"Maybellene" | ||||
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Single by Chuck Berry | ||||
B-side | "Wee Wee Hours" | |||
Released | July 1955 | |||
Recorded | May 21, 1955 | |||
Studio | Universal Recording (Chicago)[1] | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:19 | |||
Label | Chess[4] | |||
Songwriter(s) | Chuck Berry[5] | |||
Producer(s) | Leonard Chess, Phil Chess | |||
Chuck Berry singles chronology | ||||
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Audio sample | ||||
30-second sample of Chuck Berry's "Maybellene" |
"Maybellene" is a rock and roll song by American artist Chuck Berry, adapted in part from the western swing fiddle tune "Ida Red". Released in 1955, Berry’s song tells the story of a hot rod race and a broken romance, the lyrics describing a man driving a V8 Ford and chasing his unfaithful girlfriend in her Cadillac Coupe DeVille. It was released in July 1955 as a single by Chess Records, of Chicago, Illinois.[6] Berry's first hit, "Maybellene" is considered a pioneering rock and roll song. Rolling Stone magazine wrote of it, "Rock & roll guitar starts here."[7] The record was an early instance of the complete rock and roll package: youthful subject matter; a small, guitar-driven combo; clear diction; and an atmosphere of unrelenting excitement.
The song was a major hit with both black and white audiences, reaching number 1 on Billboard's Rhythm and Blues chart and number 5 on the Popular Records chart.[8] It has received numerous honors and awards. Soon after its initial release, cover versions were recorded by several other artists. The title is misspelled "Maybelline" on several releases.
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