Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - 1957
Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - 1957
Jerry Lee Lewis and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"
Jerry Lee Lewis, born on September 29, 1935, is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. He is known for his pioneering influence on the genre of rock music and his energetic stage presence. One of his most iconic songs, "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," released in 1957, became a defining moment in the birth of rock and roll. This song, characterized by its lively piano playing and Lewis's dynamic vocal performance, captured the rebellious spirit of the 1950s youth.
Background of the Song
The song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" was originally recorded by Big Maybelle in 1955. However, it was Jerry Lee Lewis's version, recorded at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and released in 1957, that gained widespread fame and is often credited with helping to popularize rock and roll music. The recording session at Sun Records was a pivotal moment in Lewis's career, showcasing his raw talent and unique style.
Musical Style and Influence
- Rock and Roll: The song is a classic example of early rock and roll, combining elements of blues, country, and rhythm and blues.
- Piano in Rock Music: Lewis's piano playing in the song is particularly noteworthy, characterized by its energetic and rhythmic style.
- 1950s Music: "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" is emblematic of the music of the 1950s, reflecting the era's cultural and social changes.
For more information on the background and impact of this song, visit MOOCit and explore related topics.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the Song
In what year was "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" released by Jerry Lee Lewis? (1957) (!1955) (!1960) (!1959)
Which record label released Jerry Lee Lewis's version of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"? (Sun Records) (!Chess Records) (!Atlantic Records) (!Capitol Records)
Who originally recorded "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" before Jerry Lee Lewis? (Big Maybelle) (!Elvis Presley) (!Chuck Berry) (!Little Richard)
What musical instrument is Jerry Lee Lewis famously known for playing in "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"? (Piano) (!Guitar) (!Drums) (!Saxophone)
What genre does "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" primarily represent? (Rock and Roll) (!Blues) (!Jazz) (!Country)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Jerry Lee Lewis's nickname, reflecting his dynamic performance style? (The Killer) (!The Wild Man) (!The Piano Man) (!The Rockstar)
In addition to rock and roll, what other genre of music is Jerry Lee Lewis known for? (Country) (!Blues) (!Jazz) (!R&B)
Where was Jerry Lee Lewis born? (Ferriday, Louisiana) (!Memphis, Tennessee) (!Nashville, Tennessee) (!New Orleans, Louisiana)
Which famous recording studio was pivotal in Jerry Lee Lewis's early career? (Sun Studio) (!Motown Records) (!Abbey Road Studios) (!RCA Studio B)
How old was Jerry Lee Lewis when he released "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"? (21 years old) (!18 years old) (!25 years old) (!30 years old)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
What is a key phrase repeated in "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"? ("Whole lotta shakin' goin' on") (!"Rock around the clock") (!"Twist and shout") (!"Jump, jive, and wail")
The lyrics of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" are known for their: (Energetic and suggestive tone) (!Political commentary) (!Romantic narrative) (!Descriptive nature of nature)
Which of the following is a characteristic of the lyrical style in "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"? (Repetitive and catchy) (!Complex and poetic) (!Abstract and symbolic) (!Storytelling)
In "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," the shaking refers to: (Dancing and having fun) (!Earthquake) (!Being nervous) (!Mixing a drink)
The song's lyrics were considered somewhat controversial at the time of its release due to their: (Suggestive nature) (!Political content) (!Use of slang) (!Reference to alcohol)
Memory
| Jerry Lee Lewis | The Killer |
| 1957 | Year of Song's Release |
| Piano | Instrument Played by Lewis |
| Rock and Roll | Song's Genre |
| Sun Records | Record Label |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research Sun Records: Explore the history of Sun Records and its impact on rock and roll music.
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of other rock and roll songs from the 1950s.
- Draw Jerry Lee Lewis: Create a drawing or a cartoon of Jerry Lee Lewis performing.
Standard
- Write a Song Review: Write a review of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" focusing on its musical and cultural significance.
- Compare Versions: Compare Jerry Lee Lewis's version of the song with Big Maybelle's original recording. Discuss the differences in style and impact.
- Piano Practice: Learn to play the intro or a part of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" on the piano.
Difficult
- Analyze 1950s Culture: Write an essay on how "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" reflects the cultural and social changes of the 1950s.
- Video Documentary: Create a short documentary on Jerry Lee Lewis's influence on rock and roll.
- Songwriting Challenge: Compose your own rock and roll song inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis's style.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Influence: Talk about how Jerry Lee Lewis and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" influenced later musicians and the development of rock music.
- Social Impact: Discuss the social and cultural impact of rock and roll music in the 1950s, using "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" as an example.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the musical styles of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Discuss their respective impacts on rock and roll.
- Musical Evolution: Discuss how rock and roll evolved from its roots in blues and country music, with reference to "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."
- Performance Style: Analyze Jerry Lee Lewis's performance style and its influence on the way rock music is performed.
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