner’s place in the annals of music history.
Jesse Stone, a seasoned songwriter who had been instrumental in shaping the early sound of Atlantic Records, was encouraged by the label’s co-founder Ahmet Ertegun to craft a lively, energetic blues song that would perfectly suit Turner’s powerful voice. Stone experimented with different phrases before landing on the catchy and unforgettable “shake, rattle and roll.” This phrase, although not entirely new, was given fresh life in the hands of Stone and Turner. Interestingly, the phrase had roots in earlier music, dating back to vaudeville and ragtime tunes of the early 20th century, but it was this 1954 rendition that truly made it iconic.
Recorded on February 15, 1954, in New York City, Turner’s version of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was released by Atlantic Records in April of that year. The song’s infectious rhythm and Turner’s booming voice quickly propelled it to the top of the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, where it claimed the number one spot. It also made an impressive crossover into the mainstream, reaching number 22 on the Billboard singles chart—a significant achievement at a time when racial segregation still dominated much of American society.
The success of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was not just a personal triumph for Turner, but it also marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music. The song’s lively tempo, combined with Turner’s dynamic vocal performance, laid the groundwork for the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll movement. It was a song that appealed to a wide audience, transcending racial boundaries and resonating with both black and white listeners during a period of profound social change.
Moreover, the song’s influence extended far beyond its initial release. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bill Haley & His Comets, whose rock ‘n’ roll version gave the song a new lease on life and introduced it to an even broader audience. Yet, despite these many reinterpretations, it is Big Joe Turner’s original recording that remains the definitive version—raw, powerful, and undeniably authentic.
Rolling Stone magazine later recognized the song’s enduring impact by ranking it No. 127 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, a testament to its lasting legacy in the world of music.
In summary, “Shake, Rattle and Roll” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone that captured the spirit of its time while paving the way for future generations of musicians. Big Joe Turner’s performance, coupled with Jesse Stone’s masterful songwriting, resulted in a track that not only topped the charts but also became an integral part of the American musical landscape.