School of Rock 'n Roll
Encyclopedia
"School Of Rock 'n Roll" is a song composed by James McClung in 1958 and published by Song Productions, BMI the same year. It was originally recorded by Gene Summers
and his Rebels, a rockabilly band from Dallas, Texas
and was first released in February, 1958 by Jan Records #11-100 http://rcs-discography.com/rcs/labels/j/j612.htm. It was flipped with "Straight Skirt
" a teen novelty 45 which became the group's first big regional hit.
"School Of Rock 'n Roll" later became widely known as one of the top 100 rock 'n roll records of the era. In the 1970s, at the beginning of the rockabilly
revival in Europe
, "School Of Rock 'n Roll" was re-discovered by a new legion of rockabilly fans and bands. Since that time it has become a classic dance floor-filler and has renewed Gene's career to the extent of worldwide concert appearances since 1980.
" and was included on the Rhino Records CD box sets "Wild, Fast And Out Of Control" (1999) and "Rockin' Bones" (2006).
"Where Chuck Berry's "School Day" is a precise sketch of the tedium of a typical American
high school, whether it is the Class of 1958 or 2007, Gene Summers' "School of Rock 'N Roll"
is pure greaser fantasy, the kind of place where the only use for books is to steady a wobbling amplifier".
-online/submitter unknown
"Gene Summers' "School of Rock’n’Roll" is right up there when it comes to chalking the demarcation line between the teenage and adult worlds. No one can be left in any doubt after hearing this rip-roaring two minutes of rockin’ at its wildest that Summers & his Rebels were aiming straight for the hormonal jugular – squares beware!" -CD liner notes
"...this is the sound of a country spreading its wings musically, exploring the roots and preparing to enter Gene Summer's "School of Rock'n'Roll". Be there or be square!" -CD Liner notes
"School of Rock 'n Roll" is a gas! It lives up to its title. It is one of the most perfect rock 'n roll records that never became a hit. Everything about it is just right. Summers' voice rasping great juvenile lyrics - they rock on the blackboard, they rock on the desk - at this here school all you learn to do is rock! - is matched by a truly rocking band, bopping piano, thundering drums and cutting guitar solos from (James) McClung. If you are only allowed one rock 'n roll record on your desert island, this is the one to take." -Bob Solly, 2005
"...Each week, Mr. Dylan picks a theme and plays music around that theme. For example, today's show will be School featuring songs such as "Homework" by Otis Rush, "School's Out" by Alice Cooper and "School of Rock 'n Roll" by Gene Summers." - nexistepas, posted by Dan
Rockhouse LPL 9201. 1991 Holland
Rarity Records CD-192527, 1996 Belgium
Wildcat Records LP-JE3D, 1990 USA
Tomb Records CD-2009, 1993 Germany
Rockhouse Productions CD RHS-50421-3, 1995 USA
Ohio Moon Records CD-790, 2004 USA
Rough House Records CD RHCD-003, 2004 Japan
Pair Of Dice Records CD PODR-002, 2004 USA
Rockhouse Records LP-9106, 1991 Netherlands
The Lennerockers CD Lennerockers “Rebels And More”
Lenne Records 2CD LR-00008, 2002 Germany
(previously unissued Lennerockers tracks)
Raucous Records
(record #) (date) UK
Eagle Records LP NMLP-32, 1989 Sweden
Killroy Records LP KFA-13065, 1979 Netherlands
Savage Kalman & Explosion Rockets CD Savage Kalman “School Of Rock And Roll”
SKY/Telstar Records (record #), 1998 Netherlands
Old Rock Records CD ORR-20041, 2004 Sweden
Presto Records P-101, 1989 USA
(label & record #) 2002, USA
Golly Gee Records CD GGR-1031, 2004 USA
of "School Of Rock 'n Roll")
Golly Gee Records CD GGR-(#), 2003 USA
NV Records CD NVCD-10, 1994 UK
Cool And Crazy Records COOL CD002, 1998, UK.
“School Of Rock ‘n Roll” guitar riff was adapted to track #10
titled “Yes, I Do”
Private recording, late 1960s. According to a 1998 Now Dig This! review of Derek Henderson's book "Gene Vincent A Discography", there is a Complete A-Z listing of the 217 song titles he’s (Vincent) known to have recorded-everything from the Capital biggies such as "Say Mama", "Rocky Road Blues", and "Wildcat" to lesser known items such as private recordings of "Stand by Me
", "Chain Gang
" and "School Of Rock 'n Roll
". Also, according to Rockin' Ronnie Weiser during a May 19, 1997 interview: -“At first I tried to get Gene (Vincent) to record Gene Summers
’ "School Of Rock 'n Roll
" without much success. So then I told him to do whatever he wanted. The gem out of this 4-song recording session was “The Rose of Love” which brings tears to my eyes.”
Big Beat Records BBR-0013, 1981 France
“School Of Rock ‘n Roll was a huge influence for this record.”
-Thierry LeCoz of the Teen Kats, 1999
*Thierry Lecoz CD Thierry LeCoz “Tex-French Connection”
Big Beat Records CD BBR-0081, 2003 France
Recorded Onstage at the House Of Live, Paris, France July 3, 2002
Thierry LeCoz DVD “Tex-French Connection”
BIG Beat Records BBR DVD 0001, 2003 France
Recorded Onstage at the House Of Live, Paris, France July 3, 2002
Gene Summers
Gene Summers is an American rock/rockabilly singer and entertainer. Some of his classic recordings include "School of Rock 'n Roll", "Straight Skirt", "Nervous", "Gotta Lotta That", "Twixteen", "Alabama Shake" and his biggest-selling single "Big Blue Diamonds"...
and his Rebels, a rockabilly band from Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
and was first released in February, 1958 by Jan Records #11-100 http://rcs-discography.com/rcs/labels/j/j612.htm. It was flipped with "Straight Skirt
Straight Skirt
"Straight Skirt " is a song written by Mary Tarver in 1958 and published by Song Productions, BMI the same year. It was originally recorded by Gene Summers and his Rebels, a rockabilly band from Dallas, Texas and was first released in February, 1958 by Jan Records #11-100. On March 8, 1958 Cash...
" a teen novelty 45 which became the group's first big regional hit.
"School Of Rock 'n Roll" later became widely known as one of the top 100 rock 'n roll records of the era. In the 1970s, at the beginning of the rockabilly
Rockabilly
Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating to the early 1950s.The term rockabilly is a portmanteau of rock and hillbilly, the latter a reference to the country music that contributed strongly to the style's development...
revival in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, "School Of Rock 'n Roll" was re-discovered by a new legion of rockabilly fans and bands. Since that time it has become a classic dance floor-filler and has renewed Gene's career to the extent of worldwide concert appearances since 1980.
Acclaim
In 2005 "School of Rock 'n Roll" was selected by Bob Solly and Record Collector Magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Records. "School Of Rock 'n Roll" was also present in the British television series "You've Been FramedYou've Been Framed
You've Been Framed is a British television show, produced by ITV Studios for ITV where viewers send in humorous home videos. It is currently narrated by the comedian Harry Hill....
" and was included on the Rhino Records CD box sets "Wild, Fast And Out Of Control" (1999) and "Rockin' Bones" (2006).
Reviews
- School of Rock 'n Roll, Gene Summers and His Rebels
"Where Chuck Berry's "School Day" is a precise sketch of the tedium of a typical American
high school, whether it is the Class of 1958 or 2007, Gene Summers' "School of Rock 'N Roll"
is pure greaser fantasy, the kind of place where the only use for books is to steady a wobbling amplifier".
-online/submitter unknown
- Various Artists - Shake Rattle & Roll CD (import)
"Gene Summers' "School of Rock’n’Roll" is right up there when it comes to chalking the demarcation line between the teenage and adult worlds. No one can be left in any doubt after hearing this rip-roaring two minutes of rockin’ at its wildest that Summers & his Rebels were aiming straight for the hormonal jugular – squares beware!" -CD liner notes
- Various Artists - Rock The Joint: Roots & Branches Of Rock & Roll 3CD Box Set (import)
"...this is the sound of a country spreading its wings musically, exploring the roots and preparing to enter Gene Summer's "School of Rock'n'Roll". Be there or be square!" -CD Liner notes
- 100 Greatest Rock ‘N’ Roll Records- Record Collector Magazine
"School of Rock 'n Roll" is a gas! It lives up to its title. It is one of the most perfect rock 'n roll records that never became a hit. Everything about it is just right. Summers' voice rasping great juvenile lyrics - they rock on the blackboard, they rock on the desk - at this here school all you learn to do is rock! - is matched by a truly rocking band, bopping piano, thundering drums and cutting guitar solos from (James) McClung. If you are only allowed one rock 'n roll record on your desert island, this is the one to take." -Bob Solly, 2005
- Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour - September 20, 2006
"...Each week, Mr. Dylan picks a theme and plays music around that theme. For example, today's show will be School featuring songs such as "Homework" by Otis Rush, "School's Out" by Alice Cooper and "School of Rock 'n Roll" by Gene Summers." - nexistepas, posted by Dan
External links
- "School of Rock 'n Roll" 45rpm by Gene Summers on YouTube
- Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour - School
- Bob Dylan Plays "School of Rock 'n Roll"
- "100 Greatest Rock 'n Roll Records" (book includes "School of Rock 'n Roll")
Cover versions of "School Of Rock 'n Roll"
- The Alphabets LP The Alphabets “Bowl You Over”
Rockhouse LPL 9201. 1991 Holland
- The Blue Moon Rockers CD The Blue Moon Rockers “School Of Rock & Roll”
Rarity Records CD-192527, 1996 Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
- Johnny Reno LP Johnny Reno “Third Degree”
Wildcat Records LP-JE3D, 1990 USA
- Mess of Booze CD Mess Of Booze “Ungehobelt & Versoffen”
Tomb Records CD-2009, 1993 Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
- The Vees CD The Vees “Crash Boom Bang It Out”
Rockhouse Productions CD RHS-50421-3, 1995 USA
- Alan Leatherwood CD Alan Leatherwood “Rock, Bop, Folk, And Pop”
Ohio Moon Records CD-790, 2004 USA
- The Starlight Wranglers CD Starlight Wranglers “Rough House R&R Vol. 3 Various Artists”
Rough House Records CD RHCD-003, 2004 Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
- The Greyhounds CD The Greyhounds “Songs Our Daddies Taught Us”
Pair Of Dice Records CD PODR-002, 2004 USA
- The Lennerockers LP The Lennerockers “Rebels Of Nowadays”
Rockhouse Records LP-9106, 1991 Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
The Lennerockers CD Lennerockers “Rebels And More”
Lenne Records 2CD LR-00008, 2002 Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
(previously unissued Lennerockers tracks)
- Fairlane Rockets CD Fairlane Rockets “Fairlane Rockets”
Raucous Records
Raucous Records
Raucous Records is a British record label focusing on rockabilly, psychobilly, rock and roll, and surf music. The label has released albums such as "Between The Polecats" by The Polecats, "Rock 'n' Roll Fever" by Jay Chance, "Rockabilly Express" by Gary Setzer and Barry Ryan, "The Lost Album" by...
(record #) (date) UK
- Red Hot Max And The Cats LP Red Hot Max and the Cats “Cuckoo Clock Rock”
Eagle Records LP NMLP-32, 1989 Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
- Savage Kalman & Explosion Rockets LP Savage Kalman “School Of Rock And Roll”
Killroy Records LP KFA-13065, 1979 Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
Savage Kalman & Explosion Rockets CD Savage Kalman “School Of Rock And Roll”
SKY/Telstar Records (record #), 1998 Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
- Black Knights CD Black Knights “Jack In The Box”
Old Rock Records CD ORR-20041, 2004 Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
- The Rhythm Rockets 7” 45rpm single “School Of Rock & Roll” b/w “Let’s Dance”
Presto Records P-101, 1989 USA
- The Cornell Hurd Band CD The Cornell Hurd Band “Saturday Nite In San Jose”
(label & record #) 2002, USA
- Rory Justice CD Rory Justice “The Rockabilly Kid”
Golly Gee Records CD GGR-1031, 2004 USA
- Rockin’ Ryan and The Real Goners CD “Alive And Lowdown” ( w/ Rory Justice –‘live’ version
of "School Of Rock 'n Roll")
Golly Gee Records CD GGR-(#), 2003 USA
- The Polecats CD “Birth Of British Rockabilly Vol.2 Various Artists”
NV Records CD NVCD-10, 1994 UK
- Hicksville Bombers CD Hicksville Bombers “Bombs Away”
Cool And Crazy Records COOL CD002, 1998, UK.
“School Of Rock ‘n Roll” guitar riff was adapted to track #10
titled “Yes, I Do”
- Gene Vincent UNISSUED. Gene Vincent “School Of Rock ‘n Roll”
Private recording, late 1960s. According to a 1998 Now Dig This! review of Derek Henderson's book "Gene Vincent A Discography", there is a Complete A-Z listing of the 217 song titles he’s (Vincent) known to have recorded-everything from the Capital biggies such as "Say Mama", "Rocky Road Blues", and "Wildcat" to lesser known items such as private recordings of "Stand by Me
Stand by Me (song)
"Stand by Me" is the title of a song originally performed by Ben E. King and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, based on the spiritual "Lord Stand by Me,", plus two lines rooted in Psalms 46:2-3...
", "Chain Gang
Chain Gang (song)
"Chain Gang" is the name of a song written and recorded by Sam Cooke. When released as a single in 1960, the song performed very well, reaching #2 in the United States pop and R&B charts, and #9 in the United Kingdom....
" and "School Of Rock 'n Roll
School of Rock 'n Roll
"School Of Rock 'n Roll" is a song composed by James McClung in 1958 and published by Song Productions, BMI the same year. It was originally recorded by Gene Summers and his Rebels, a rockabilly band from Dallas, Texas and was first released in February, 1958 by Jan Records #11-100...
". Also, according to Rockin' Ronnie Weiser during a May 19, 1997 interview: -“At first I tried to get Gene (Vincent) to record Gene Summers
Gene Summers
Gene Summers is an American rock/rockabilly singer and entertainer. Some of his classic recordings include "School of Rock 'n Roll", "Straight Skirt", "Nervous", "Gotta Lotta That", "Twixteen", "Alabama Shake" and his biggest-selling single "Big Blue Diamonds"...
’ "School Of Rock 'n Roll
School of Rock 'n Roll
"School Of Rock 'n Roll" is a song composed by James McClung in 1958 and published by Song Productions, BMI the same year. It was originally recorded by Gene Summers and his Rebels, a rockabilly band from Dallas, Texas and was first released in February, 1958 by Jan Records #11-100...
" without much success. So then I told him to do whatever he wanted. The gem out of this 4-song recording session was “The Rose of Love” which brings tears to my eyes.”
- Teen Kats 10” LP Teen Kats “After School Rock ‘n Roll”
Big Beat Records BBR-0013, 1981 France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
“School Of Rock ‘n Roll was a huge influence for this record.”
-Thierry LeCoz of the Teen Kats, 1999
*Thierry Lecoz CD Thierry LeCoz “Tex-French Connection”
Big Beat Records CD BBR-0081, 2003 France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Recorded Onstage at the House Of Live, Paris, France July 3, 2002
Thierry LeCoz DVD “Tex-French Connection”
BIG Beat Records BBR DVD 0001, 2003 France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Recorded Onstage at the House Of Live, Paris, France July 3, 2002
- Gary U.S. Bonds CD Gary U.S. Bonds School Of Rock ‘n Roll: The Best Of Gary U.S. Bonds Rhino/WEA, 1990 USA (Album title obviously inspired by Gene’s “School Of Rock ‘n Roll” 45 which was released in 1958. Bond’s earliest release was in 1960.)
- Lucky Strike Band CD Lucky Strike Band "If I Had Me A Woman" (label) (CD #), UK 2003
- Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys YouTube Video Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys “School Of Rock ‘n Roll” 'Live from Café Sport - Delft, Holland 2005
- Mike Mok and The Em-Tones mp3 Mike Mok and the Em-Tones “School Of Rock ‘n Roll” “Live” studio cut..no overdubs, USA 2007
- Los Aceleradores mp3 Los Aceleradores “School Of Rock ‘n Roll”, 2004 Santiago, ChileChileChile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, 2007
- Various Artists School of Rock 'n Roll was used as the title for a (2) CD Box Set compilation released in the late 1990s. CD featured artists from the 1980s including: J. Geils Band, Billy Squier, Steve Miller, The Motels, Glass Tiger, Culture Club, Sheena Easton and others. (CD title obviously inspired by the Gene Summers original, classic 'School Of Rock ‘n Roll')
Sources
- Liner notes "The Ultimate School Of Rock & RollThe Ultimate School of Rock & RollThe Ultimate School Of Rock & Roll is a 32-track CD by Gene Summers. It is a compilation of his biggest hits including out-takes and alternate tracks. The CD was released nationally in the United States by Crystal Clear Sound Records in 1997 and is still in print...
" 1997 USA - Article and sessionography in issue 15 (1977) of New Kommotion Magazine UK
- Article and sessionography in issue 23 (1980) of New Kommotion Magazine UK
- Feature article and sessionography in issue 74 (1999) of Rockin' Fifties Magazine GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
- Feature article with photo spread in issue 53 (2000) of Bill Griggs' Rockin' 50s Magazine USA
- Feature Article with photo spread in issue 54 (2000) of Bill Griggs' Rockin' 50s Magazine USA