A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

Episode 22: “The Wallflower” by Etta James

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Mar 4, 2019
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INSIGHT

Answer Songs and Their Impact

  • Answer songs were common in the 1950s, often riding the coattails of bigger hits.
  • One such song launched a blues legend's career and even had a film named after it.
ANECDOTE

The Royals and Hank Ballard

  • Johnny Otis discovered The Royals, who changed their name from The Four Falcons to avoid confusion.
  • Their lead singer was drafted, and they recruited Hank Ballard from a Ford assembly line.
ANECDOTE

Etta James' Early Life and Discovery

  • Etta James had a difficult upbringing with foster homes and abuse but began singing early.
  • Johnny Otis discovered her, and she faked parental permission to work with him at 16.
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