Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Stories Behind The Music -- Goin' To Kansas City

The song writing team of Leiber and Stoller was responsible for some of the most popular songs of early rock n' roll, including Hound Dog as recorded by Elvis.  They were two white guys who wrote songs that were popular with, and usually recorded by, African Americans. Originally, such music that appealed to the African Americans was referred to as "race" music. Eventually, and fortunately, the industry came up with a new term -- rhythm and blues.

The first hit for Leiber and Stoller ended up being one of the all time classics of rock n' roll. The song was originally released in 1952, named K.C. Lovin. It flopped. However an artist named Wilbert Harrison picked it up and it became a huge hit in 1959. It is amazing to me, but a good quality video of this little know artist, performing that song, is available at youtube.

While Wilbert Harrison performed the definitive version of that song, those four guys from Liverpool heard it performed by Little Richard. Kansas City was such an important song in the development of the Beatles, and in influencing their musical direction, that they recorded it 1964. With that recording, and the songs overall success, Kansas City became one of the standards of rock n' roll music.

 

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

        

        

Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's.  I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.

           

7 comments • Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector • September 23 2008 10:15AM

Comments

Steven,

I absolutely love Rhythm and Blues...man, you're on a roll with all this information...keep it coming! It's amazing what a different artist can do to one song...

Posted by Competitive Insurance of Dundee over 3 years ago

Rebecca,

Glad you like them. I have quite a few I am working on, so stay tuned. I try to pick the interesting stories.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) over 3 years ago

I prefer the Wilbert Harrison version better. HHmmm, I wonder if he was related to George?

Sean Allen

Posted by International Financing Solutions over 3 years ago

Sean,

Me too but I think we are old fogies (spelling?)

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) over 3 years ago

I never knew the Beatles did Kansas City and I can't say that I liked their version.  My history of it goes back to the first sound.  Someone else did it better but I don't remember the name.  Another good blog!

Posted by Barbara S. Duncan, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) over 3 years ago

Kansas City was on every jukebox in every bar I have ever been in. Nobody could stay seated when it was played.

Posted by Sheron Cardin - how2homestage.com (California Moods Inc) over 3 years ago
Sheron, It is a true classic, of that we are sure. Thanks for the comment.
Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) over 3 years ago

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