Episode 82: “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode 82: "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis Presley
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Elvis Presley in 1960

Episode eighty-two of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs looks at “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley, and the way his promising comeback after leaving the Army quickly got derailed. This episode also contains a brief acknowledgment of the death of the great Little Richard, who died just as I was recording this episode. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode.

Patreon backers also have a ten-minute bonus episode available, on “Muleskinner Blues” by the Fendermen.

Tilt Araiza has assisted invaluably by doing a first-pass edit, and will hopefully be doing so from now on. Check out Tilt’s irregular podcasts at http://www.podnose.com/jaffa-cakes-for-proust and http://sitcomclub.com/

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Episode 45: “Blueberry Hill”, by Fats Domino

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode 45: "Blueberry Hill", by Fats Domino
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Fats Domino

Episode forty-five of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs looks at “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino, and at how the racial tensions of the fifties meant that a smiling, diffident, cheerful man playing happy music ended up starting riots all over the US.

Patreon backers also have a ten-minute bonus episode available, on “Birmingham Bounce” by Hardrock Gunter.

Continue reading “Episode 45: “Blueberry Hill”, by Fats Domino”

Episode 33: “Mystery Train”, by Elvis Presley

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode 33: "Mystery Train", by Elvis Presley
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Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker

Welcome to episode thirty-three of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs. This one looks at “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode.

Continue reading “Episode 33: “Mystery Train”, by Elvis Presley”