A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 18: “Sh-Boom” by the Chords
Feb 4, 2019
Explore the impact of The Chords' hit 'Sh-Boom' and struggles of sudden fame. Discover the evolution of music genres in the 1950s and the influence of Bird style bands. Learn how 'Sh-Boom' crossed racial boundaries and its impact on music history. Delve into the complexities of music copyright and controversies in the industry.
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One-Hit Wonders
- One-hit wonders occupy a unique space in music history, prompting both envy and pity.
- They achieved a hit, surpassing most musicians, but face uncertainty about capitalizing on that success.
The Crew Cuts' Success
- The most popular version of "Sh-Boom" isn't by the Chords, but by a white cover group, the Crew Cuts.
- This exemplifies how white artists often achieved greater commercial success with re-recorded versions of black artists' hits.
A Little Bird Told Me Lawsuit
- Paula Watson's "A Little Bird Told Me" reached number two on the R&B chart.
- Evelyn Knight's nearly identical cover reached number one on the pop chart, sparking a lawsuit.