Luther Played the Boogie

Johnny Cash

About Luther Played the Boogie

"Luther Played the Boogie" is a song written and originally recorded by Johnny Cash. The song was recorded by Cash on July 10, 1958. during his final sessions for Sun Records. It would be released as a single (Sun 316, with "Thanks a Lot", another song from the same session, on the opposite side) on February 15 of the next year, when he already left the label for Columbia. Before that, the song appeared on Sun Records' album Greatest! Johnny Cash, that came out in January 1959. Cash received a BMI award for this single. 


Year:
2006
1:53
92 
#1

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We were just a plain ol' hillbilly band with a plain ol' country style
We never played the kind of songs that'd drive anybody wild
Played a railroad song with a stomping beat
We played a blues song, kinda slow and sweet
But the thing that knocked them off of their feet was, ooh-wee

When Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie in the strangest kind of way

Play it strange

Well, we did our best to entertain everywhere we'd go
We'd nearly wear our fingers off to give the folks a show
Played jumping jive to make 'em get in the groove
We played sad songs, real slow and smooth
But the only thing that'd make 'em move was, ooh-wee

When Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie woogie
Luther played the boogie woogie, Luther played the boogie in the strangest kind of way
Now damn Luther play the boogie straight

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

19 fans

Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song's Identity
"Luther Played the Boogie" is a song written and performed by Johnny Cash.
Inspirational Note
This song is an affectionate tribute to Luther Perkins who played lead guitar for Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two.
Release Info
Johnny Cash released "Luther Played The Boogie" in 1959. It was part of his album "Sings the Songs that Made Him Famous".
Song's Nature
Unlike many of Cash's songs that tell a story, this song is expository, explaining about the music and sound in simpler terms.
Success Rate
The song didn't reach the charts, but it is still popular amongst Cash's fans and appreciated for its simplicity and easy rhythm.
Performer's Kinship
In the song, Johnny Cash refers to Luther as his "old buddy", conveying the close and brotherly relationship they had as bandmates.
Tone of Song
The song is notable for its upbeat and happy tone, which showcases the joys Cash and Perkins felt while creating music together.
Recording Location
Like many of Cash's Sun Records hits, this song was recorded at the record company's Memphis studio.
Genre
"Luther Played the Boogie" falls under the genre of Rockabilly, a blend of country (or "hillbilly") music and rhythm and blues, which predates rock and roll.
Accuracy of Lyrics
Capturing the essence of Cash's sound, the lyrics accurately epitomize how Luther Perkins played his guitar: steady, rhythmic, and simple. Perkins' style became a signature element of the "Johnny Cash sound".

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