Been listening to "The Great 28" all week, and especially since I got my Ipod back, in my car. It is easy to forget that he invented rock n roll. But listening to this you hear so much stuff that is referenced/modified/outright stolen in all kinds of music.

And, he was convicted of violating THE MANN ACT. The original Monger.

did you drink my pee? how'd that taste? SALTY!!

easily the most influential musician since electricity. also remains one of our best guitarists. it really surprises me sometimes that he hasn't been shunned from this country and eventually moved to an adoring france by now.


also, the only person i can think of that coldcocked Keef without reprisal.

he plays once a month in St Louis, and i saw him.

it ruled.

"Promised Land"

'Nuff said.

I remember seeing Chuck rehearsing for his Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction performance. Keith Richards was part of the all-star baking band. Chuck was giving Keef a ration of shit for being too sloppy on the guitar leads he was playing. He just stood there and took the abuse. Chuck was not foolin'

chuck might not be fooin, but he hires pretty average to sub par bands.
it's a shame.

No, he demands that you have for him, when he steps off the plane:

1. His money, in cash in a briefcase
2. A limo to take him from the airport to venue and back, that night
3. A backing band

He walks off the plane with only his guitar. Dude is a mercenary. And I love him.

enough to let him pee on you?

Well, obviously that was figurative, and Chuck, like Big Red, only be peein on them bitches, man.

'Promised Land' is one of my all time favourite tracks but the Johnny Allen version is much better, in my opinion.

I've never heard that one. I enjoy the Elvis and Grateful Dead versions as well, but my fvorite on The Great 28 (atleast just this second) is "Thirty Days"

It's all qual, though.

I love the Chuck and wholeheartedly agree that he pretty much "invented" what we call rock'n'roll - but I've been listening to an Ike Turner collection recently and, man, there's a dude that isn't getting his due. His tracks from between 1952 and '55 are slammin' rock'n'roll - and his guitar work (even though he considered himself a pianist) is incredible. Because he wasn't trained to play the guitar, he had no idea what the twang bar was for - so he just used it constantly, breaking the fuggers off with regularity. It's some wild shit, I tell ya. And his "Rocket '88" was what, 1949? 100% hall of fame monger.

The great 28 is awesome as is Essential Little Richard in terms of early rock n' roll/r&b.

Funny that you should bring up Ike Turner though because I was going to. I was reading somewhere recently that "Rocket 88" was the first rock album. The timing sure fits.

Johnnie Allen's 'South To Louisiana' album doesn't seem to be in print any more. Tough luck, rest of the world.

Actually I've only got a thread bare cassette copy of the album which has been played to death so I could do with a CD reissue myself.

Yeah, John Peel often stuck a Ike Turner record on his show - amazing guitarist.

i was going to mention Ike and "Rocket 88" but I figured I'd stick with the hyperbole since this was a thread about Chuck.

You a St. Louie boy, or just passin' through?

Yeah, he still puts on a good show, but its a lot more laid back and bluesy than high octane rock 'n' roll these days. And, his backing bands do indeed blow a lot of the time, although for his local gigs, the whole just bring the guitar and step on stage is different. I think he had a nephew playin' with him last time I saw him. He tends to have mostly old friends with him these days when he's at Blueberry Hill. Either way, he plays often enough that if you're anywhere near St. Louis, there's really no reason not to stop by and check out a living legend do his thing in a small room.

Oh...and he wasn't busted for pissing on anyone. He was just videotaping women in the bathroom of his restaurant in Wentzville, MO pissing and whatever else. Sadly, the place is closed down now.

I believe it was R Kelly who was peein on them bitches.

Following in those mongerous footsteps....

F'ng politician pandering to the Chuck Berry fans

All I gotta say about Ike is I know he shouldn't a hit Tina, but damnit she sang a heck of a lot better when he did. Now, that's a man that doesn't play often, but when he does get his shit together, he'll still tear the roof offa the place when he gets a group together, he means business.

OK..St Louis music legends...where ya wanna go next? The East Side maybe for Miles Davis and perhaps a little Albert King, or just slide back in time to Scott Joplin? Fontella Bass anyone? Nice old town for music I gotta say.

You should definitely upgrade that Great 28 to the Chess Box. It's a crime that his only Numero Uno was a friggin' novelty tune.

my brother lives there, but i scheduled my visit so i could see him play.

2 words for all you St. Louis folk:
IMO's MOTHAFUKKKIN PIZZA!!!

I love serving Imos to out of towners just because it confuses them. personally, I love the stuff, but the pizza Blackthorn Pub, or now also available at Lemmons, where they have indie-ish bands, is amazing ina whole 'nother way.