After singing in church choirs, Shirley recorded her first demo with a group of friends in 1950. Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with a school friend, Leonard Lee.
As "Shirley & Lee," they recorded their debut single "I’m Gone," produced by Cosimo Matassa, which reached #2 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1952. The record contrasted Goodman’s soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae.
In their early songs, they pretended as if they were sweethearts and were dubbed "the Sweethearts of the Blues." However, they changed style in 1956 and recorded "Let the Good Times Roll," which became their biggest hit reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the follow-up, "Feel So Good" also made the charts, the duo’s later releases were less successful, and Goodman and Leonard split up in 1962. Leonard made some subsequent solo records with little success.
In the mid 1960s, Shirley Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo for a time with Jessie Hill. She sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album, but then briefly retired from the music industry.
Later in 1974, as Shirley Goodman Pixley, she was contacted by her friend Sylvia Robinson, previously of the duo Mickey and Sylvia and now co-owner of the All Platinum record label, and was persuaded to record the lead vocal on a dance track, "Shame, Shame, Shame." Credited to Shirley & Company, the record became an international pop hit, reaching #12 on the Billboard chart and presaging the disco boom. After a few further recordings and tours, Goodman finally retired from the music industry after returning to New Orleans in the late 1970s.
Everybody's Rockin'
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People will start rockin', even break the law
I see everybody rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too
The whole world rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too
The whole world rockin'; baby, let's rock some too
Baby, let's get together, baby, rock all night long
Let's get together; we will rock 'em too
The whole world a-rockin', whole world a-rockin'
Well, the whole world a-rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too, yes
Baby, let's get together; baby, let's rock the night
Baby, let's get together; baby, we will rock the night
Baby, don't be late 'cause everybody's rockin' too
The song "Everybody's Rockin'" by Shirley and Lee is a classic rock and roll tune that celebrates the joy of dancing and having fun with others. The lyrics suggest that people will start dancing and even break the law just to do so. The song begins with the repetition of the line "People will start rockin', even break the law" which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics state that the whole world is rocking and that everyone should join in on the fun. The singers express their desire to rock all night long and invite others to join them.
The verses describe how both old and young people are rocking and encourage everyone to get together and dance. The chorus is an invitation to the listener to dance with the singers and not be late as everybody is already rockin'. Overall, the song captures the excitement and energy of rock and roll dance parties and encourages everyone to let loose and have fun.
Line by Line Meaning
People will start the rockin', even break the law
People will start dancing to rock music so much that they may even break laws or disobey norms.
I see everybody rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too
Since everyone is dancing to rock music, the singer also plans to join in and dance.
The whole world rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too
As the entire world is dancing to rock music, the singer wants to be a part of it by also dancing.
The whole world rockin'; baby, let's rock some too
Since the entire world is dancing to rock music, the singer suggests to their partner that they should also join in.
Baby, let's get together, baby, rock all night long
The singer invites their partner to get together and dance to rock music together all night long.
Well, the old folks rockin', the young folks too
Both old people and young people are dancing to rock music.
Let's get together; we will rock 'em too
The singer suggests that they should also join in and dance to rock music with others.
The whole world a-rockin', whole world a-rockin'
The entire world is dancing to rock music.
Well, the whole world a-rockin'; I'm gonna rock some too, yes
Since the entire world is dancing to rock music, the singer also plans to join in and dance.
Baby, let's get together; baby, let's rock the night
The singer suggests that they should get together and dance to rock music all night long with their partner.
Baby, let's get together; baby, we will rock the night
The singer suggests that they should get together and dance to rock music all night long with their partner.
Baby, don't be late 'cause everybody's rockin' too
The singer urges their partner to come on time since everyone else will also be dancing to rock music and they don't want to miss out.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES BRACKEN, JOHN LEE HOOKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dominic Lee
I think this is one of the greatest 1950s Rock n' Roll tunes, I've heard.
Daniel Kubacki
Good song!
RecordKing44
You now, when I was at Attic Records last Tuesday, I was going through the 45s Fred has on the counter, and I found an acetate copy of this from Gateway Records! The other side was Straight Flush by the Frantics. Shoulda bought it, but I didn't think about it til I got home haha
Choock5219
Good Rocker
Played on Terry Lee's "Midnight Special" Show
robertp1947
I always thought this was a porky tune
Choock5219
I'm sure Porky did play this but it was almost played nightly on T.L.'s pre-recorded Midnight Special Show nightly from Midnight to 2 A.M. on the old WIXZ, 1360, out of McKeesport