“Rocket 88”/”Come Back Where You Belong,” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, 1951

File — Box: 1, disc: 4

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The 78 RPM records in this collection are of unknown provenance and were selected for addition to the Archives for their rarity. They highlight early hits in rock and roll music, such as "Sixty Minute Man" by the Dominoes and "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, both of which are considered contenders for the first rock and roll record ever recorded. Each record has a four-digit number attached. These are catalog numbers, which were used both to track sales through distributors and for in-house accounting.

Dates

Creation: 1951

Creator

From the Collection: Dominoes (Musical group : U.S.) (Organization)
From the Collection: Harris, Wynonie, 1915-1969 (Person)
From the Collection: Brenston, Jackie, 1930-1979 (Person)
From the Collection: Brown, Roy, 1925-1981 (Person)
From the Collection: Thornton, Big Mama (Person)
From the Collection: Delta Cats (Musical Group) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is restricted due to material fragility. Access requires permission from the Berklee Archives Associate Director.

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Released by Chess Records (1458)

Considered by many to be the first rock and roll record ever recorded, “Rocket 88” was written by a 19 year old Ike Turner. Though the band is credited as the Delta Cats, the band on the record was actually Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm with his saxophonist, Jackie Breston, singing lead vocals. Notable for the distorted guitar played by Willie Kizart, this record was recorded by Sam Phillips of The Memphis Recording Service (later Sun Records) and was licensed to Chicago’s Chess Records.