Jailhouse Rock

Elvis Presley

About Jailhouse Rock

"Jailhouse Rock" is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller that first became a hit for Elvis Presley. RCA Victor released the song on a 45 rpm single on September 24, 1957, the song had a film release of Presley's motion picture under the same name, Jailhouse Rock. Rolling Stone magazine included it at number 67 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. In 2004, it finished at number 21 on AFI's 100 Years. ..100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema. On November 27, 2016, the Grammy Hall of Fame announced its induction, along with that of another 24 songs. In 2019, it ranked #31 in the list of Spain's most heard radio station. Rock FM 500's five hundred rockers of all time, as well as ahead as any other song of the 1950'as. Presley's performance of the song in the film, choreographed as a dance routine involving himself and a large group of male prisoners, was featured among other classic MGM musical numbers in the 1994 documentary That's Entertainment! III. The film version differs from the single version of the song, featuring backing instrumentation and vocals not heard on the record. 


Year:
1990
2:23
94 

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The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing
You should've heard them knocked out jailbirds sing
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang
The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Number forty-seven said to number three
You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Sad sack was sittin' on a block of stone
Way over in the corner weepin' all alone
The warden said, hey, buddy, don't you be no square
If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Shifty Henry said to Bugs, for heaven's sake
No one's lookin', now's our chance to make a break
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, nix nix
I want to stick around a while and get my kicks
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

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Elvis Presley

Elvis Aron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. A cultural icon, he is commonly known by the single name Elvis. One of the most popular musicians of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". more »

39 fans

Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Release date
"Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley was released as a single on September 24, 1957.
Chart performance
The song was a number one hit on both Billboard and the UK Singles Chart.
Songwriting credits
"Jailhouse Rock" was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were well-known songwriters in the 1950s and worked with multiple artists over their career.
Film title
The song shares its title with the movie “Jailhouse Rock,” also starring Elvis Presley. The song was included in the movie's soundtrack and used in an iconic dance sequence.
Cover versions
Numerous musicians have covered "Jailhouse Rock" over the years, including The Beatles in their early years and the Blues Brothers in their 1980 movie.
Timeless Recognition
In 2004, "Jailhouse Rock" was listed as one of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine. It was also named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Platinum Certification
In 1957, the song sold over one million copies in the United States alone, earning it a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Cultural References
Because of its iconic status, "Jailhouse Rock" has been referenced in various forms of media – including movies, TV shows, and advertising.
Music Video
Although it predates the MTV era, a performance of the song in the film was one of the first instances of what would later become known as a music video.
Trivia
Elvis Presley reportedly recorded the song in only a few takes with no overdubs – a testament to his musical talent and abilities.
Live Performances
Interestingly, despite its popularity, it's claimed that Elvis never performed "Jailhouse Rock" live in concert. The performances that do exist are from his movie and TV appearances.
Composer
"Jailhouse Rock" was written by the popular songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
Chart Success
The song was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard pop chart, making it one of Elvis Presley's most successful singles.
From the Movie
"Jailhouse Rock" was part of the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, also featuring Elvis Presley in the starring role.
Noteworthy Lyric
"Jailhouse Rock" is one of the most notable songs in Elvis' career, due to its memorable lyric, "Everybody in the whole cell block/Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock."
Dance Routine
The corresponding dance sequence in the movie "Jailhouse Rock" is regarded as one of Presley's greatest cinematic moments.
Rock and Roll History
"Jailhouse Rock" is considered a significant piece in the genre of rock and roll, celebrated for its rebellious spirit and youthful energy.
Library of Congress
In 2017, "Jailhouse Rock" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant."
Covers
The song has been covered by many artists, including The Blues Brothers and Queen, and still is a staple of Elvis impersonator shows.
Iconic Opening
The song opens with the sound of a four-bar intro played twice by the electric guitarist Scotty Moore, and this guitar lick has become one of the most recognizable in rock and roll history.
Recovery Song
After filming the movie – and recording the song – Presley had to undergo surgery for the removal of his tonsils. His recovery and absence from the public eye only served to fuel anticipation for the film and its associated soundtrack.
Golden Globe Nomination
The movie "Jailhouse Rock" received a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards in 1958. This added more popularity and fame to the song as well.

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