About the song
Background and writing
“Long Tall Sally” is a rock and roll song written by Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, Enotris Johnson, and Little Richard. Richard recorded it for Specialty Records, which released it as a single in March 1956, backed with “Slippin’ and Slidin'”.
The song is a fast-tempoed, upbeat number with a driving beat and catchy melody. Richard’s vocals are energetic and enthusiastic, and he brings the song to life with his flamboyant personality. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the excitement and energy of rock and roll.
Recording and production
“Long Tall Sally” was recorded in 1955 at J&M Studio in New Orleans. The song was produced by Bumps Blackwell. Blackwell was a successful record producer who worked with some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including Fats Domino, Ike Turner, and Sam Cooke.
The song was recorded in one take. Richard and his band were so excited about the song that they didn’t need to do any re-recording.
Release and commercial performance
“Long Tall Sally” was released in March 1956 as a single. The song was a commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also a hit in other countries, reaching the top ten charts in many countries around the world.
Impact and legacy
“Long Tall Sally” is considered to be one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski” and “The Sopranos.”
Little Richard
Little Richard was an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who was one of the most popular and influential figures in rock and roll music. He was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1932. He began his career in the early 1950s, and he quickly became one of the most successful singers in the world.
Richard had a string of hit singles in the 1950s and 1960s, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Tutti Frutti,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly.” He was also a successful songwriter, and he wrote many of his own hits.
Richard’s music was influenced by a variety of genres, including gospel, blues, and jazz. He had a unique and powerful voice, and he was able to bring a wide range of emotions to his singing.
Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He died in 2020 at the age of 87.
Conclusion
“Long Tall Sally” is a classic rock and roll song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the power of music, and it is a reminder that even the simplest songs can be the most meaningful. Little Richard’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.
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