Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode / Around And Around

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode / Around And Around

"Johnny B. Goode" is one of the defining recordings of "Chuck Berry", the pioneering guitarist, singer and songwriter whose combination of blues, country, rhythm & blues and electric guitar helped establish the vocabulary of early rock & roll. Released in 1958 on Chess Records, "Johnny B. Goode" was recorded in Chicago on 6 January 1958, with Berry backed by Johnnie Johnson on piano, Willie Dixon on double bass and Jasper Thomas on drums.

The A-side's famous guitar introduction and driving rhythm became an instantly recognisable rock & roll sound, while Berry's lyrics tell the story of a country boy with guitar-playing ambitions. The song was a major US hit, reaching No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 8 on the pre-Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The B-side, "Around And Around", is another classic Berry composition from the same early Chess period. It was recorded on 28 February 1958, just weeks after "Johnny B. Goode", and demonstrates Berry's trademark blend of infectious guitar riffs, rhythmic momentum and observational lyrics.

This UK edition was issued by London Records in May 1958 as catalogue HLM 8629 / 45-HLM 8629, making it an early British pressing of one of the most important singles in rock & roll history.

For fans of Chuck Berry, early rock & roll, rockabilly, rhythm & blues, Chess Records and 1950s guitar music, this two-sided 7" captures Berry at the height of his original rock & roll breakthrough.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Johnny B. Goode

Side B

1. Around And Around