Big Joe Turner - Shake Rattle N’Roll [Mono-to-Stereo] - 1954)

“Shake Rattle & Roll“ was written by Charles E. Calhoun (aka Jesse Stone) and was recorded by Joe Turner February 15 1954 with New York’s finest sessioneers, among others guitarist Mickey Baker (Mickey & Sylvia), pianist Harry Van Walls, bassist Lloyd Trotman, Tenor Sax-player Sam “the Man“ Taylor and drummer Connie Kay. The shouting chorus on Joe Turner’s version consisted of Jesse Stone and record label (Atlantic) executives Jerry Wexler and Ahmet Ertegün. It was Ertegün who asked Jesse Stone to write a special up-tempo Rhythm & Blues song for Joe Turner, and the result was “Shake Rattle & Roll“. Turner’s recording was released in April 1954, reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #22 on the Billboard Pop chart. Even though Joe Turner was performing Jazz, Blues, Swing, Boogie Woogie and Rhythm & Blues most of his career, this original first version of “Shake Rattle & Roll“ is regarded by many music people as one of the first real Rock’nRoll recordings and gave deep inspiration to many performers of the Rock’nRoll genre later on. According to Doc Pomus, “Rock’nRoll“ would never have existed without Joe Turner. Bill Haley recorded his version of “Shake Rattle & Roll“ on 7 June 1954.