The original version of the 12-bar blues song was credited to "Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats", but that band did not actually exist. The song was put together by Ike Turner and his band in rehearsals at the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and recorded by Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm. Jackie Brenston (1930-1979), who was a saxophonist with Turner, also sang the vocal on "Rocket 88", a hymn of praise to the joys of the Oldsmobile "Rocket 88", which had recently been introduced. Although Brenston was given writing credit rather than Turner, it is now agreed Brenston's contribution was overstated for financial reasons.
The song was based on the 1947 song "Cadillac Boogie" by Jimmy Liggins. It was also preceded and influenced by Pete Johnson's "Rocket Boogie “88”", an instrumental, originally recorded for the Los Angeles-based Swing Time Records label in 1949.
Working from the raw material of jump blues and swing combo music, Turner made it even rawer, starting with a strongly stated back beat by drummer Willie Sims, and superimposing Brenston's enthusiastic vocals, his own piano, and tenor saxophone solos by 17 year old Raymond Hill (later to be the father of Tina Turner's first child, before she married Ike). The song also features one of the first examples of distortion, or fuzz guitar, ever recorded, played by the band's guitarist Willie Kizart.
The legend of how the sound came about says that Kizart's amplifier was damaged on Highway 61 when the band was driving from Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee, but Phillips liked the sound and used it. Robert Palmer has written that the amplifier "had fallen from the top of the car", and attributes this information to Sam Phillips. However, in a recorded interview at the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Washington, Ike Turner stated that the amplifier was in the trunk of the car and that rain may have caused the damage; he is certain that it did not fall from the roof of the car. Link Wray had a similar story.
It was the second-biggest rhythm and blues single of 1951, reaching #1 in June for five weeks and much more influential than some other "first" claimants. Ike Turner's piano intro to the song was later used note-for-note by Little Richard in "Good Golly Miss Molly".
Rocket 88
Jackie Brenston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You heard the noise they make
Let me introduce you to my Rocket '88
Yes, it's great, just won't wait
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Baby, we'll will ride in style movin' all along
V-8 motor and this modern design
Sportin' with me, ridin' all around town for joy
Blow your horn, rocket, blow your horn
Step in my rocket and don't be late
We're pullin' out about a half past eight
Goin' on the corner and havin' some fun
Takin' my rocket on a long, hot run
Ooh, goin' out, oozin' and cruisin' and havin' fun
Now that you've ridden in my Rocket '88
I'll be around every night about eight
You know it's great, don't be late
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Girls will ride in style, movin' all along
The lyrics of Jackie Brenston's song "Rocket 88" describe his admiration for his car, a Rocket '88, and his desire to take his girl for a ride in it. The first verse is an introduction to the car, which is described as superior to other jalopies. The second verse highlights the specific features of the car, such as its V-8 motor and modern design, which appeal to both Brenston and his lady friend. He even encourages the car to "blow its horn" to show off its power.
In the chorus, Brenston invites his girl to join him on a ride around town, promising her she will "ride in style." He invites her to "step in my rocket" and not be late for their departure. The final verse is almost like a sales pitch- Brenston promises to be available every night at 8 pm for more joyrides in his Rocket '88.
Overall, the lyrics describe the excitement and freedom that comes from driving a powerful and stylish car, and the thrill of sharing that experience with someone special.
Line by Line Meaning
You woman have heard of jalopies
Hey ladies, I know you've heard of old, noisy cars
You heard the noise they make
You know how loud they can be
Let me introduce you to my Rocket '88
Let me show you my fancy, new car
Yes, it's great, just won't wait
It's amazing and can't be beat
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Everyone loves my fancy car
Baby, we'll will ride in style movin' all along
We'll look good cruising around town
V-8 motor and this modern design
It's got a powerful engine and a sleek look
Black convertible top and the girls don't mind
The ladies love the convertible top
Sportin' with me, ridin' all around town for joy
Having fun driving around with me
Blow your horn, rocket, blow your horn
Let's make some noise while driving
Step in my rocket and don't be late
Get in the car and don't keep me waiting
We're pullin' out about a half past eight
We're leaving at 8:30
Goin' on the corner and havin' some fun
Let's go have fun around town
Takin' my rocket on a long, hot run
Driving the car for a long, enjoyable ride
Ooh, goin' out, oozin' and cruisin' and havin' fun
Going out, relaxing, and having a good time
Now that you've ridden in my Rocket '88
Now that you've experienced my fancy car
I'll be around every night about eight
I'll be available to take you for a ride every night at 8
You know it's great, don't be late
It's an awesome car, so don't miss out
Girls will ride in style, movin' all along
Ladies will look great riding around with me
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACKIE BRENSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GABBEE BEE
Sax and Vocals... my Late Grandfather may he rest in peace and live forever... his widow, my grandmother, is still living.
Eileen Castillo🐞
😊💙👏👏👏👏
Ryan Reeves
Making music like this leaves not only an indelible legacy but also you know he had one hell of a good time!!! What a life!
Durwood Ball
The doubling of the bass and guitar on the boogie line is a classic rock and roll signature.
jim graham
cannot stop my feet from tappin!! no wonder this took off, it was waaaaaaaaaaaay cooooooool man
Big Chief
One of the first songs to define "Rock N' Roll"
James Dean
I think a lot of old ragtime songs also resemble a lot of rock and roll styles.
SoonerHistory
Pete Johnson hit rock standards in 1938. Roy Brown wrote and recorded Good Rockin Tonight in 1947. Looking for something to predate 1938 tho. Wynonie did Good Rockin in 48, and oddly enough, it sounds like Jerry Lee before Jerry Lee. Jimmy Preston had rock in 1948. Jackie Brenston did have the most upbeat recording in 51. Not many come before 1947 bc the R&B clubs would get upbeat during the night and the recording industry wasn't into it. Recordings of Big Joe Turner came around the same time the late 30s on. No telling how many acetate recordings broke in the 1930s and 40s. I still give rock n roll a fully mastered style, alone, in the early 50s.
BillyKnockout's Hot Rod Garage
@Nelson Nino no sir ! Just take a listen to Big Joe Turner ,Wynonie Harris or big mama Thorton
Nelson Nino
So far as I know, this song is the first rock song in history.