Introduction:
Long Tall Sally: A Rock and Roll Pioneer
“Long Tall Sally” isn’t just an iconic Elvis Presley song, it’s a cornerstone of rock and roll history. While The King’s version is widely known, the story begins a few months earlier with another titan of the genre – Little Richard.
In 1956, Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, a songwriter and producer, heard Little Richard belting out a dynamic tune about a captivating woman named Sally. Blackwell, impressed by the raw energy, collaborated with Richard and another songwriter, Enotris Johnson, to capture the song’s essence. The result? “Long Tall Sally (The Thing),” Little Richard’s electrifying version that stormed the charts.
This song was a turning point. Little Richard’s powerful vocals, the driving rhythm and blues beat, and the playful lyrics about a woman who could “shake a shimmy like a shimmy cake” became a blueprint for early rock and roll. “Long Tall Sally” reached number one on the Billboard rhythm and blues chart, staying there for a whopping six weeks.
Elvis Presley, newly signed to RCA Records, was taking the music world by storm. Recognizing the potential of “Long Tall Sally,” Elvis recorded his own version later in 1956. Elvis’ rendition kept the infectious energy while adding his own signature swagger. His version, with its prominent slapback echo effect, became a hit as well, reaching number six on the Billboard pop chart.
The impact of “Long Tall Sally” goes beyond the charts. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of countless artists, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to contemporary rock bands. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring power and its place as a foundational element of rock and roll.
So, when you hear the opening chords of “Long Tall Sally,” remember, you’re not just listening to an Elvis Presley classic, you’re experiencing a piece of rock and roll history. It’s a song that captured the infectious energy of a new genre and helped propel it onto the world stage.