Jailhouse Rock (song)

"Jailhouse Rock" is a song written by Lieber and Stoller which first became a hit for the American musician Elvis Presley. The song was first released as a 45rpm single on September 24, 1957 to coincide with the release of Presley's motion picture, Jailhouse Rock.

Related Topics:
Lieber and Stoller - Elvis Presley - 45rpm single - September 24 - 1957 - Motion picture - Jailhouse Rock

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With B-side "Treat Me Nice", "Jailhouse Rock" was a US #1 hit for 7 weeks in the fall of 1957, and a UK #1 hit for three weeks early in 1958. The song is an example of simple verse form.

Related Topics:
US #1 hit - UK #1 - Simple verse form

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The song was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

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As noted by Rolling Stone magazine, that while Presley sang it as straight hard rock, there are parts of the Lieber and Stoller lyrics that might resemble talk about same-sex relationships between inmates. Like "Number forty-seven said to number three:/You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see./I sure would be delighted with your company,/Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me." However, most see it as a lighhearted referral to normal forced environmental improvisation.

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Jailhouse Rock, along with many old rock'n'roll hits, has been performed regularly in a medley by Queen on different tours (1973-76, 1984-85), and sporadically in between.

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"Jailhouse Rock" has also been recorded by:

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• Motley Crue
• Blues Brothers
• Rod Stewart
• ZZ Top
• Twisted Sister
• John Cougar Mellencamp
• Michael Bolton
• Jeff Beck Group
• Adriano Celentano
• Carl Perkins
• ABBA with Olivia Newton-John and Andy Gibb