Rocket "88“ (1951)

Rocket "88" is a hymn of praise to the joys of the Oldsmobile "Rocket 88" automobile which had recently been introduced and is considered as a contender for the first Rock & Roll song. It was recorded in March 1951 at the Memphis Recording Service (later renamed Sun Studio). Jackie Brenston, a saxophonist of the Kings of Rhythm, provided the lead vocals while Ike was on piano. Sam Phillips licensed the recording to Chess Records in Chicago and released it under the name „Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats“ instead of „Ike Turner and His Kings of Rhythm feat. Jackie Brenston.“ The single was released in April 1951 and spent 5 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. Ike and the band were paid $20 each for the record except Jackie Brenston who sold the rights to Phillips for $910. Sam used profits from the success of the record to launch Sun Records in February 1952.

Producer: Sam Phillips
Release: April 1951
Label: Chess
Format: 7“ Vinyl
Charts: USA: #1 (R&B)