“Nearer, My God, to Thee” is a 19th-century Christian hymn by Sarah Flower Adams, which retells the story of Jacob’s dream. Genesis 28:11–12 can be translated as follows: “So heContinue readingNearer, My God, to Thee
Hound Dog
“Hound Dog” is a twelve-bar blues song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Recorded originally by Big Mama Thornton on August 13, 1952, in Los Angeles and released byContinue readingHound Dog
Oh, Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” (often erroneously referred to as just “Pretty Woman”) was recorded in 1964. It was written by Orbison and his long-time co-writer Bill Dees. (Previously, theContinue readingOh, Pretty Woman
Shake, Rattle and Roll
“Shake, Rattle and Roll” is a twelve bar blues-form song, written in 1954 by Jesse Stone (usually credited as Charles F. Calhoun, his songwriting name). The original recording by BigContinue readingShake, Rattle and Roll
Unchained Melody
“Unchained Melody” is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the little-known prison film Unchained (JanuaryContinue readingUnchained Melody
Tutti Frutti
“Tutti Frutti” (Italian: “All fruits”) is a song written by Little Richard and Dorothy LaBostrie that was first recorded in 1955, becoming Little Richard’s first major hit record. With itsContinue readingTutti Frutti
All Shook Up
“All Shook Up” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley, published by Elvis Presley Music, and composed by Otis Blackwell. The single topped the U.S. Billboard Top 100 on AprilContinue readingAll Shook Up
Do you know my Jesus?
Words: V. B. Vep Ellis, 1957 (stanzas); William F. Lakey, 1956 (chorus) – Music: William F. Lakey, 1956; arranged by V. B. Vep Ellis, 1957. Vesphew Benton Ellis (1917-1988), whoContinue readingDo you know my Jesus?
Streets of Laredo
Founded in 1755, Laredo, Texas was then a part of the New Spain Spanish colony in what is modern day Mexico. Located on the west end of the Rio GrandeContinue readingStreets of Laredo
Roaming Gambler
American folksong of relatively recent origin first collected in 1909, and known under many different names including “The Gambler”, “Roaming Gambler”, “Gambling Man”, and “Roving Soldier”. Roving Gambler or Rovin’Continue readingRoaming Gambler