A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs cover image

“Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

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The Story of Ag Turner and BB King

BB King met Ag Turner in Clarksdale, Mississippi and was impressed with his ability. He asked to make a record of the band's music - which Sam Phillips liked. They set off for Memphis but were stopped by police because they were black. Their guitar amp also fell on the road as they tried to get it repaired. But when they arrived at the studio their equipment made a strange sound. The song that day was one written by saxophone player Jackie Brenston. As with so many of the songs we've seen here, the line 'Everybody likes my rocket' is not so much written as remembered.

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