The Chuck Berry Collectors Blog

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: In July I finished listing my stack of additional Chuck Berry cover versions and came up with a total of 6034 recordings. But still new covers turn up, this time even from famous names such as the Dire Straits, Jim Reeves, or the Police.

GILDAS ARZEL (France)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1961. Has released several singles and albums since 1991.

You Never Can Tell (C’est la Vie) (3:32) 2015

CD: Greneville [self-released GA1961/1/1] ● France, 2015

I haven’t heard the actual recording but seen a live performance from 2017 on You Tube. And I must say it was pretty amazing. Tight rockin’ band too.

BABY BÁTIZ (Mexico)

See Volume 3, page 1061, for biographical info. However, I had very little info back then so here’s an update and also adding "Rock And Roll Music" to the list.
Real name Maria Esther Medina Núñez, born 1949 in Tijuana, Baja California. Blues, soul and rock’n’roll singer. She has released several singles and albums since her start in the mid ‘60s. She even had an Anthology CD out in 2008. She’s the sister of Javier Bátiz (see page 1061).

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2003
Rock And Roll Music [as “Musica De Rock”] (2:21) 2003

CD: De Veras Me Atrapaste [Discos Y Cintas Denver CD-DSD-6274] ● Mexico, 2003

The lady has a great voice on these two Berry covers and the music is straight rock(’n’roll).

BIG BAG Of BLUES (Sweden)

Blues band from Halmstad.

Back To Memphis (as “Going Back To Memphis”) (4:18) 2011

CD: “III” [BBB 90 0879 87932 5 9] ● Sweden, 2011

Probably self-released. But it’s a good version and I reckon it was taken from The Tottas Blues Band repertory since they have used the same misspelling of the title.

BLUESAHOLICS (Switzerland)

Blues-rock band consisting of four musicians, Benno Riis (guitar, blues harp), Levi Bo (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Willi Basler (bass), Marcus Keller (drums), and two vocalists Monika Schär and Rene Zobrist. The band had a maxi single out in 1993 and 8 albums since 1995, the first 5 on the Phonag label. They tour as an acoustic version and as an electric version.

Oh What A Thrill (3:52) 2021

CD: Closed Doors [Bluesaholics self-released] ● Switzerland, 2021

This is arranged a little slower than Berry’s.

KEL-ANNE BRANDT (Australia)

Country singer, songwriter from Umina Beach, New South Wales. Nicknamed “The Little Dynamo”. She has released five albums and three EPs since her start in 1998. Has received music Awards and has had National hit singles. In 2020 she had a Top Five hit with the title song from the album below.

Back In The USA (3:05) 2019

CD: Let The Music Give You Wings [KAB self-released] ● Australia, 2019

I am sure she’s been listening to the Linda Ronstadt version from 1978. But still good work.

CAJUN ROOSTERS (Germany etc.)

Etc. means that the band is a mixture of musicians from different countries like France, Germany, Belgium, Scotland and England. But both albums below were recorded in Germany and released in Germany.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:37) 2016

CD: Hell Yeah [Whoopee WR-61527] ● Germany, 2016

A good uptempo cajun version. Unfortunately with a little Buddy Holly twist.

Promised Land (3:42) 2006

CD: Crank It Up [Whoopee WR-61493] ● Germany, 2006

Ordinary cajun version.

JUNE CARTER with Jim Reeves (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1116 for biographical info.

Thirty Days (2:46) 1959 (live)

DVD: The Jim Reeves Anthology [H&H Music HHDVD-815 ] ● UK, 2014

Yes I know, but this is so special that I wanted to have it in here. Recorded live at the Ozark Jubilee TV-show 15 August 1959. 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition. Reissue and remastered in Stereo,  The original release of the DVD came in 2009, but this is a better version. It includes the very last concert of Jim Reeves performed in Oslo, Norway, 1964. The timing above also includes the introduction of June by Jim and the outro. The song itself lasts a little under 2 minutes, and Jim is only singing in harmony with June on the Thirty Days title. I thought that the 1960 performance from Louisiana Hayride 4 June 1960 was unusual, but this is even more special as it includes Jim Reeves, finally getting him in the Chuck Berry Cover survey.
I am saying unusual and special which has nothing to do with the performance itself which is neither.

NANCY CARTWRIGHT (USA)

See Simpsons page 1507 CBID Vol. 3.

I am mentioning it since this lady’s name pops up on secondhandsongs under “School Day”. She is the vocalist but performed under Simpsons.

TONY CASPAR (UK)

Pop singer, songwriter from Oxford.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:48) 1981

LP: Take It Easy [Ellie Jay Records EJSP-9573] ● UK, 1981

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1978

LP: Bed Of Roses [Ellie Jay Records EJSP-8628] ● UK, 1978

COPPSUS JURIS (Norway)

Big band that in 1976 celebrated their 13th Anniversary. So they released an album with 5 songs from the actual concert and the rest of the tracks were recorded at Arne Bendiksen Studio in Oslo, including the medley below.

Johnny B. Goode (1:10) 1976 (medley) as Crossnash, Stillby, Hermansen & Tom

LP: Vi Spiller Opp [Coppsus Jupis CJ-110177] ● Norway, 1977

The “medley” (recorded October/November 1976) consists of ”Oh Lonesome Me”, “Johnny B.” and “Burning Love”. It’s printed medley on the cover, however, they are separate recordings actually. Performed by Sverre Lunde (vocals, banjo), Odd Rustad-Nilssen (vocals, piano), Tom Danielson (vocals, bass) and Svein Hermansen (drums). It’s Sverre who sings on the Berry cover.

DIRE STRAITS (UK)

As told before on this blog. Dire Straits sometimes performed “Nadine” on stage, but so far no legally released version has appeared. But finally in November 2023 a box-set came out including a cover of this Berry classic.
Mark Knopfler is Dire Straits, singer, songwriter and eminent guitarist. One of the most popular British rock bands of all time. Formed in 1977. Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers. They split up in 1988, reunited in 1991 and disbanded in 1995. Songs like “Sultans Of Swing” (1978), “Money For Nothing” (1985), “Walk Of Life” (1985) are just three of their greatest hits.

Nadine (3:47) 1979 (live) feat. Phil Lynott and Tony De Meur

8-CD box: Live 1978-1992 [Mercury/Vertigo (Universal) 5553922] ● Europe, 2023

Live at The Rainbow 21 December ’79. The sound is not good, the vocals are almost drowned in the music.
Also released as a 12-LP box-set (180 gram), Mercury/Vertigo (Universal) 5540596.

MASON EMBRY TRIO (USA)

He’s a jazz pianist based in Nashville.

Run Rudolph Run (3:30) 2015 (instr)

CD: Martinis & Mistletoe – Christmas Jazz [Green Hill GHD-6070] ● USA, 2015

Swingin’ piano music with not a rockin’ beat in sight. You will have to listen carefully to find the Berry melody in this one. Very unusual indeed.

FLAMES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1190 for biographical info.

Tulane (3:15) 1990

45 EP: Twang FL-002 ● UK, 1990

Pretty good cover of this which features the original line-up from 1988.

CD: The Versatile Flames [Lone Rider Records LLR Flames 022] ● UK, 2010

Contains 29 released and unreleased tracks. Only Tulane is from Berry.

GADABOUTS (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1206 for biographical info.

Too Much Monkey Business (1:47) 1956

78rpm: Mercury 70978 ● USA, 1956

It came to my attention that the 78 version of this differed from the 45 regarding the monkey sounds which are missing on the 78.

BARRY HAY & JB MEIJERS (Netherlands)

Barry Hay, musician and singer who was born in India in 1948. He was the lead singer of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring from 1967-2021. Jan-Bart Meijers is a multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter born 1972. He currently resides in Bonaire (Dutch island near Venezuela) where he operates a studio. Besides work with his band and solo work he has played with a lot of famous Dutch bands.

You Never Can Tell (3:18) 2022

CD: Fiesta De La Vida [Zip Records ZIP-293] ● Netherlands (Europe), 2022

The song is performed pretty ordinary, a little dull actually which is kinda strange considering the backgrounds of the two. To be quite honest it sounds like a dance band version (!) but with organ and guitar instead of the saxophone.

HOU-LOPS (Canada)

1960s pop quintet from Québec. Also known as Les Hou-Lops.

Nadine (3:03) 1966

LP: Off [Apex ALF-71591] ● Canada, 1966

Sorry guys, but this is awful in all due respect. But still a very early cover though.

INSENSIBLE EGGS (Italy)

Garage punk quartet from Cagliari. Again, they come up with some strange band names!

Around And Around (2:32) 1993

EP 45: Psych-Out Records PO-45008 ● Italy, 2000

500 hand-numbered copies. Also available on a one-sided 6-track self-released cassette in 1993 titled “Here Are The Insensible Eggs”. Pretty wild version.

KA-NIVES (USA)

Garage rock trio from Houston, Texas: Will Adams (guitar, vocals), Tony Hall (bass, vocals), Matt Murillo (drums, vocals). Apart from the single below they also have an album out (LP & CD) on Lance Rock titled “Get Duped!” but the two songs mentioned below are not on it.

Dear Dad ( : ) 2009

45: Lance Rock Records LRR-037 ● Canada, 2009

The Berry cover is the B-side. The A-side is titled “Weasel”.

KIT KATS (USA)

This group is already on the blog with a version of “Sweet Little Rock And Roller”.

Little Queenie (3:30) 1969 (live)

LP: The Kit Kats Do Their Thing Live [Jamie LPS-3032] ● USA, 1969

To me the ‘60s music, especially after ’65 was kind of rubbish. What became of the beat, the beat, the beat?

LATCHES (Netherlands)

Six piece rock’n’roll group. Formed in 1963 as The Blue Rhythms but was changed to The Latches in ‘65.

Johnny B. Goode (3:00) 1973 (live)
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:26) 1973 (live)

LP: Long Tall Sally [Northern-Productions PDO-0173 SJ] ● Netherlands, 1973

Okay versions, unpolished and raw but still having that rock’n’roll beat.

LES BOURGEOIS DE CALAIS (France)

Beat/pop/instrumental quintet, later became Les Fleurs De Pavot.

I’m Talking About You (as “Je Veux Parler De Toi”) (2:02) 1964

CD: French ‘60s EP Collection [Magic Records 522702] ● France, 1995

16 tracks plus 8 bonus. I don’t know but can’t find this Berry cover on any of their records so this might be a previously unissued cut. It was included as a bonus track on the above CD together with 7 others.

LES ENNUIS COMMENCENT (France)

Rockabilly/rock’n’Roll/surf quartet from Decazeville, en Aveyron.  Formed 1995.

Come On (2:25) 2010

CD: Superfriends [Buzz Buzz Records BBR-120 609] ● France, 2010
10” LP: Superfriends [Buzz Buzz Records BBR-160 877] ● France, 2010

GÖSTA LINDERHOLM & The Trad Brothers (Sweden)

Singer, songwriter, born 1941 in Stockholm, died 2020. He played clarinet in a Dixieland band in 1958 and up to 1973-74 sang and played in various jazz bands until he went solo. Has released a lot of albums.

Run Rudolph Run [as “Spring, Rudolf Spring”] (2:56) 2002

CD: Nu Är Det Jazz Jul Igjen! [Blå Ton BT CD-210] ● Sweden, 2002

Not much jazz here on this one, this is a rockin’ little tune with Swedish lyrics following Berry’s.

LOS DRACS (Spain)

Beat sextet already on this blog.

Carol (2:34) 1965

EP: En Tus Brazos [Alma 4008-XC] ● Spain, 1965

Sung in Spanish. Pretty ordinary beat version but they probably did their best.

TONY MAC (USA)

This is already on the blog but correction and additional info regarding time and year and a little extra comment at the end.

Johnny B. Goode (2:26) 1966

45: Jewel Records 806J-0928 ● USA, 1966

Record label out of MT Healthy, Ohio. Strange version in a country way, sounds unfinished.

MACH KUNG-FU (Japan)

Rock’n’Roll trio. Also known as The Fabulous Mach Kung-Fu.

Come On (2:17) 2001

CD: Teach A Chick To Dance! [Telstar Records TR-039] ● USA, 2001

Okay version with a solid bass work; more in the Berry way than most others.

NEY MATOGROSSO (Brazil)

Real name Ney de Sousa Pereira, born 1941 in Bela Vista. Singer known for his uncommon soprano or countertenor voice as Wikipedia puts it. Not quite sure what it means but he was ranked by Rollin’ Stone as the third greatest Latin American singer of all time. Has released a ton of albums since the mid ‘70s.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Jonny Pirou”] (3:32) 1982

LP: Mato Grosso [Ariola 201 648] ● Brazil, 1982

Strange version but still different from others.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (4:24) 2019 (live) w/ Johnny Hallyday & Jaquez Dutronc

2-CD: as Les Vieilles Canailles - Le Live [Sony Music 0190295380618] ● France, 2019
3-LP: as Les Vieilles Canailles – L’Album Live [Sony Music 0190295382063] ● France, 2019

This is not one of the best versions by Eddy, maybe because there are three singers who fight for attention (?) But the French musicians know how to play rock! You can also buy it with a DVD, and a DeLuxe numbered Edition in a box-set with 2-CDs, 3-LPs, DVD and Bluray.

MYSTIC EYES (Germany)

This group is already on the blog with Memphis, Tennessee.
Beat band from Regensburg; active in the late ‘60s but reunited in 1997.

Around And Around ( : ) 1998 (live)

CD: Back To The ‘60s [GVR Records CD-005] ● Germany, 1998

Album recorded live at The Star Club in Hamburg.

CD: Flashback [GVR Records CD-006] ● Germany, 2001

TRACY NELSON (USA)

Singer, songwriter, born December 1944 in Madison, Wisconsin. She sings blues, r&b and country. She fronted the US rock band Mother Earth from 1967 to mid ‘70s. She’s recorded around 20 solo albums since her start in 1965.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:25) 2023

CD: Life Don’t Miss Nobody [BMG – 538870092] ● USA, 2023

A little slower, laid back good version. Featuring Marcia Ball, Irma Thomas, Reba Russell, and Dianne Davidson.
The album also features people like Willie “I sing with everybody” Nelson and Charlie Musselwhite. Voted Best Tradional Blues Album 2023. This is Tracy’s own Great American Songbook. Featuring songs from the likes of Hank Williams, Willie Dixon, Allen Toussaint, Doc Pomus, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Stephen Foster, Berry… The title song is a brand-new own composition.
Tracy: I haven’t made a record in over 10 years. I’ve been wanting to do every one of these songs for a really long time.

DOUG PARKINSON (Australia)

Douglas John Parkinson, born 1946, died 2021. Pop and rock singer, songwriter. Besides being a solo performer he has also been involved in several bands since the mid ‘60s. He had a powerful voice.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 2010
Sweet Little Sixteen (as “Sweet Little 16”] ( : ) 2010

CD: Not Fade Away – ‘50s Rock [Roy Boy Records RBR-4000] ● Australia, 2010

PETER ROSS OLIVER (Three’s Company) (UK)

Don’t know much, there’s three guys, Peter, Ross and Oliver who got together around 1966. It seems like Peter is a singer and guitarist (maybe bass?), Ross is also a singer and guitar player and Oliver plays the drums. They have at least three albums out, two in 1968 and one in 1969, and one EP in 1968.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1968

LP: A Portrait Of Peter, Ross & Oliver [P.R.O. Records PRO-103] ● UK, 1968

POLICE (UK)

Very famous pop/rock band from London, active between 1977 to 1984 and back again from 2007-2008. Led by bassplayer and singer, songwriter Gordon Sumner aka Sting, who by the way has its own career.

Rock And Roll Music (1:55) 1983

4-CD: Synchronicity [A&M Records 554 192-1] ● UK, 2024

This is a reissue of a single album which came out originally in 1983. Very special slow version where the music is focused on the bass playing. Previously unissued. Not sure exactly about 1983, it could well be 1982 or 1984. Don’t have the actual album set.

PROF. WASHBOARD & DR. HARMONICA (USA)

Prof. Washboard = Scott Alexander from Arkansas. Dr. Harmonica = Lance Wakely from Chicago.

Maybellene (2:38) in a medley with “Shake Rattle And Roll” (4:18) late 1970s (live)

LP: Prof. Washboard & Dr. Harmonica [Sartory 1] ● USA, late 1970s

Recorded live at Venice Beach, Los Angeles. There’s a 30 seconds introduction to the medley were he speaks of Berry’s influence on American music both musically and as a poet. And I bet you’ve never heard an acoustic version were the two solos are harmonica and washboard respectively.

RAAM (Ecuador)

Heavy metal/hard rock band (quintet) from Cuenca, Azuay, founded in 2012.

Johnny B. Goode (2:39) 2012-2015

MC/Flac: The Raam Rock’n’Roll Blues Tribute Vol.1 [Steel Hammer Records self-released)] ● Ecuador, 2016

“The Garage Rehearsals 2012-2015”. 5 tracks. Available on Bandcamp 20 June 2016.

School Day (2:27) 2012-2015

MC/Flac: The Raam Rock’n’Roll Blues Tribute Vol.2 [Steel Hammer Records self-released] ● Ecuador, 2016

“The Garage Rehearsals 2012-2015”. 5 tracks. Available on Bandcamp 27 November 2016.

JIM REEVES (USA)

See June Carter.

STEVE RIGO (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Ilion, a village in Herkimer County, New York, located in the Mohawk Valley region.

Carol ( : ) 2023

CD: Surf And Turf [Steve Rigo self released] ● USA, 2024

ROCK HOTEL (Estonia)

Rock quintet formed in 1978.

Anthony Boy (as “Mängudemaa”) (2:50) 1987

LP: Ansambel “Rock Hotel” [Melodija C60 24421 009] ● Estonia,1987

Pretty good rockin’ version, and there aren’t many. This is actually (so far) the third cover version found.

MICHAEL SCHENKER (West Germany)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1955 in Sarstedt. He’s been a member of the Scorpions in the early ‘70s, and UFO later on in the ‘70s. In the ‘80s and up have had his own group The Michael Schenker Group (MSG). But has been in and out of UFO several times. Trivia: the album below was a product of recording by Father Schenker and administration by Mother Schenker, a solid Schenker family product.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 1966 (live)
Oh Baby Doll [as “Baby Doll”] (1:46) 1966 (live)

CD: “Live” At Age 11 With The Enervates [Positive Energy Records POS-148CD2] ● USA, 1996

Recorded live 13 September, 1966 at Beat Club Elze. The Enervates were Norbert, Rolf, Achim and Michael. They all do turns in singing, Michael on Bye Bye Johnny and Norbert on Oh Baby Doll. I haven’t been able to listen to this so can’t comment. However, there are source comments to each song, and in 1966 they got Bye Bye Johnny from The Rattles and Oh Baby Doll from The Pretty Things who both had done covers at the time of these Berry songs.

SUGAR TRADITION (USA)

Psychedelic blues/rock quartet from Detroit, Michigan formed in 2017.

Come On (1:54) 2023

12” 45: More Sugar [Feel It Records FEEL IT-115] ● USA, 2023

They have followed the Stones version but with much more noise. 6 tracks.

SUNDOWNERS (USA)

Garage/beat quintet from Lake George, New York. In the ‘60s they had 6 singles out, 4 on Decca. Also one album on Decca in 1969.

Around And Around (2:13) 1965

45: Coed CO-603 ● USA, 1965

Think about it. This just happened to turn up on 24 September 2024 when searching the net. We are talking almost 60 years and I didn’t know about this, and nobody told me either. So how does it sounds? Well like most of the ‘60s beat versions, a little messy and the guitar player was no rock’n’roller.

MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA (Japan)

Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Collaborated with various bands in the early ‘70s and also worked as a studio musician. He released his first solo album ”Seychelles” in 1976. Has recorded many albums since then. Is also known for his flashy guitars. Lagoon Records is/was his own label.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2013

CD: Takanaka Sings [Lagoon Records LAG-0014] ● Japan, 2013

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: It's time to update the summary pages of CBID which showed the number of artists who covered a certain Chuck Berry song as well as the top list of Berry songs most often covered.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: This is the ninth and ultimate post in our list of newly found cover versions.

First I have to give prominence to Bjørn Knudsen of Norway for all the work he’s done of finding Berry covers in the most unusual places. He has been of invaluable assistance.

A US singer, songwriter and guitarist James McMurtry has a song titled “Choctaw Bingo” (2002), you can listen on You Tube, which sounds like an extraordinary long slower version of You Can’t Catch Me, with new lyrics, clocking in at 8:47. It’s a selfpenned song but the verses are sung exactly like Berry’s. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

Here’s a “new” Berry tribute as follows:

LEGACASTER (Spain)

Rockabilly trio consisting of El Lega (vocals, guitar), Daniel Nunes (ac. Bass), Berto Martinez (drums). Album below recorded at Kathrina Studio (Lliça d'Amunt Barcelona) October 2016.

Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) (1:48) (Drake-Stokes) 2016

45 EP: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRMNLP-002] ● Spain , 2017
CD: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRLPCD-007] ● Spain, 2017

There’s a video on You Tube of this tribute. The EP has 6 tracks, the CD has a bonus track “Monkey’s Uncle” (Ray Sharpe).
The above Tribute is actually a cover of a song that was originally recorded and released in 1963 by Big Daddy G on Hyland Records. You will find this on the newly released compilation album “The Chuck Berry Sound” on Atomicat Records ACCD-162. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

And here we go with our "new" Berry covers:

BUSTER SHUFFLE (UK)

Ska punk band from London.

You Never Can Tell (2:05) 2013

CD single: Century Media Records ● UK, 2013 (PS)

Very ordinary rendition in the way they are singing but it rocks all right.

THE OTHER HALF (USA)

Garage rock quintet from Pottstown, Philadelphia according to Secondhandsongs.. They were active in about two years 1965-67. Life as a Berry cover enthusiast is pretty tough. Searching for The Other Half shows a group from San Francisco that usually pops up which was active in the mid to late ‘60s. And to make things even harder, there was a group from Chicago by the same name at about the same period of time.

Carol (2:25) 1966
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:35) 1966

LP: The Other Half [7/2 Records HS-1 2] ● USA, 1966

1313 MOCKINGBIRD LANE (USA)

1989-1996 garage, punk band from Albany, New York. They released several 45s and two albums.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:51) 1990s

LP/CD: Unfinished Business (The Toilet Tapes) [Cacophone Records CALP/CACD-2030] ● USA, 2020

13 tracks previously unissued. Noisy rock music but with a good drive.

CATFISH JOHN TISDELL (USA)

Blues, folk-rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player from Idaho. He has since the early ‘70s performed solo or in various bands. If you check out his catalogue on Bandcamp you’ll be surprised how many digital albums he has !!! You can’t ignore a man who’s so dedicated to his work and music.

No Money Down (3:58) 2009

Digital: Honky Tonk Blues [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2009
Digital: Workin’ Overtime [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2017
Digital single: No Money Down [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2018

Catfish John (vocals, guitar), Rick Martinelli (bass), Steve Wright (drums). A pretty good version. If I couldn’t have listened to this track I would have assumed they were different versions from different years.

Rock And Roll Music (3:29) 2016

Digital: Better Get It While You Can [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2016

Catfish John (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Dave Stang (lead guitar).

TRACY (Taiwan)

See TRACY HUANG

TRIMBLE TONES (Canada)

5 guys whose inspiratiom must have been the American golden age of popular music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I saw the expression Old Time Band.

Johnny B. Goode (2:23) 1974

LP: Take 30 With The Trimble Tones [Soundaround International SSE-7425] ● Canada, 1974

They have a smooth sound as some of the American groups like the Four Freshmen, and I enjoyed this version because it’s different but a little boring. The album itself has too much polka and accordion.

Memphis, Tennesee [as “Memphis”] (2:15) 1976

LP: Whole Lotta Shakin’ [Soundaround SSE-7615] ● Canada, 1976

The LP title should indicate that this is a rock’n’roll album, however, it’s not. Although they include the title, “Rock Around The Clock” and “Memphis”, but that’s about all.

TURBOSOS (South Korea)

I have tried to find information about this but without any luck. There are many albums on Bandcamp and all of them seem to have been released in the Spring of 2017. In case, a very productive gang. But the reason I have included them is the fact that they are pretty good in what they do. And very versatile and varied in musical taste. Maybe they are just some studio musicians/friends who have recorded a lot of various tunes and hey! let’s just put them out on various albums. Their album “Red Face” and several others feature pop/crooner tunes sounding like Nat King Cole. Very professional and extraordinary if you compare them to the more rockin’ uptempo albums below. Are we talking about the same guys or what???

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Tennessee”] (2:33) 2017
Roll Over Beethoven (2:49) 2017

Digital: Music Ogg [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Released March 2017. These guys are quite good.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:07) 2017

Digital: Tried Now [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Also released March 2017. Again a solid version.

TUULA-HELENA (Finland)

Tuula Helena Hooli, pop/country singer, born in Keuruu. Mainly active in the 1970s and ‘80s.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie Sanoi Vaari” ( : ) 1982

CD: Uusilla Urilla – I Nya Spår [CWC Records CWC-1005] ● Sweden, 1982

TWANG (Germany)

Rock’n’roll, Americana, country, TexMex quintet from Braunschweig. Founded in 1998. They have released many singles, EPs and albums since 1999, even 3 Xmas ones including the one below.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2019

CD: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Presents [Countryfied Records (Riptide) no cat no] ● Germany, 2019

It runs too fast and loses the soul of the song.

On the album “Ten Yeeehaws After” from 2008 they do a song by Baccara, “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”, where they actually used the melody of Chuck’s “You Never Can Tell” throughout. To be quite honest it sounds like Berry’s with new lyrics. Maybe Berry is co-credited?

BOBBY TYLER (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from St. Louis. Country, rock’n’roll and rockabilly. Named “The Rocker” by Chuck Berry.

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2020

CD: Lonesome Ride [BT self-released] ● USA, 2020

Recorded at Graveless Studos, St. Louis, Mo., engineered, mixed and mastered by Michael Girard. Also available as digital for downloading. He’s also done “Rock’n’Roll Christmas” (Digital December 2023 on Bandcamp), the Berry soundalike from George Thorogood (see page 1903 Vol.4).

TYMON & THE TRANSISTORS (Poland)

Rock band led by Tymona Tymańskiego, founded in 2002.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:24) 2014 feat. Wojciech Waglewski

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Agora SA 97 8832 68136 7 2] ● Poland, 2014

Waglewski’s English pronunciation is not the best, however, they have at least done their own version and still keeping the Memphis beat, sort of.

MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (USA)

See WINTER WONDERETTES

HANK RASCO (USA)

See Wasted Rangers

U.K. SUBS (UK)

Punk-rock group (quartet) from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and have released many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990

LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones.

See also CHARLIE HARPER

UNSPOKEN WORD (USA)

A prog rock quintet (4 guys and a girl) hailing from Long Island, New York. Formed in the late ‘60s. Angus MacMaster, Denise Puma, Gene Boris Stashuk, Greg Buis and Les Singer.

Around And Around (5:17) 1970

LP: The Unspoken Word [Atco Records SD-33 335] ● USA, 1970

This is different from anything else I’ve heard so far. Very psychedelic and unstructured with much organ and distorted guitars. It’s Denise Puma who’s doing the vocals on this unusual Berry cover, always interesting to hear a female interpretation. There’s not many.

STAN URBAN (Scotland/Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1582 for biographical info.

Little Queenie (3:25) 2014 (live)

Digital: Live From Graceland Randers [Memphis Mansion ] ● Denmark, 2015

Recorded live with Stan and his el.piano. Randers is a town in Jylland, Denmark. The recording place is a house (museum) built like Graceland in Memphis.

VULTURE CULTURE (Germany)

Punk Rock quartet from Paderborn, formed in 1989. Two ladies and two men.

Maybellene ( : ) 1997

7” EP: Hypocrite! [Flight 13 FLI-047] ● Germany. 1997

I have heard “Country Roads” (John Denver) in a terrible speed-ed up version. So I can just imagine what Maybellene sounds like (?)

HANNAH WADDINGHAM (UK)

Stage actress and singer, born 1974 in Wandsworth, London. She also goes by the name of just Hannah. She possesses a powerful voice.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2023 (live) feat. Sam Ryder

Digital album: Home For Christmas – Soundtrack From The Apple Original [Self-released 50 5944 91515 3 3] ● UK, 2023

Recorded live at the London Coliseum backed by a big band, and featuring Sam Ryder on vocals (duetting with Hannah) and guitar.

WAILIN’ WALKER & THE HOUSEROCKERS (Canada)

Al “Wailin” Walker, from Vancouver, British Columbia. Singer, guitarist who’s been around since the late ‘70s. Regarded as one of the finest blues/rock guitar players in Canada. 3 & 4 March 1981 they were the opening act for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, two shows each night.

Tulane (2:59) 1978

LP: Rock It Day & Night [Jitterbug Records 00666JR] ● Canada, 1983

According to Bandcamp and other sites it says that this was released in 1978, however, on discogs the LP label says 1983. Maybe a reissue? Anyway, you’ll find several albums by Wailin’ Walker for downloading on Bandcamp.

CLIFF WARD & THE CRUISERS (UK)

They were a ‘60s beat quintet. Clifford Thomas Ward from Stourport On Severn. Singer, songwriter, born 1955, died in 2001. As Clifford T. Ward he released his first album “Singer, songwriter” in 1972 and many others followed.

No Money Down (2:54) late ‘60s

2-CD: Path Through The Forest-The Secret World Of Clifford T. Ward 1964-71 [Wooden Hill WHCD-028] ● USA, 2009

This is a compilation CD-set of 57 tracks, containing recordings by Clifford T. Ward, Cliff Ward & The Cruisers, The Secrets, Simon’s Secrets, and Martin Raynor & The Secrets.

WASTED RANGERS (USA)

Country-rock group from Vancouver, Washington, fronted by singer and pianoplayer Hank Rasco.

Johnny B. Goode (4:19) 1978 (live)
Maybellene (5:22) 1978 (live)

2-LP: The Wasted Rangers [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 1978

Recorded live at The Last Hurrah in Portland, Oregon, 23 December, 1978. Album probably sold at gigs.
Reissued on CD in March 2021, again self-released. On bandcamp it says it was recorded live in 1977, but on the actual record it says it was recorded 23 December 1978, and released in 1978 (?) Something is wrong here…

Promised Land (2:48) 1976 as Hank Rasco & The Wasted Rangers

CD: Wasted: Dead Or Alive [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released 6 March 2021 on Bandcamp.

WEIGHT WATCHERS (Italy)

Rock band, but actually I haven’t the slightest idea. The label Mellow Records was located in Piacenza, Italy.

Maybellene [as “Mabellene”] (1:55) 1995
Reelin’ and Rockin’ (3:09) 1995
Sweet Little Sixteen (00:29) 1995
Too Much Monkey Business (2:58) 1995

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Mellow Records MMFS-1004] ● Italy, 1995

Regarding “Sweet Little Sixteen”, it is the last track on the album and sounds like they have had too much jungle soda or whatever. It’s just a total mess. On the back sleeve it says: all songs were recorded live, but on the bandcamp site it says it was a studio album. Anyway, was released for downloading 26 April 2018.

RICK WETZEL’S GROOVIN’ HIGHER (USA)

Trumpet player who grew up in Garden Grove, California. He’s played and arranged for artists like The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Four Tops and more. Also a contractor for horn and string sections for national and international acts and various star shows.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Johnny Be Good”] (3:40) 2018

CD: Rockin It [Groovin’ High Records no cat no] ● USA, 2018

A solid rendition, with a good horn section and an excellent bass player. It’s a vocal version but I don’t know for sure who’s singing as nothing is mentioned, but should we indicate Rick himself(?)

WHISKY HOLLOW (Canada)

Country rock band founded in 1974. Very popular band. They released 3 albums and several singles many of them charted.

Promised Land (2:36) 1976

LP: Population 4 [Rowdy Records RMR-104] ● Canada, 1976
45: Shotgun Records SGR-711 ● Canada, 1978
LP: Lively Country [Shotgun Records SGR-717] ● Canada, 1979

WHISTLE BAIT (Finland)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly sextet from Hamina. Formed back in 1984. Their first single came out in 1987, and several albums since 1990.

You Never Can Tell (2:58) 2008 (live)

CD: On Stage With Whistle Bait [Goofin’ Records GRCD-6151] ● Finland, 2008

A mini album (7 tracks), limited edition. The Berry cover sounds like everybody else’s.

TAM WHITE & THE DEXTERS (Scotland)

Thomas Bennett Sim White. Blues and jazz singer, guitarist and actor. Born 1942 in Edinburgh, died 2010. In 1968 he released singles on Decca and later on Deram, Astor and RAK. His first album came in 1970.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:20) 1985 (live)

LP: Tonite! Live At The Preservation Hall [SRT Records KCLP-001] ● UK, 1985

Album recorded 28 and 29 April 1985 in the Preservaion Hall, Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Featuring guitarist Jim Condie. A soul/rhythm & blues version with a big horn section. Also available on Bandcamp as digital 23 July 2022.

JOHNNY WILD AND THE DELIGHTS (USA)

From Orlando, Florida. It’s a seven piece band, four men and three ladies. So far I have seen three albums.

Johnny B. Goode (2:46) 2016

CD: One Night With You [Chesterwick Recording EPA-4237] ● USA, 2016

Pretty tough and goode rockin’ version.

MANOS WILD (Greece)

Rockabilly/country/pop singer, songwriter. He started his career in the rockabilly band Breathless in Thessaloniki in 2006. If you go to Bandcamp and search for this guy you wouldn’t believe how many “albums” and “singles” he has out !!!

Maybellene (2:45) 2021

CD: Rockin’ Days [Self-released ] ● Greece, 2021

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2023

CD: A Session For Everyone [Rebel Music Records RM-5034] ● Germany, 2023

MARTY WILDE (UK)

Reginald Leonard Smith. He was one of the English rockers that really had hits and popularity. Besides hitting with a string of American covers, he did chart with an original song “Bad Boy” in 1959/60. In addition to all the singles, he‘s released many albums and his latest came in 2020, “Running Together”. He’s the father of Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde and Roxanne Wilde.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1996

CD: It’s Been Nice [Select Records SRCD-02] ● UK, 1996

I have always wondered why Marty has never appeared in this survey before. Strange that this album above slipped my attention? He often performed “Roll Over Beethoven” (YouTube) in his concerts, and also “Sweet Little Sixteen”.

MIKE WILLIAMS (USA)

Singer, pianist from New York State.

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1981
Roll Over Beethoven (3:08) 1981

LP: Pleasing You [Trackdown Records RR-42581] ● USA, 1981

Recorded at Trackdown Recording Studios, Glens Falls, N.Y. However, both sound like it was done in a living room, very amateurish and simple.

RANDY WILLIAMS, GEOLOGIST (Canada)

Randy Bruce Williams from Edmonton, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, painter you name it. Has released a lot of albums and singles for downloading.

Memphis, Tennessee (4:27) 2003 (?)
Sweet Little Sixteen (6:35) 2003 (?)

CD: Rare Antiquity – Digging Down To The Past [Archaeology Communications Canada CD-41745 2 3] ● Canada, 2009

This I was about to forget completely. Sorry to say but he can’t sing and Sweet Little Sixteen is particularly bad. He’s off key most of the time. And 6 minutes? On YouTube it says 2003 not 2009 as on SecondHandSongs, and produced by Williams, but I have not made time to check any further. Do I have to?

WINTER WONDERETTES (USA)

A musical called The Marvellous Wonderettes that performs pop songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s used as a vehicle paying homage to the high school songleader squads of the ‘50s. The first musical opened in Milwaukee in 1999. It was revived in 2001, and then to Los Angeles in 2006, the first Off Broadway play was in 2008 and a revival in 2016. Different actors. It even got a UK premiere in 2019.
The album below is a variation of the group doing Christmas songs, therefore calling themselves Winter Wonderettes.

Run Rudolph Run (2:13) 2010

CD: Original Studio Cast Recording [LML Music CD-255] ● USA, 2010

This sounds a little tame, maybe since it’s reflected more to the female teenagers of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.

WITNESSES (USA)

Punk-rock band (quartet), and the version below is a little bit too much although I have heard worse.

Run Rudolph Run (2:53) 2002

Various CD: The Night Before [Rich & Sexy Inc. RSI-001] ● USA, 2002

Subheading: A New York Christmas: Past, Post, Punk, Present & Future.

BERNIE WOODS & THE FOREST FIRES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1613 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 2014

CD: Bernie Woods & The Forest Fires [Foot Tapping Records FT-143] ● UK, 2014

SHÕJI YOKOUCHI And The Beat Beat Beat (Japan)

Jazz guitar player, arranger, composer. Born 1933, died 1996. Released many albums, the first in 1962.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1965 (instr)

LP: Let’s Go Guitar Beat [Polydor SLJM-1178] ● Japan, 1965

ZLATNI AKORDI (Yugoslavia/Croatia)

Rock quintet from Zagreb who started out back in 1963 but had several changes in the line-up. The album below must have been a reunion, since the band only lasted until the mid ‘70s.

Johnny B. Goode (2:45) 1999

CD: Povratak Ruku [Croatia Records CD-5256625] ● Croatia, 1999

Recorded at J.M. Sound Studio in Zagreb late December 1998 and early January 1999. This really rocks!

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We're still continuing our list of newly found cover versions. You Never Can Tell how much covers are out there, e.g. of this tune.

WENDELL BRUNIOUS (USA)

Black jazz trumpet player and bandleader from New Orleans, born 1954. The Dave Donohoe Band: Teddy Fullick (trumpet), Dave Donohoe (Trombone), Frank Brooker (clarinet, saxophone), Malcolm Home (banjo, guitar), Tom Kincaid (piano), Jim Swinnerton (double bass), Bill Evans (drums).

You Never Can Tell (5:54) 2007 featuring The Dave Donohoe Band (UK)

CD: West End Blues [P.E.K. Sound PKCD-312] ● USA, 2007

Recorded live at the Keswick Festival, UK. Pretty unusual to include such a song, as most of his recordings are in the jazz field. Again I like it when people are doing their own versions in such a way. And almost 6 minutes! You can listen on You Tube. But nothing is mentioned who’s singing, Dave Donohoe? It reminded me a little of the fantastic live version Bruce Springsteen did in 2013 (You Tube), with the trumpet, sax and trombone solos.

LORNE DALEY (Canada)

Country singer, born 1948, from the Quyon-Pontiac area (Quebec), now living in Kanata.

You Never Can Tell (3:11) 2018

CD: Going With The Flow [Lorne Daley ] ● Canada, 2018

At the age of 70 he’s still got the punch.

FREDDY DELLA (France)

Born In Alger and moved to France in 1962.

You Never Can Tell (2:50) 2012

CD: Retour Aux Sources [Freddy Della ] ● France, 2012

DONALDZ (Sweden)

Danceband formed in 2018, a quintet, from Gislaved in Småland.

You Never Can Tell (3:10) 2020

CD: Spegelbild [Donaldz ] ● Sweden , 2020

Well, well, the English pronunciation is far from the best. And the music is pretty straight forward.

FRAMED (Sweden)

Danceband from Kungälv on the west coast just north of Gothenburg. A quintet, founded in 2008.

Johnny B. Goode (2:55) 2010
You Never Can Tell (2:39) 2010

CD: Varje Ögonblick [Atenzia Records ] ● Sweden, 2010

ADAM HALL & THE VELVET PLAYBOYS (Australia)

Singer and trumpeter from Perth. The band has played together since 2005. Mark Turner (guitar, saxophone, vocals), Tim Voutas (keyboards), Anthony Dodos (Trombone), Kane Shaw (bass), Bronton Ainsworth (drums). Their repertoire is rooted in the jazz and rhythm & blues music of the ‘40s and ‘50s.

You Never Can Tell (5:47) 2011 (live)

CD: When It’s Party Time Down South [Velvet Playboys VP-002] ● Australia, 2011

Recorded live 8 July 2011 at the Fly By Night Musicians Club in Fremantle. Five songs were included from the gig. The rest of the album contains seven studio recordings.

LASSE STEFANZ (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1308 for biographical info.

You Never Can Tell (3:37) 2022

2-CD: Världens Bästa [Mariann Records (WMS Sweden) 50541974 70707 ] ● Sweden, 2023

This is a little bit different from other danceband versions as it has a pretty tough guitar sound and really good piano.
It seems like it’s a compilation album but the Berry cover is a new recording.

GEORGE LEE JR. & THE CRAZED COWBOYS (USA)

Singer, multi-instrumentalist from St. Louis, Missouri in the country rock genre. In addition to George Lee on lead vocals, bass, piano and tambourine there are Bo “Fiddly” Chaldupek (fiddle), Paul “Lefty Z” Zahn (lead and rhythm guitars, organ, vocals), and Stuart “Crawdad” Heck (drums, vocals).

You Never Can Tell (3:07) 2001

CD: Damn! It Feels Good To Be A Cowboy [Crazed Cowboys Ent. 64412 2] ● USA, 2001

Pretty good traditional arrangement. Produced By Tom Lee.

SON LEWIS (USA)

He is already on this blog.
…and has released a lot of albums way back since 1974.

Too Much Monkey Business (3:28) 2016

CD: Talking With Ghosts [Silk City CD-2037] ● USA, 2016

Unusual country-blues version. Pretty cool stuff.

MOJO BLUES BAND (Austria)

See Volume 3, page 1371 for biographical info.

Promised Land (4:04) 2015 (live)

2-CD: 100% Approved – Live [Styx Records STYX CD-1085] ● Austria, 2017

Recorded at Metropol, Vienna, June 2015. You will find several performances on You Tube of the band doing this Berry classic.

MULE SKINNER BAND (Sweden)

Rock’n’roll/danceband from Karlskrona founded in 2014 by Gert Lengstrand. The band consists of former members of The Streaplers. So far they have released three albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:05) 2015

CD: Together Again [Athenzia Records ATZ-1531] ● Sweden, 2015

Okay version, however, the problem with many of the Swedish dancebands is that they are not the best in English pronunciation and the complete performance suffers from that.

Just for information as this cover was already listed before:

Go Go Go (2:32) 1965

CD: På Begäran [Mule Skinner self-released] ● Sweden, 2020

This is the original cover that The Streaplers did in 1965. (see pages 1538-1539). The Berry cover is a bonus track on the above CD.

NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS (Denmark)

This is a collaboration of various Danish musicians, 11 to be exact.

You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2015

2-CD: Timernes Glas [Self released ] ● Denmark, 2016

Really good and swinging rendition. Recorded live at Velje Musikteater 16 November 2015. You also get a DVD at the same purchase. 26 tracks.

NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (USA)

See Volume 3, pages 1388-1389 for biographical info.

School Day [as “School Days”] (3:28) 1973 (live)

2-CD: 3/17/73 S.U.N.Y. StonyBrook – StonyBrook, NY [Kufala Recordings KUF-0268] ● USA, 2007

Recorded at Stony Brook University.

You Never Can Tell (5:44) 1977 (live)

2-CD: Winterland San Francisco CA, 12/31/77 [Kufala Recordings KUF-0340] ● USA, 2009

OZONE HAZE (USA)

Rock band from Bagley, Minnesota. They performed in Minnesota and North and South Dakota in 1972 and 1973. However, I have been unable to pinpoint the recording date of this Berry cover. However, there are several videos of newer dates on You Tube by the band. They also do “Route 66” in the classic Berry/Stones way.

You Never Can Tell (3:26) 2019 (?)

Digital: You Tube video ● USA, 2019 (?)

I know this is not the way I prefer to include Berry covers, however, they have made a video of old black and white footages from the ‘50s and Berry’s performance on the 1965 Belgium TV show (he didn’t perform the song there). Strange but you never see the band itself (?)

AISHLING RAFFERTY (Ireland)

Country singer, born 2002. Her victory on the 2022 edition of TG4's long-running country music show GLÓR TÍRE saw Knockshegowna's Aishling become a household name on the Irish country music scene. She’s had several singles being popular on iTunes. The CD below was her debut album which took home the Big Tom Inspiration Award at the 10th Annual Hot Country TV Awards concert.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:20) 2022

CD: Love Me When I’m Old [Self released ] ● Ireland, 2022

Sounds like most of the others, similar to Emmylou Harris. The Berry cover was also out as a single for downloading.

LOTTE RIISHOLT (Denmark)

Country/pop singer. She released four singles in the mid ‘70s and her first album came in 1977 titled “Lotte”. However, it took many years before releasing any new recording. In 2001 she had a single out and later more followed and also several albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:14) 2021

CD: Country With Love Vol.2 [LR Musik / Gateway Music ] ● Denmark, 2021

This is a little different as the fiddle and steel guitar are in focus, and backing vocals going wooh-wah-wah.

SCHOVANKY (Czech Republic)

Country group, formed 1971, consisting of 6 ladies plus guest singer Hana Lounová who is doing the vocals on the 1992 Berry cover. A popular group with several albums to their credit.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:14) 1992

CD: Schovanky [Studio Fontána CD-0009 2311] ● Czech Republic, 1992

Music-wise it’s quite good, but the Czech language sounds strange here.

Johnny B. Goode (2:08) 1990s

CD: Master Serie [Venkow Records 547 075-2] ● Czech Republic, 1999

A compilation album. Don’t know when this was recorded as nothing is mentioned on the cover.
They also have a DVD out (2012) featuring a version of “Johnny B. Goode”, recorded live in August 2011.

EVE SELIS (USA)

Country singer, songwriter. I found 11 albums by her since 1998.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2012

CD: A Merry Little Christmas [Eve Selis self-released] ● USA, 2012

It rocks and she has a tough voice [YouTube]. In 1998 she released an album titled “Out On A Wire” on Stunt Records, containing a song called “Memphis” which turns out to be an original tune.

77s (USA)

Rock band from Sacramento, California. They have released many albums (and singles) since their LP debut in 1983.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2001

CD: Happy Chrimbo! [Fools Of The World FOW-2001] ● USA, 2001

Good rockin’ version.

PHIL SEYMOR (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer Philip Warren Seymor was born 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and died 1993 in Sherman Oaks, California. I spotted 2 albums and 8 singles during his lifetime but several albums (live and compilations) coming later. On his Archive Series Vol.5 album he is titled "The Prince Of Power Pop" (!)

I’m Talking About You (2:35) 1978

CD: The London And Los Angeles Unreleased Sessions [Sunset Blvd SBR-7902] ● USA, 2016

Phil Seymor Archive Series Vol. 4. Pretty good. Interesting that they extended the version with over 30 seconds as the usual timing is just under 2 minutes. This Berry number was produced in Los Angeles ’78.

SHAKEY JAKE (UK)

Rock quintet. There’s more than one out there who’s calling themselves Shakey Jake, so …

Tulane (2:58) 2017

Digital album: Demo – February 2017 [Self-released ] ● UK, 2017

The album contains 8 tracks of rock, soul and blues tunes. You can listen on Bandcamp.

SHIVERIN’ SHEIKS (Scotland)

Rock and roll/pop quartet from Glasgow.

Maybellene (2:17) 2013

CD: A Curious Case Of… [Holy Smoke Records ] ● UK, 2013

SILVER CADILLACS (Netherlands)

Quintet playing ‘60s music, mostly instrumentals.

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] (2:47) 2000 (live)

CD: First Gear [Caddy Records CRSC-7001] ● Netherlands, 2000

Recorded live in concert at Café Lombok, St. Agatha, Netherlands.

JOHN SINCLAIR (USA)

Singer, musician, poet, manager for the Detroit rock group MC5. Born 1941 in Flint, Michigan. Has released a lot of albums, solo and with various artists.

No Money Down (3:56) 2004

CD: No Money Down: Greatest Hits Vol.1 [Big Chief Records ] ● USA, 2005

Pretty good bluesy rock version and Chuck Berry even gets a namecheck at the end. I haven’t found this track on any other Sinclair releases. This album was made available for downloading 4 November 2020.

PETER SKANDERA & DAVE MAYBEE (New Zealand)

Multi-instrumentalists from Raglan. Kiwi musicians Skandera and Maybee playing delta-blues, swamp, gospel, country-blues all with slide, dobro, banjo, harp, acoustic and electric guitars.

Thirteen Question Method (3:51) 2023

Digital: Blue Grit & Rhyme [P&D Productions ] ● New Zealand, 2023

Recorded and produced by Peter Skandera and Dave Maybee at Kario Sound & Bridle Creek Studios, Raglan. Released June 2023. Very powerful acoustic folk-blues version. They surely made their own version of this Berry song.

SKIFFLE PARTY (Australia)

Floyd Thursby (lead vocals, ac.guitar), Adam Russo (el.guitar, washboard, vocals), Tom Flenady (ac.bass, vocals).

Maybellene (1:59) 2021

CD: Skiffle Party ! [Ang Fang Industries AFG-012] ● Australia, 2022

A true skiffle version. Recorded Sunday 5 December 2021 at Bungalow Business in Melbourne, released May 2022.

MARK T. SMALL (USA)

This is already on this blog, but I got to listen to the song and also found a little bit more info which I think is of importance.
Singer, songwriter, acoustic guitar blues performer. Award winning artist, Boston Blues Challenge 2016; Best acoustic Blues CD 2015 (“Smokin’ Blues”).

Maybellene (4:23) 2008 (live)

CD: Screamin’ & Cryin’ The Blues [Whaling City Sound WCS-043] ● USA, 2008

A winner! What a good acoustic version, almost a little guitar boogie (Arthur Smith) influence. This guy can play!

PAT SMILLIE BAND (USA)

Rock, blues, soul and funk singer, songwriter. Pat Smillie hails from Detroit. Influenced by people like Delbert McClinton, Mitch Ryder, Joe Cocker and such.

Back To Memphis (3:31) 2006

CD: Pat Smillie Band [Fat Bank Music FBM-1002] ● USA, 2006

Nice to see even another cover of this obscure Berry song.

SYLVIA SMIT (Netherlands)

Versatile singer in pop, country and even jazz from Volendam and based in Klazienaveen. She has released many singles on CD and digitally since 2012.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:05) 2013

Digital single: [Disclosure Music Productions ] ● Netherlands, 2014

Good big band version but her voice is pretty flat.

CHRIS SMITHER (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1514 for biographical info.

You Can’t Catch Me (4:25) 2011

CD/Digital EP: What I Learned In School [Signature Sounds – Self-released] ● USA, 2011

Six tracks. As usual with Mr. Smither the performance is excellent! Released November 2011. It’s available online and at Chris Smither concerts only.

SMYLE (Canada)

Psychedelic rock band (quartet) from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1967 as The Smile.

Maybellene (2:29) 1971

LP: Smyle [Columbia ES-90017] ● Canada, 1971

Don’t know why, but the opening and ending are exactly like Lonnie Mack’s Memphis, unnecessary if you ask me.

SO MUCH FACE (USA)

This is Tom Bone Jenkins through his many incarnations. Chocolate Wolf Music is his own company (BMI). Has many albums on Bandcamp, especially live compilations. (I must say they come up with some unusual names for themselves!)

You Can’t Catch Me (4:30) 2015 (live)

Digital: Live At Tuxedo Junction Inn 5/9/15 [Chocolate Wolf Music ] ● USA, 2015

Pretty cool and long version.

SOCIAL DISTORTION (USA)

Hardcore punk rock band formed 1978 in Fullerton, California.

Maybellene (2:19) 2007

Digital: Greatest Hits [Time Bomb Recordings 23736 1 7] ● USA, 2007

The above is the digital version for downloading (iTunes), however, the actual CD version does not include this Berry cover.

SOLITUDE (Austria)

Rock band from Hollabrunn, Lower Austria.

Johnny B. Goode (3:43) 2001 (live)

CD: Live Unplugged [Shiny Records CD-811036] ● Austria, 2001

Recorded live at Café Kino, Bisamberg.

RAY SOLO (Australia)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Toowoomba. A semi-retired professional musician. He’s into the rock’n’roll, blues, jazz and country fields. He has good help from his son William on guitar.

Johnny B. Goode (2:47) 2023
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:45) 2023

Digital album: Rock-Or Else! [Self-released ] ● Australia, 2023

Released 1 May 2023. He also does a version of “Route 66” in the Stones/Berry way.

SOMETHING ELSE (France)

Rock’n’roll singer Ervin Travis, also released records under the name Ervin Travis & The Virginians. Heavily influenced by Gene Vincent.

You Never Can Tell (2:56) 2013

CD: The Best Of ‘50s Rock‘n’Roll [King Cake Production KG SE-001 1]

SONS OF THE DELTA (UK)

Duo formed by South-Western UK bluesmen Mark Cole (vocals, slide guitar, harp) and Rick Edwards (guitar, vocals). Sometimes expanded to a quartet, adding bass and drums. Both Mark & Rick have a long history in the English music business.

Thirteen Question Method (5:39) 2016 (live)

CD: Red Hot At Peppers [SOTD self-released ] ● UK, 2016

Recorded live at Peppers Café during the Gloucester Blues Festival 2015. Released 31 July 2016. Authentic acoustic delta blues.

SÖRCERESS (Colombia)

Heavy rock band from Antioquia.

Maybellene (A Tribute To Chuck Berry) (3:34) 2020

Digital single: Maybellene [Self-released] ● Colombia, 2020

Released 26 July 2020. I appreciate all tributes to Berry, but this is a little too fast and noisy. Although they are just covering the song It’s good that they wanted it to be a tribute to Berry and they also made a pretty nice sleeve for it. Check it out on Bandcamp.

MILENA SOUKUPOVÁ Se Skupinou Pony Express (Czech Republic)

Country vocalist, born 1951.

You Never Can Tell [as “Serioznost Není Tvůj Styl”] (2:42) 1993

CD: Mám Skvělej Den [Duna Records DN-0208 2 311] ● Czech Republic, 1993

SPIDERS (Japan)

See Volume 3, page 1527 for biographical info.

Carol / Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1970

LP: Rock’n’Roll Renaissance [Philips FS-8100] ● Japan, 1970

JIMMY STALLINGS (USA) aka J.J. LIGHT

From Albuquerque, New Mexico. He played bass in The Sir Douglas Quintet. Had a successful single with “Heya” in 1969 as J. J. Light.

Johnny B. Goode (4:10) 2020

CD: Sings Oldies But Goodies Million Sellers [SRK Records unknow cat no] ● USA, 2020

Recorded at SRK Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

STEADY ROCKERS (Spain)

Reggae band (sextet) from Madrid. They also have a couple of mini albums on Bandcamp for downloading.

You Never Can Tell (3:28) 2020

Digital single: Self released ● Spain. 2020

Recorded in Madrid at home during lockdown. They even have a video on You Tube of this. The singer’s English is up for debate, but they at least made a good tune out of it and even a video!

TED STEVENS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist in the rock’n’roll/rockabilly genre from Sarasota, Florida. The band performing on the album below is: Ted Stevens (vocals, guitar), “Upright Butch” Alan (ac.bass, backing vocals), “Smokin’ Joe” Hendricks (drums, backing vocals). He played the Viva Las Vegas in 2018. He has 5 albums on Bandcamp.

Carol (3:11) 2016 (live)
You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2016 (live)

Digital album: Hits, Misses And Close Calls [TS Music Self-released ] ● USA, 2017

Recorded 10 September 2016 at Stragglers, Sarasota, Florida. Pretty different, no piano just guitars on You Never Can Tell.

JOE STILGOE (UK)

Jazz pianist and singer, born 1979 in Sevenoaks, Kent. He’s released around 10 albums since 2008. He is the son of the lyricist and entertainer Sir Richard Stilgoe and opera singer Annabel Hunt. Good genes.

You Never Can Tell (3:50) 2016

CD: Songs On Film [Linn Records AKD-577] ● UK, 2016

Now this is different, a little jazzy so to speak. And because of Pulp Fiction he chose this Berry classic. Well done.

NIKKI SUDDEN (UK)

Real name Adrian Nicholas Godfrey born 1956 in London, died 2006 in New York. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. He’s been around so to speak and done the most. Bands like Swell Maps and Jacobites are two he was involved in and he had his own backing band The Last Bandits. Also done a lot of solo works. He had several albums released throughout his career.

Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:43) late ‘90s

LP/CD: Fred Beethoven [Troubadour TRBLP/CD-019] ● UK, 2014

This version is okay and nothing more. However, I just can’t understand that someone actually could make this mistake of mixing the titles in 2014 ! Well they did in this case, and again if I hadn’t been able to listen to the track I would have settled for Johnny B. Goode.

SUPERNATURAL FAMILY BAND (USA)

Country band from Questa, New Mexico. Formed around 1970 by the family father, singer, songwriter Tommy Hancock.

Johnny B. Goode (2:28) 1973

LP: In The Beginning… [Sandyland A-3001] ● USA, 1973

Here they do covers from the variety of Hank Williams, Berry to John Fogerty and Jimmy Reed.

TODD TAYLOR (USA)

Singer and extraordinary five string banjo player from South Carolina. So far I have found 7 albums by him. He’s played with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Jim & Jesse. In 2007 he held the world record as the fastest banjo player.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Todd Be Goode”] (5:14) 2001

CD: Something Different [TT (self-released) CD-97252 4 1] ● USA, 2001

If you wanna have a blast go to YouTube and watch and listen to the fantastic rendition of this classic.

TEXAS MAVERICKS (USA)

Shortlived rock’n’roll/country band from Austin, Texas led by Doug Sahm (vocals, guitar), John Reed (guitar), Alvin Crow (fiddle, vocals), Miller “Speedy” Sparks (bass), Mike Buck (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (4:02) 1987 (live)

2-CD: Doug Sahm Presents The Texas Mavericks: Who Are These Masked Men? / The Masked Men Live In Bremen 1987 [MIG Records MIG-23370] ● USA, 2017

CD2 contains a previously unissued concert recorded 13 April 1987 at Bürgerhaus Weserterrassen in Bremen, Germany by Radio Bremen, featuring the musicians mentioned above. On CD1, which by the way was a reissue of an original 1987 album, the studio drummer was Frosty Smith.
You’’ll also find another cover featuring Doug Sahm on page 1486 (Vol.3)

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: While we're still continuing our list of new cover versions, Beyoncé recorded an obscure Berry song, even more obscure.

There’s a rock’n’roll quartet The Lady Shelters from Tokyo, Japan, who besides having released a few albums (no Berry though) also have a series of rock’n’roll covers on You Tube. Performed live in the studio. They do “Around And Around” and “Back In The USA”, BUT also a cover of the obscure rocker from Berry titled “I Will Not Let You Go” (2:55), performed in December 2022. They are good and enthusiastic musicians. The song was recorded by Berry himself February 1972 in London, and later featured on the “London Sessions” album, and as the B-side of the UK single “Reelin’ And Rockin’”.

There is also a newly found Tribute titled “Boogie For Chuck Berry” (1:50) by Jean-Paul Amouroux and Memphis Slim from 1984 featuring Slim on piano and Jean-Paul on organ. Written by Amouroux and Slim. Available on the album “Jean-Paul Amouroux And His Friends” Média 7 MDCD-201 (1989). Unfortunately I have not been able to listen to this so far so I can’t comment. The album is a compilation of tracks recorded from 1976 to 1989 featuring besides Slim also Jay McShann, Willie Mabon, Milt Buckner and Sammy Price. Amouroux has also done several Berry covers, you’ll find them below.

JEAN-PAUL AMOUROUX (France)

Jazz and blues pianist and songwriter in the boogie woogie style. Born 1943 and died in 2022. Released several albums since the mid ‘70s often in collaboration with other musicians.

Johnny B. Goode (2:21) 2015 (instr)
Memphis, Tennessee (2:50) 2015 (instr)
No Particular Place To Go (2:28) 2015 (instr)
Rock And Roll Music (2:14) 2015 (instr)
School Day (2:07) 2015 (instr)
You Never Can Tell (3:26) 2015 (instr) feat. Claude Braud on saxophone

CD: Plays Rock’n’Roll Hits In Boogie Woogie [Black & Blue BB- ? ] ● France, 2015

(10 Years Of Rock’n’Roll 1954-1964). 26 tracks including 6 by Berry !!!. Pretty good music, however, I have one complaint, “School Day” and “No Particular Place To Go” are very similar songs and as instrumentals they become even more similar. “Roll Over Beethoven” or “Promised Land” would have been a better choice.
See also Tributes

BEYONCÉ (USA)

Carter née Beyoncé Giselle Knowles. Born 1981 in Houston, Texas. Singer, songwriter, producer, actress. Very famous with a lot of credits to her name. She’s the best selling female artist of all time. 32 Grammy Awards and 26 MTV Video Music Awards and more. From 1990 she was a member of the popular Pop/R&B group Destiny’s Child. Her first solo album came in 2003.

Oh, Louisiana (0:52) 2023

CD: Cowboy Carter [Parkwood Enetertainment/Columbia ] ● USA, 2024

Would you believe, another one in the line of obscure Berry songs, this time covered by one of the most popular singers in America this side of 2000. Originally it was featured on the Berry album “San Francisco Dues” in 1971. I have always liked this song and especially the bass line that makes it special. Actually Beyoncé has used exactly the same arrangement and there is also a video of this on You Tube. Maybe it will help people to seek out the original song by Berry. HOWEVER! Why the chipmunk voice and why under a minute? The original runs for four and a half minutes. The album has 27 tracks. There is also another variant of this issue, 23 tracks, which does not include the Berry cover. And more; the original Berry cut of “Maybellene” is featured in about 3 seconds on “Smoke Hour” with Willie Nelson where he is talking about a radio show and a few songs (just seconds) are played. To sum it all up, this is a weird album by all means, and to set the record straight, has nothing to do with country music at all. People who say otherwise don’t know what country music is all about (and there are many out there, unfortunately).

CAGEY STRINGS (Germany)

See Volume 3, page 1109 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (4:31) 2013
You Never Can Tell (as “C’est La Vie”) (4:12) 2013

2-CD: Vollgas [Gema  4034677186305] ● Germany, 2013

Run Rudolph Run (3:19) 2023

CD: Have Yourself A Cagey Little Christmas [Artists & Acts (Universal) ] ● Germany, 20237

D.J. BLUES BAND (UK)

This is already on this blog. However, I hadn’t heard the cover back then, but I have now, so read below.

I Still Got The Blues (2:53) 1965 (?)

4-CD set: Something Inside Of Me [Wienerworld Presentation WNRCD-5114] ● UK, 2021

“Unreleased Masters & Demos from the British Blues Years 1963-1976”. This is really a different approach from a UK band in the ‘60s, almost big band style with a trumpet solo! in the middle. It’s Jim Pitts who’s doing the vocals on this one. It’s another track to add to the already huge amount of Berry songs that’s been covered.

FRANK ZNORT QUARTET (Norway)

Founded in 1998 by Sef Foyn and four friends (quartet?) just jamming whatever music they wanted (no one named Frank Znort). They had their first CD out in 2002 after the act had developed into a multi-musician project. The largest quartet in the world(!) They have released several CDs since 2004.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:46) 2012

2-CD: Perler Fra Svin [Snort Records FZQV-003] ● Norway, 2012

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. On this album you’ll find almost every musical genre arranged in jazz form, rhythm & blues or whatever. The Berry cover sounds like a version from the Caribbean. The singer even uses a typical Caribbean accent.

INMATES (UK)

British pub-rock band which was founded in North London at the end of the ‘70s. The original line-up was: Bill Hunley (vocals), Peter “Gunn” Staines (lead guitar, vocals), Tony Oliver (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ben Donnnelly (bass), Jim Russell (drums, vocals). They had a Top 40 hit in the UK with a cover of Jimmy McCracklin’s “The Walk” in January 1980. Several singles and albums released throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.

I’m Talking About You (2:12) 1980 (live)
Let It Rock (5:00) 1980 (live)

CD: Tainted Rock!!! [Speedball SBC-004] ● Italy, 1991

Recorded live at The Rainbow Music Hall in Denver, Colorado, USA, February 1980. Previously unissued. A loong good rockin’ version of “Let It Rock” to end the show. They also do a version of “Don’t You Lie To Me” credited to Chuck Berry, but is not counted for here as it was originally written and recorded by Hudson Whittaker aka Tampa Red in 1940.

IMPOSTERS (USA)

Surf-punk, hardcore band from Hermosa Beach, California.

Come On (2:28) 2010

LP: Animal Magnetism [Dead Beat Records DB-94] ● USA, 2011

Sounds a bit like the Stones’ version in speed but still different with their own approach. LP released in different vinyl colors.

SPEEDY KING AND HIS FEETWARMERS (Belgium)

Already on this blog.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:40) 1977 (live)

Various LP: Jeuzelfestival ’77 [Monopole M.LP-0169-844] ● Belgium, 1977

Festival organized by the youth centre De Jeuzel in Wuustwezel, Belgium. See also Memphis Mill Brooks with “Memphis, Tennessee”.

MARTIN MANN (West Germany)

Schlager, singer, composer, songwriter and producer. Born 1944 in Vienna, Austria but grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany. He has released a few solo albums and several singles since 1969.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 1976

45: Jupiter Records 17 149XT ● West Germany, 1976 (art sleeve)

This is actually a Medley of Beethoven, High School Rock and Hound Dog.

As Martin Mann & The King Elvis Group:

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1979
Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1979

2-LP: Bravo Präsentiert: Die 24 Grössten Rock’n’Roll Hits – Mit 12 Elvis-Songs [Jupiter Records 300184-272] ● West Germany, 1979

Don’t know what this album was all about and for sure have never heard of The King Elvis Group?

MEMPHIS MILL BROOKS (Belgium)

I have found absolutely nothing about this artist (!)

Memphis, Tennessee (2:55) 1977 (live)

Various LP: Jeuzefestival ’77 [Monopole M.LP-0169-844] ● Belgium, 1977

Festival organized by the youth centre De Jeuzel in Wuustwezel, Belgium. See also Speedy King & His Feetwarmers with “Reelin’ And Rockin’ “

TODD MORGAN & The Emblems (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist from Sacramento, California. This is a trio consisting of Todd (vocals, guitar, piano), Zack Sapunor (bass) and Andrew Philip (drums). He has 6 albums so far to his credit.

Run Rudolph Run (2:54) 2021

CD: Santa Claus Blues [Todd Morgan - TAW-105] ● USA, 2021

I had never heard of Todd Morgan until the morning of 12 March 2024 when he suddenly turned up on You Tube when I was searching for Berry’s “Go Bobby Soxer”. There he was performing it live on stage in 2023 (check it out). I also found another version, and live versions of “Down Bound Train”, “Brown Eyed Handsome Man”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “Roll Over Beethoven” and “No Particular Place To Go”. I also found his web site, but looking through his albums it was no Berry(?) except the one above. And I found nothing on Bandcamp which is strange?

EILERT PILARM (Sweden)

Nils Roland Eilert Dahlberg, born 1953 in Anundsjö. He’s released several albums, but he can’t sing! Here’s what’s written on discogs which I think says it all: “His interpretation is characterized by inadequate singing voice, lack of tone, lack of rhythm and very poor pronunciation of the English lyrics. This is believed to be the key to Pilarm's success”. So do the people (audiences) feel sorry for him and therefore think it’s okay?

Johnny B. Goode (2:11) 2001 (live)

CD single: Johnny B. Goode [Björk CDS-1] ● Sweden, 2001

Don’t know what to say. Is this real? Everything here is a mess. His singing is so out of tune, he don’t know the lyrics and the rhythm section has problems keeping up.
Overall, there are too many Elvis impersonators on the marked and have been for many years. I must admit I have stayed away from a few when I come across them doing Johnny B. or Promised Land. Sorry to say.

PILEDRIVER (Germany)

Michael Sommerhoff (vocals, guitar), Peter Wagner (vocals, guitar), Rudi Peeters (keyboards), Marc Herrmann (bass, vocals), Hans in’t Zandt (drums). Rock band very influenced by the music of UKs own Status Quo. If you go to YouTube and search Piledriver “Bye Bye Johnny” it is mentioned as a Status Quo classic! Not bad.

Bye Bye Johnny (5:22) 2015 (live)

2-CD: The Boogie Brothers Live In Concert [Rockwall Records RW-04042012] ● Germany, 2017

Also Blu-ray of the concert and extras. 20th Anniversary Show at Stadthalle Wattenscheid October 2015.

Bye Bye Johnny (4:58) 2020 (live)

3-CD: Live In Europe – The Rockwall Tour [Rockwall Records RW-04042023] ● Germany, 2023

DVD + Blu-ray. 5 discs, comes in a box-set. The Berry number is from a concert on CD3 recorded live in Zwolle, Netherlands 25 January 2020.

“BUCK” PIZZARELLI & The West Texas Tumbleweeds (USA)

John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli was a jazz guitarist and banjoplayer, born 1926 in Paterson, New Jersey, died in 2020. His first album came in 1960. And he’s released and been involved in many, many albums. The Tumbleweeds: John Pizzarelli (guitar, backing vocals), Jessica Molaskey (backing vocals), Martin Pizzarelli (bass), Danny Coots (drums). John Paul and Jessica were husband and wife and parents to both John and Martin.

Promised Land (2:58) 2009

CD: Diggin’ Up Bones [Arbors Records ARCD-19394] ● USA, 2009

In addition to this almost family gathering there are 3 musical friends on the album, Rebecca Kilgore, Andy Levas and Aaron Weinstein. This is a little different than most other versions, sort of a more folky approach with a western swing arrangement. I really dig this !

BOBBY “GUITAR” POREMBSKI & CITY RHYTHM (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from New York City, New York. He also plays accordion by the way. Bobby (vocals, guitars, ukulele), Bryan Gottshall (bass), Dan Goldfedder (drums). Would you believe that he has actually 71 albums on Bandcamp! In 2021 he was nominated for the single of the year with “My Love” by the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA Awards 2021 Atlanta, Georgia).

Johnny B. Goode (3:03) 2012

Digital album: One Take, No Rehearsals – A Jam For Autism [BP Self-released ] ● USA, 2012

Studio recordings of classic rock’n’roll songs that they often performed live with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for autism. Pretty goode album.

DIMITRIS POULIKAKOS (Greece)

Rock singer and actor, born 1943.

Little Queenie (5:30) 1979 (live)

LP: Crazy Love – Live [Minos Records DAL-MSM-363] ● Greece, 1979

This is a cross between Stones and Berry and is the opening track of the album.

POWDERHOUSE (USA)

This is a female-fronted (Teresa Mastrorilli) rock band from Boston. However, the Berry cover has a male singer (Ray Boyce). They have singles, EPs and albums out on FOC Records, but you’ll find much more to download on Bandcamp.
Teresa Mastrorilli (vocals, lead & rhythm guitars), Fred Pickard (lead & rhythm guitars, vocals), Art DaPrato (keyboards), Ray Boyce (vocals, bass, guitars), Kevin Moylan (drums).

Run Rudolph Run (3:12) 2011

Digital album: Covers Vol. 1 [FOC Records Self-released] ● USA, 2011

Straight forward rock version with a good beat. Released 21 june 2011. The Berry cover was also available as a download single in December 2012. The album was remastered at FOC Studios North, Ludlow, Vermont in January 2021. Listen on Bandcamp.

PREBENS PÅGAR (Sweden)

Rock/pop quintet from Landskrona. It seems they are a popular live band and have released some albums and 26 singles the latest in the Autumn of 2023.

You Never Can Tell (3:14) 2005 (live)

CD: Prebens Pågar [Melody Records MECD-1005] ● Sweden, 2005

PRELLIES (UK)

Beatle rock band from Birmingham. The band has been playing around in the UK, Belgium, Isle of Man and the Beatleweek.
They have also made a soundtrack for a television programme on the life of Stuart Sutcliffe (the fifth Beatle). The songs on the CD below contain the soundtrack.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:31) 2005
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:14) 2005

CD: Afternoon Tea [Atombeat Records AB-001] ● UK, 2005

SUZANNE PRENTICE (New Zealand)

Country singer, born 1958. Been active since the early ‘70s. She’s been called the Queen of Country in New Zealand, a strange thing for me to understand when you mostly do covers of American songs/hits. And she’s received a lot of Awards too. She has a good voice and released a whole bunch of albums since 1973.

Johnny B. Goode (2:51) 1975

LP: Suzanne Prentice [Music World MALPS-394] ● New Zealand, 1975

This sounds very clean and ordinary with little drive. She also had an album out in 1980 titled “Dreamin’ My Dreams” containing a version of Johnny B. but I don’t know if it’s the same version as above or recorded for the new album.

JOHN PRIMER (USA)

See Volume 3 under CHICAGO BLUES – A LIVING HISTORY page 1123 for info on this.
And the timing for Reelin’ And Rockin’ is (3:41).

BEN PRYER & THE LUCKY DOGS (UK)

Ben Pryer (lead vocals, guitar), Jack Norman (bass), Joe Butcher (drums, backing vocals). Regarded as one of UK’s finest vintage bands, playing music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:39) 2019 (live)

CD: An Audience With [Lucky Dog Records ] ● UK, 2019

From the opening riffs it sounded like the Beatles’ version. But there are a lot of good old rock’n’roll covers on the album.
Released 19 April 2019 on Bandcamp.

VICTOR PUERTAS & MAX GENOUEL (Spain/France)

Good blues from Barcelona and Nantes. Victor Puertas (vocals, harp, keyboards), Max Genouel (vocals, guitar), Julien Dubois (bass), Hugo Deviers (drums, vocals). As they say: For a week we recorded at La P’Artquetterie, an old wooden-floors factory turned into a juke joint and run by friends in the middle of the French countryside.

You Can’t Catch Me (4:41) 2019

CD: Recording Session [Self-released ] ● Spain/France, 2019

What a fabulous album and music. Again, it’s nice to see that a Berry tune was picked out among 12 tracks.

PUSSYCATS (Norway)

See Volume 3, page 1434 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:36) 1965 (live)

CD: The Pussycats Live 1965 [Backstage Records BR-014] ● Norway, 2023

Previously unissued concert, 9 tracks recorded live at Kino (movie Theatre) Bellevue, Tromsdalen, Norway, 13 October 1965. Limited edition of 300 copies, but because of good sales they printed another 300 (!)

RADIO NASTIES (UK)

Garage rock trio from Southwest of England led by Ben Hayes. They had at least 2 original singles released on Death Of Glory Records in 2013.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:57) 2020
Johnny B. Goode (2:55) 2020
Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2020

Digital album: Rockdown 2020 [Self-released ] ● UK, 2020

Released 28 January 2021. 12 rock’n’roll classics recorded in the summer of 2020 during lockdown.

MASON RAMSEY (USA)

Country singer, guitarist, from Golconda, Illinois born 2006, which means he’s only 17 years of age when he recorded the Yuletide classic. His voice sounds more mature though. Popular guy and he has his own website. Next spring he will tour Germany and the UK. His first record came out in 2018 (!)

Run Rudolph Run (2:45) 2023

Digital single: Atlantic 00 7567 96697 9 7 ● USA, 2023

Pretty ordinary country-rock version.

DIG RICHARDS And The R’Jays (Australia)

Singer, songwriter, musical theatre actor Digby George Richards was born in 1940 and died in 1983. He was also a televison presenter. Active in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s as the lead singer of the band The R’Jays. According to info he seems to be the very first rock’n’roll artist to have a full 12” LP release in Australia (see below). In the ‘70s he became a country artist.

Carol ( : ) 1959
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1959

LP: Dig Richards And The R’Jays [Festival Records FL-7119] ● Australia, 1959

DAVE RICKETTS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist in the country and folk-blues tradition. Since 2002 he has led the Gypsy jazz and Hot jazz band Gaucho who have several albums to their credit. He’s a great fan of Django Reinhardt.

Down Bound Train (3:37) 2020

CD: Daddy’s High Again [Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

Really good folk-blues version. Check it out on YouTube. 9 of the tracks on the album were written by Ricketts, plus one by Memphis Minnie and the Berry track.

ROCKABILLY HEART (Denmark)

Trio: Tamra Rosanes (vocals), Den Skaldede Kok (bass, percussion), Morten Wittrock (piano, vocals). However, they have had a lot of help from various musicians, too many to mention. Part of the album was done in Nashville at the studio of Jack Clement. Singer, songwriter Tamra is American born but has lived in Denmark since 1972. She’s recorded almost 20 country albums since the early ‘80s.

Maybellene (2:38) 2014

CD: Rockabilly Heart [Target Records CD-1334] ● Denmark, 2014

ROCKIN’ DEVILS (UK)

Rock’n’Roll revival band (trio). They released 8 albums during 1974 to 1979.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1974

LP: Bring Back Rock’n’Roll [Hot Stuff Records HSL-001] ● UK, 1974

GRAZIANO ROMANI (Italy)

Rock singer, songwriter. He’s recorded three tribute albums to Bruce Springsteen, so he must be a fan! Although he’s released several other albums since 1993.

Johnny B. Goode (4:31) 2015

2-CD: Vivo/Live [Route 61 Music RT61-2015003] ● Italy, 2015

Pretty heavy and noisy, but still rockin’.

ROY & THE DEVILS MOTORCYCLE (Switzerland)

Garage punk, rock, psychedelic and blues. The band was formed in 1991 in a little village, Oberdiesbach, in the mountains of Switzerland. Three who lived there were the Stähli brothers, Markus, Matthias and Christian, who all played the guitar and sang. They got hold of a drummer named Oliver, later Elias Raschie.

Johnny B. Goode (4:16) 2005

LP: Because Of Women [Voodoo Rhythm VR-1233] ● Switzerland, 2005
CD: Because Of Women [Voodoo Rhythm VRCD-33] ● Switzerland, 2006

Very strange psychedelic version.

SEM ROZENDAAL (Netherlands)

Pop singer, songwriter, guitarist who appeared on the eleventh season of the television talent show, The Voice of Holland, in 2020-21

You Never Can Tell (2:21) 2021

CD: The Voice of Holland - Seizoen 11 - Live #2 [8ball Music 87 1777 46895 7 8] ● Netherlands, 2021

Nice to see that he chose this classic for his performance on the Voice. It’s a rockin’ good version with a horn section. As far as I know he didn’t win, but…

RYNOZ (Sweden)

Aka Ryno Rockers. See volume 3, page 1485 for biographical info, although not much info there of the band. The quintet was formed 1974 in Enviken. During the ‘70s and ‘80s they were considered as one of the most genuine bands in Sweden playing ‘50s music. The entry below is new.

You Never Can Tell (2:33) 2012

CD: Bop ‘Til You Drop [Scana SNCD-035] ● Sweden, 2012

JEFF ST. JOHN & THE EMBERS (Australia)

Jeffrey Leon Newton, blues-rock singer who because of spina bifida spent most of his life in a wheelchair. Born 1946 in Newton, New South Wales, died 2018 at his home in Perth, Western Australia. His first single came in 1966 and his first album in 1972. There’s much on YouTube with this guy, unfortunately not the Berry numbers.

Nadine ( : ) 2004 (live)
You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2004 (live)

CD EP: Live At The Perth Blues Club [not on label – R-1103] ● Australia, 2018

Four tracks recorded live 13 April 2004. The other two are “Drift Away” and “Waltzing Mathilda”.

SANDRO Y LOS DE FUEGO (Argentina)

Roberto M. Sánchez born 1945 in Buenos Aires, died 2010. Rock singer who is considered as one of the first rock artists to sing in Spanish in Latin America. He was also a well known actor and director. He released over 50 albums and sold millions.

I’m Talking About You [as ”Hablando De Ti”] (1:56) 1965
Rock And Roll Music [as “Música De Rock And Roll”] (1:54) 1965

LP: Al Calor De Sandro Y Los De Fuego [CBS 8533] ● Argentina, 1965

I am not going to put him down, but the music from the above album sounds so uninspired and boring.

MICHELLE SCHMITT (USA)

Born in Detroit, Michigan. Singer, songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. Owner of Pine Mountain Studio, Alexander Valley, California. She has released many albums since 2004. Schmitt and her band do benefit concerts every December in the San Francisco and Marin County to raise money for the hungry in those communities.

Run Rudolph Run (4:19) 2014

CD: To Remember You [Harrison Street Records 05 6383 64518 ] ● USA, 2014

A little laid-back version. This album was officially released at her and the band’s 2014 annual benefit concert. This holiday record is dedicated to the memory of her dad, who died earlier in the year. He loved Christmas music.

Let It Rock (3:18) 2015

CD: Detroit Girl [Harrison Street Records 08 8829 53477 3 0] ● USA, 2015

Interesting because very few women have covered this Berry classic. Solid version.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

BILL MADISON (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist now living in Lehigh Acres, Florida. He was part of the folk music venues in Boston, New York City and Montreal during the ‘60s. His career spans more than 60 years, and his first album came out in 1973 titled “Sunday Mornin’ Hayride”, an album which has been re-issued a couple of times. In the ‘80s and ‘90s he played the ski resorts and honky tonks of Northern New England. His music is available on various streaming sites.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:58) 2016 (live)

CD: Here’s To Ya! [Saloon Records ] ● USA, 2016

Live from Bill’s Happy Hour at Street Jelly Bar & Grill. 15 tracks with a variety of cover songs from the ‘50s and up. Released 15 June 2016.

MALAVENTURA (Spain)

Country-folk duo from Murcia who got together in 1992. Fernando Rubio (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Joaquín Talismán (vocals, guitar, banjo). They can really play a guitar!!!

Memphis, Tennessee (2:45) 2017

CD: Malaventura [Perdicion PER-1801] ● Spain, 2017

Released 26 December 2017. They have approached this cover closer to Berry’s own. Good to hear.

MARTIN CIRCUS (France)

Band (sextet) formed in 1969 playing psychedelic and progressive rock, but changed their style in the early ‘70s to pop and later on to disco and new wave. Have released many singles and albums since 1969/1970.

Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (3:21) 1977

45: Vogue 45. V. 140.323 ● France, 1977

Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (5:47) 1977

LP: Rock’n’Roll Circus [Vogue LDA-20 294] ● France, 1977

Oh dear, this sounds like a disco version with absolutely no feeling or whatever. And almost 6 minutes on the album. Forget it.

MASHUUN (Austria)

A progressive rock band from Styria, active between 1972 and 1974. They won a band competition organized by Fono Forum and BASF but the group got a short life.

Sweet Little Sixteen (5:08) 1973

Various LP: Mashuun/Magic 69 [Rex Records Austria REX RRL-008] ● Austria, 1973
Various 2-LP: Underground Made In Styria [Golden Pavilion Records GP-1026/27LP] ● Portugal, 2016

Very strange version indeed. The Rex album was a promo and never released officially. Finally in 2016 the Golden Pavilion one was a remastered album set pressed in 400 copies. The two groups featured were Mashuun and Magic 69.

DENIS MAZHUKOV & OFF BEAT (Russia)

Singer and pianist Denis Mazhukov, who is by the way regarded as the king of rock’n’roll in Russia (pretty late don’t you think since he was born in 1973). But good for him as he’s really got it when it comes to 50s and 60s music. I am sure that Jerry Lee Lewis is one of his favorites, if not his ‘mentor’.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 1995

CD: Off Beat [SNC Records SNC-5034] ● Russia, 1995

Fast swinging rendition.

Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2006 featuring Maxim Leonidov

Digital album: Rockin’ At The Top [DM Self-released ] ● Russia, 2007

Released 1 January 2007. The music is good but the vocals are uninspired.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:16) 2012

CD: Rockin’ All Day And Night [DM 3923U Self-released ] ● Russia, 2012

On Bandcamp the album contains 8 tracks but on discogs there are 11 tracks (?)

MERŪNAS (Lithuania)

Pop singer. Real name: Merūnas Vitulskis, born in 1983.

You Never Can Tell [as "Pažiūresim, Kas Nutiks Vėliau”] (3:03) 2007

CD: Merūnas [Hitas HITCD-007] ● Lithuania, 2007

Ordinary standard version. But nice to finally have someone from Lithuania doing Berry.

MINX (Canada)

Hard rock band (quintet) from Kamloops, British Columbia. They have four albums on bandcamp.

Johnny B. Goode (2:52) 2018

Digital album: Minx [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2018

Released 24 April 2018. Seven tracks, six written by the band. Hard rock version.

LOGAN MIZE (USA)

Country singer who grew up in Kansas. Has been a long-time Music Row staff songwriter in Nashville. He released his 5th album called “Welcome To Prairieville” in 2021.

Run Rudolph Run (2:44) 2022 with Jenna Paulette

CD EP: Merry Christmas From Logan Mize [Big Yellow Dog Music 08 5004 03773 4 7] ● USA, 2022

This was reissued in 2023. Okay version but that’s all.

M&J BLUES (UK)

Father & son duo from Sheffield, Mark Lyall (el.guitar) and.Jeff Lyall (vocals, ac.guitar).

You Never Can Tell (3:44) 2016 (live)

2-CD: In The Presence Of Friends [M&J Self-released] ● UK

Recorded live 7 August 2016 at the Honey Bee blues club session at the Porter Cottage, Sheffield. The Berry track was part of the encore. Released 6 November 2016.

SONNY MOORMAN (USA)

Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist from Hamilton, Ohio.

Maybellene (5:51) 2015
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:58) 2015

CD: You Made All My Blues Come True [Atlas Records ATLAS-0014] ● USA, 2015

Acoustic treatment of these two classics. Featuring Moorman on vocals, guitar and porchboard. The album was released digitally in June 2022. Instead of me saying anything, you can listen to them on Bandcamp.

VAN MORRISON (UK)

Van Morrison, OBE (Order of the British Empire), born 1945 in Belfast. He’s a Grammy Award-winning Northern Irish singer, songwriter, author, poet and multi-instrumentalist. He was the lead singer in the Northern Irish band Them who had several hits in the mid ‘60s like “Gloria” and “Here Comes The Night”. Later he left for a successful solo career.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:58) 2023

CD: Accentuate The Positive [Exile 3369580] ● Europe, 2023
LP: Accentuate The Positive [Exile 3369603] ● Europe, 2023

A genuine rock’n’roll album from Van Morrison. It was a surprise for me, in 2023. 19 tracks, and I do like the album title, to accentuate the positive about the past music. And he picked some obscure tracks to record also.
It reminded me of the fantastic album Neil Young released in 1983, titled “Everybody’s Rockin’ “ (No Berry though).

MOTHER McCREE’S UPTOWN JUG CHAMPIONS (USA)

Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. Grateful Dead related. With the help of Mike Garbett, Tom Stone and Dave Parker on various acoustic instruments.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:26) 1964 (live)

CD: Live at the Top of the Tangent, 1964 [Grateful Dead Records GDCD-4064] ● USA, 1999

Jerry Garcia is doing the vocals on this one. Don’t know what to think. It’s okay, acoustic but lack feelings. The album was recorded in July 1964 at the Top Of The Tangent, Palo Alto, California.

JOE MULLINS And THE RADIO RAMBLERS (USA)

William Joseph Mullins, born 1965 in Xenia, Ohio. Bluegrass and gospel singer, banjoist, bandleader and radio broadcaster.

Run Rudolph Run (3:57) 2023

CD: Because It’s Christmas Time [Billy Blue Records BBR-0243 CD] ● USA, 2023

Nice to finally have a genuine bluegrass version. Really good, swings. I get this Jim & Jesse vibes here, the song they didn’t record.

MYSTIC EYES (Germany)

Beat band from Regensburg; active in the late ‘60s but reunited in 1997.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2000

CD: Flashback [GVR Records CD-006] ● Germany, 2001

GÜNTHER NEEFS (Belgium)

Pop singer, born 1965 in Mechelen. Has released several albums since 1992. He’s the son of Louis Neefs.

You Never Can Tell (2:47) 2019

CD: Roots 66 – Music From Chicago To L. A. [KMK Muziek KMK-65018] ● Belgium, 2019

Released as both CD and LP, plus DVD.

NERVOUS EATERS (USA)

Punk rock band (quartet) from Boston, Massachusetts.

Beautiful Delilah (3:21) Mid ‘70s

LP: Eaterville #1 [Penniman Records PENNLP-002] ● Spain, 2004
CD: Eaterville #1 [Penniman Records PENNCD-001] ● Spain, 2009

It sounds like the Rolling Stones! One of the longer versions of this Berry track. They usually clock in at around 2 minutes. Previously unissued.

CHET NICHOLS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer from Chicago where he grew up. In the ‘60s he was part of the musical revolution in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has a farm in Kansas, and is inducteed into The Kansas Music Hall Of Fame.

Johnny B. Goode (2:27) 1965 as Chet Nichols & The Chosen Few

Digital album: Raw & Roll [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released April 2021. The Chosen Few were a trio from Chicago and they were all around 15 years old at the time of recording. Chet Nichols has also recorded a song titled “Rock & Roll Music” (1972) which turns out to be his own composition.

NIGHTBREAKERS (Netherlands)

8 piece country-rock group.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est la Vie”] (3:39) 2001

CD: In The Mission [Rarity Records C-192649] ● Netherlands, 2001

Sounds a bit like Emmylou Harris’ version but with a sax solo and a piano solo without the original melody.

DON NORMAN (Canada)

Born in Ottawa 1944. In the ‘60s he recorded for Capitol Records of Canada. Living in Kingston, Ontario since 1970.

Maybellene (2:27) 2017

Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2017

Pretty cool country version, a little slower than usual. Don Norman (vocals, guitars, harp, percussion), Jack Pearson (solo guitar), Chris Nole (keyboards), Dave Francis (bass), Shannon Forrest (drums). Here is what Don Norman says on Bandcamp about recording this track: “ ‘Maybellene’ was Chuck Berry’s 1955 breakout hit for Chess Records in Chicago. The record sold over a million copies but more importantly it stands as the original road map for guitar based rock’n’roll music. As a young, pre-teen I was brought to tears by the emotions Chuck’s singing and guitar playing aroused in me. Thanks for changing my world Chuck”.
Released 3 April 2017.

You Never Can Tell (2:48) 2018

Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2023

This was recorded in 2018, but remastered and released 14 October 2023. Unfortunately pretty ordinary version.

NOT FADE AWAY (USA)

Rock’n’roll quintet from Phoenix, Arizona. Jared Mancuso (vocals, guitar), Nick Gallardo (vocals, guitar), Ian LeSage (vocals, guitar), Allison Kelly (vocals, bass), Andrew Torres (only drums). Very much a Buddy Holly tribute band, but they also play others like Ritchie Valens, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Shirley Ellis and more. They have this album below and a single on Bandcamp and they make great covers, also sleeves.

Johnny B. Goode (3:24) 2020

Digital album: Rock’n’Roll Reignited [Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

Released 3 February 2020. Recorded at Studio Crash in Philadelphia, PA. Rockin’ version and Allison does a very good job.

STEFAN NYKVIST (Sweden)

Lars Erik Stefan Nykvist, born 1976 in Ãlvdalen, Dalarna. Singer, organist, accordionist and was the founder of the danceband Larz Kristerz in 2001. He left the band in 2014 for solo work.

Oh What A Thrill [as “Nej, Inte Jag”] (2:28) 2020

CD: Stefan Nykvist [Enviken Records ENREC-182] ● Sweden, 2020

This is a cover of the Eddie Meduza version from 1982.

FINN NØRBYGÅRD (Denmark)

Comedian, singer and actor, born 1952 in Esbjerg. Well, he was originally a school teacher but did success on national TV in the ‘80s with Jacob Haugaard in a Saturday Night comedy show, and in the ‘90s a successful comedy/musical show with Jette Torp.

Johnny B. Goode (2:34) 1997

CD: 21 Sange Og Monologer Fra Showet: Mig & Elvis [National Records CD-81664] ● Denmark, 1997

Produced by Danmarks Radio for RMT Productions. Taken from a musical show, “Me & Elvis”, that Nørbygård travelled around with in Denmark during 1996/97, 132 shows altogether with 21 songs and monologues. But I don’t understand the title here, as there is only one track an Elvis medley, the rest are songs from the likes of Berry, Tommy Steele, Percy Sledge, Chubby Checker, Beatles, Willie Nelson etc. Well, there’s also a Danish cover of “Fever” which Elvis did record back in time, but still…

OFF BEAT (Russia)

See DENIS MAZHUKOV

BERT PAQUETTE & The New Gamblers (Canada)

Rock and country singer and guitarist.

Maybellene ( : ) 1981
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 1981

LP: Bert Paquette & The New Gamblers [Black Rose Records LP-1001] ● Canada, 1981

Covers on the album are from the likes of Freddy King, Hank Williams, Elvis, Jimmie Rodgers …

COLIN PAUL (UK)

Elvis impersonator. See Volume 3, page 1406 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009

CD: Home For Christmas [CP Self-released CD-01 2801 66916 7 5] ● UK, 2009

Okay version.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:22) 2014

CD: Child Of The Sixties [JaG Records 146 5] ● UK, 2014

A pretty good version. Interesting to hear an Elvis soundalike doing Berry numbers that Elvis never did.

MAURICIO PEDROSA BLUES QUARTET (Brazil)

Singer, pianoplayer from São Paulo.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:46) 2013
Roll Over Beethoven (3:47) 2013

Digital album: On The Road Again [Self-released ] ● Brazil, 2013

I especially enjoyed “Memphis” since he’s not followed the Mack/Rivers arrangements.

MIKE V. PHELAN (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Antonio, Texas. I am not sure if the songs below were recorded in 2016, because all of his 7 albums were released on Bandcamp in the summer of 2016, so…?

Johnny B. Goode (2:35) 2016 (?)

Digital album: Mike Rocks [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016

Released 29 June 2016. 16 tracks. Rocks? Well, the singing is more pop oriented.

Maybellene (2:09) 2016 (?)

Digital album: Beyond The ’70s [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016

Released 25 May 2016. 20 tracks.

PENTTI-OSKARI KANKAAN 7-SEINÄHULLUA VELJESTÄ (Finland)

A musical humour band founded in 1966 by Pentti Oskari Kangas. It’s a difficult band name to pronounce, and to speak for that matter. If you’re not from Finland, that is.

Rock And Roll Music (3:11) 2009 (?)

2-CD: Tuplat Vaakahuoneella [Fifty-Fifty FFCD-1061] ● Finland, 2009

The Berry cover is one of many bonus tracks (previously unreleased) so I don’t know when it was recorded actually.

PHILADELPHIA JUG BAND (USA)

Jug band (originally a quartet) formed in 1962 (!) by students at the Council Rock High in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m amazed that they are still doing their thing, however, I don’t know if there are any original members left or whatever.

Sweet Little Sixteen (4:12) 2012

CD: Always Fresh! [Self-released GKMZ-002] ● USA, 2012

Nice to hear a jug/string band version of this classic.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

JOECEPHUS AND THE GEORGE JONESTOWN MASSACRE (USA)

Rock band (quintet) from Memphis, Tennessee. They mix outlaw country and rockabilly with hardcore punk and metal. Joecephus is guitarist Joey Killingsworth.

Back In The USA (2:18) 2023

2-LP: Call Me Animal - A Tribute To The MC5 [Saustex Records SEX-2306] ● USA, 2023

JUSTIN JOHNSON (USA)

Slide guitarist using handmade instruments, a.o. a cigar-box guitar (!) He founded the Roots Music School in Nashville, Tennessee. Good for him and all the students who can then learn the truth. I found some 8 albums by him, the first being “Smoke & Mirrors”, a 2-CD set from 2014.

Johnny B. Goode (4:14) 2017

2-CD: Drivin’ It Down [JJ CD-14541 2] ● USA, 2017

Also released as a 2-LP set. This is a drivin’ goode version, stretched out to over 4 minutes. Even though this is a self-released album set it looks like a professional issue with a booklet and all. Recorded and mixed by Chuck Turner at Cash Cabin Studio, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Down Bound Train (6:18) 2020

CD/Digital album: Rough Edges [JJ Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

When I searched the internet for this cover, Bruce Springsteen’s own song popped up as the original. However, Justin is covering the Berry song (a bit noisy though). So who can you trust? You have to search and search and try to listen if possible. It’s not easy to be a Berry cover nerd.

CARVIN JONES BAND (USA)

Blues singer, guitarist from Texas. His playing is pretty raw.

No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 1998

CD: Unleashed - Burnin’ Up The Blues [Tee Records TR-69732] ● USA, 1998

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2003 (live)

CD: Live In Rome, Italy [Tee Records no cat no] ● USA, 2003

There’s a live performance on YouTube of Carvin from a festival in Spain doing this classic.

KATMEN (UK/USA)

Originally a rockabilly duo, formed in 2007, by guitar genius Darrell Higham (see Vol.4 page 1821) and drummer Slim Jim Phantom (see Stray Cats Vol.3 page 1538). In 2012 they were joined by bassist Al Gare.

Too Much Monkey Business (2:42) 2022

CD: Katmen Are Back [Foot Tapping Records FT-208] ● UK, 2023

This is a cross between Elvis and Chuck. It’s rockin’ although a little more laid back than Chuck’s.

JIMMY KEITH & HIS SHOCKY HORRORS (Germany)

Punk band (quartet) from Duisburg, formed in 1988.

Maybellene (3:03) 1995

CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Tug Records LC-7376] ● Germany, 1995

Cover songs from the likes of Mink DeVille, Rockin’ Sidney, Dr. Feelgood, Ben E. King a.o.

ANSSI KELA (Finland)

A popular singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in 1972. Has released many albums and singles since 2000.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (3:43) 2017

Various CD: Anssi Kela & Isot Biisit [Warner Music Finland 50 5419 76872 2 8] ● Finland, 2017

This is again a cover of the Finnish hit version by Rauli “Badding” Somerjoki (page 1521) from 1973. But the story around this version is a little bit different. Translated, the album title means Anssi Kela And The Big Songs. It was a music entertainment program led by Anssi Kela. It started in February 2017 and in each of the 10 episodes a guest challenged Kela to cover an old Finnish hit song. It tells the story of the background of the song and introduces the song’s original performer or a special person associated with it. But according to Ari Niskanen in Finland it was more about Somerjoki not Berry.

JAMIE AARON KELLEY & THE DEMPSEYS (USA)

Award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer. But most of all he’s an Elvis impersonator. However, there’s not much Elvis stuff on the album below.

Maybellene ( : ) 2006

CD: The Sun Also Rises, Vol.2 – Memphis Fire [Cool K Records 08 3710 12723 2 2] ● USA, 2006

14 rock’n’roll, blues and country covers.

RICKY KING (West Germany)

Guitarist Hans Lingenfelder, born 1946 in Rastatt.

Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 1984 (instr)
Memphis, Tennessee (2:19) 1984 (instr)
Rock And Roll Music (2:00) 1984 (instr)

LP: Ricky King’s Rock’n’Roll Party [Epic EPC-26158] ● West-Germany, 1984
CD: Ricky King’s Rock’n’Roll Party (Memory Pop Shop) [Epic EPC-462452 2] ● West-Germany, 1988

Johnny B. Goode and Rock And Roll Music sound very good and solid. But Memphis is in the Lonnie Mack arrangement and therefore not in the same league.

ROBERT LEE KOLB & LOCAL HEROES (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist. I saw an article from a Dallas magazine (Dec. 1976) where he says he’s going to be the new Elvis Presley of the 1980s. Excuse me. Why on earth would he say that in December 1976 when Elvis himself was still alive??? It makes no sense. And he sounded more rock and rhythm & blues.

Maybellene [as “Mabelline”] (4:40) 1985

LP: Robert Lee Kolb & Local Heroes [Rock Eye Records 44144A] ● USA, 1985

KRAYOLAS (USA)

Garage rock band (quartet) from San Antonio, Texas. They have released several singles from 1978 and albums from 1982.

Run Rudolph Run (3:19) 2010

CD: Tipsy Topsy Torvy [Box Records B-63052] ● USA, 2010

Cool rock version with plenty of guitar and piano.

MIKE KRÜGER (Germany)

Michael Friedrich Wilhelm Krüger, born 1951. Singer, guitarist and comedian.

Roll Over Beethoven [as “Schuss In Den Ofen”] (2:47) 1977 (live)

LP: Auf Der Autobahn Nachts Um Halb Eins [Philips 6305 330] ● West-Germany, 1977

Mike Krüger wrote the German lyrics.

DENYS LABLE (France)

Singer, guitarist, born 1947 in Auxerre. He’s a studio musician and has also played live with several French singers, like France Gall and Dick Rivers a.o.

Wee Wee Hours (6:22) 2003

Various CD: Autour du Blues Vol.2 [Créon Music 5928552] ● France, 2003

Pretty good and long version.

LARADOS (USA)

Rock and soul quintet from Dearborn, Missouri, probably? This is a little difficult, because it seems that they had a single out in 1958 and another in 1980. However, the album below is clearly of a newer date and it’s self-released. Are we talking about the same outfit? Not sure. In case they have been around for over 55 years when the album below was released.

Nadine (4:51) 2013

CD: Dance Party [LaRaDos CD-08 8829 50360 0 9] ● USA, 2013

14 covers from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

KIM LARSEN & KJUKKEN (Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1308 for biographical info. He died in 2018 at the age of 72.

Havana Moon [as “Soloppgang Til Måneskinspriser”] (3:01) 2012

CD: Du Glade Verden [Medley Records EMI-5820505] ● Denmark, 2012

Strange, but I didn’t know that Kim had done a Danish version of this Berry classic that he first covered in its original form in 1977.

LAST ONE STANDING (Mexico)

Melodic hardcore / skate punk quintet from Ciudad Nezahualcóyoti, Mexico.

Johnny B. Goode (2:42) 2014

CD promo: Last One Standing [Promo 2014] ● Mexico, 2014
CD: Nothing Left To Lose [1onelife Records CD-1LR-003] ● Mexico, 2016

The album track opens with the intro from Marty McFly in “Back To The Future”, It’s an oldie - Well, it’s an oldie where I come from. (!)

MIKE LAWSON & FRIENDS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Nashville, Tennessee. He has several albums on Bandcamp. On his site he has this to say about himself: “Musician, songwriter, author, music mag/book publisher, husband, autism dad, music edu advocate, guitar hoarder, audio engineer, no particular order”. On the album below he sings and plays various instruments, however, on the Berry track Lawson sings and plays piano plus the following friends participate: Rich Mahan (guitar), Fred Bogert (acordion), Travis Collinsworth (bass), Sam Skorik (drums), Sarah and Rachel Hambridge (background vocals). Produced by Mike Lawson at AP Studios, Fairview, Tennessee. However, there’s a fiddle in there but who’s playing? It could be Michael Cleveland who plays fiddle on another track on the album.

You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2020

Digital album: More Wonders Of The Visible World [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released 1 January 2021. There’s also a video to this track on Bandcamp. Pretty nice!

DANIELLE LeBLANC, HALEY BIRNIE, BRIAND MELANSON (Canada)

From Toronto. Danielle (lead vocals), Haley (lead vocals), Briand Melanson (guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, backing vocals), and on the Berry number Rich Trevor (electric guitar). I couldn’t find anything else by this trio.

Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2015

CD: Coast To Coast Christmas [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2015

Good Yuletide music on this album, ten covers and two originals. A little different approach. Released on Bandcamp 1 November 2015. Mixed and produced by Briand Melanson.

LEG BENDERS (USA)

Rock band (quartet) from Albany, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Madden Studios in Clarksville, Indiana by Clifford Madden. Daniel Hartman (vocals, guitar), Zach Coffey (guitar), Tyler Zoller (bass), Clifford Madden (drums). They also call themselves Jimmy & The Two Toned Leg Benders. Well then, who’s Jimmy?

Run Rudolph Run (2:50) 2015

Digital: Run Rudolph Run: A Jimmy Christmas Cover [Self-released ] ● USA, 2015

Really heavy rockin’ version. The main reason for including this, the band will tell you themselves:
“We decided to do our interpretation of the classic Chuck Berry Christmas tune ‘Run Rudolph Run’. We've included 4 different mixes for your listening pleasure: 2 standard mixes (stereo and mono) and 2 ‘1958’ mixes (also stereo and mono) to give you that classic late '50s sound that you all love. All tracks were meant to sound as though they were ripped straight from a 45rpm single record from back in the day. Enjoy & Merry Christmas!”
And they have also made a pretty nice ‘sleeve’. Released 8 December 2015.

MATTHIAS LENS (Belgium)

Accordion player and singer born 1986 in Turnhout.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:40) 2015

CD: Samen Uit, Samen Thuis [ECV Records ECV-0187544] ● Belgium, 2015

Good rock version.

RONAN LEONARD (Ireland)

Singer, songwriter in the country, folk genre.

Too Much Monkey Business (3:33) 2005

CD: Roomful Of Dreamers [Ronan Leonard Prod. RLPCD-001] ● Ireland, 2005
Digital album: Roomful Of Dreamers [Self-released] ● Ireland, 2022 (March)

Really cool version! Dave Keary on guitar and Garvan Gallagher on bass should be complimented for their contribution. Interesting that all the other 10 songs on the album were written by Leonard.

LES FORBANS (France)

When they started in the late ‘70s they were a rock’n’roll sextet. However, around 1990 they became a quartet. Have released several albums since 1981.

Johnny B. Goode ­in a Rock’n’Roll Medley (3:47) 1996
Johnny B. Goode (3:01) 1996
Maybellene (2:37) 1996
You Never Can Tell (3:15) 1996

CD: Rock’n’Roll Story [Arcade 3017672] ● France, 1996

The Medley contains 8 songs. Strange that they are using the Berry song twice on the same album.

ADAM LEVY (USA)

Singer, songwriter and an accomplished jazz guitarist, born 1966 in Encino, California. He has recorded and toured with Norah Jones. Has also recorded with many famous people like Rosanne Cash, Tracy Chapman, Allen Toussaint, Chely Wright, The O’Jays and others. He has in addition released several albums of his own.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:30) 2014 (instr)

CD: Town & Country [Lost Wax Music LWR-1401] ● USA, 2014

Now this is a different approach to the tune, a little groovie, jazzy, soulful. He has also recorded a song titled “Promised Land” in 2011 but that’s not Berry’s.

SON LEWIS (USA)

Andrew Lewis, born 1951 in Patterson, New Jersey. Blues singer, guitarplayer.

Nadine (3:38) 2016 (live)

CD: From Time To Time [Silk City CD-08 0714 00203 8 3] ● USA, 2017

LEYVA (Mexico)

Omar Christopher Navarrete Leyva, born in 1980. He’s a singer, musician, songwriter, promoter. Has been active since 1998 and has been very productive on album releases, and also been part of numerous groups.

Carol [as “Oh Carol”] ( : ) 2012
Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 2012

CD: Savage Young & Wild 1957 [Blindspot Records 1957] ● Mexico, 2012

At the very end of Johnny B. they have inserted an original short comment from Alan Freed about rock’n’roll.

LIVE (Sweden)

Group comprising Kenneth Lundman, Mats Lundberg, Mikael Andersson, Peter Eliasson and Stefan Forsell. It was a one-off pseudo-educational project only known for one album release.

Around And Around ( : ) 1986 (live)

LP: Live [Caprice Records CAP-133] ● Sweden, 1986

The songs contained range from Berry and Beatles to Uriah Heep, Scott McKenzie, The Clash, John Lee Hooker, Sex Pistols, U 2, Martha & The Vandellas, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sweet.

LMT CONNECTION (Canada)

Funk-rock group from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Leroy Emmanuel (vocals, guitar), John Irvine (bass, vocals), Mark Rogers (drums). They have played together for 30 years, recorded six albums and done over 6500 shows (!) which includes Europe and China.

Johnny B. Goode (5:17) 1997 (live)

CD: Outta Control [Impression Records IMP-2000] ● Canada, 2000

Recorded live 1997 at the Castle Rock in Niagara Falls. Released on Bandcamp 30 September 2020.

LOS ALVAREZ DEL NORTE (USA)

This is a family pop/folk band which plays various instruments and sings: Fred Alvarez, Maria, William, Daniel, Maggie, managed by Lauren, plus four background vocals.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (3:21) 2012

Digital album: New Mexico Snow [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013

A little bit different than others, more laid-back. You can listen to it on Bandcamp. Fred Alvarez wrote most of the 20 tracks on the album.

LOS GATILLOS (Switzerland)

Trio from Geneva playing modern electric blues and rhythm & blues.

Down Bound Train (2:37) 2018

CD / LP: Fred Raspail-Pierre Omer-Monney B Sont [Bonfeeling Records BF-005] ● France, 2018

Except for two covers, they do original songs. The Berry cover is very similar to Berry’s own musically but Los Gatillos arranged it a little boring.

LEE LYNCH (Ireland)

Liam Lynch was born in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. He moved to London in 1956 and has lived in England since then. He had his first single released on Decca in 1966. He’s been singing, recording and performing up to the early ‘90s when he retired due to heart problems.

Promised Land ( : ) 1979

LP: Here I Go Again [Blue Angel Records FLIP NO.1] ● UK, 1979

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

On Bandcamp there are many versions of “Johnny B. Goode”, “You Never Can Tell” and “Run Rudolph Run” it will make you dizzy. However, I have listened to them “all” and have been very selective of the ones I decided to include in this Berry covers survey. There’s a limit of what to use. The artist/group should have a decent collection of music or albums. The sound quality must be up to a certain standard, which sometimes it’s not, and the performance must also be up to standard.

NIC ARMSTRONG (& The Thieves) (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1047 for biographical info.
However, I didn’t know the whole story back then. He started as just Nic Armstrong and the album below is first of all just him on most instruments. However, in 2005 when the album below was reissued under the moniker Nic Armstrong & The Thieves, it was to illustrate that he had a full band sound on stage. And I didn’t know about the EP from 2004.

I Want To Be Your Driver (2:14) 2004

45 / CD: Broken Mouth Blues EP [One Little Indian Records 397TP7 (CD)] ● UK, 2004

4 tracks. Except for the Berry cover the three others were written by Armstrong.

CD Enhanced: The Greatest White Liar [One Little Indian Records TPLP-347 CDX] ● UK, 2005

Recorded at Toe Rag Studios, London. Produced by Liam Watson.
Now this album came in different packages. The first original album was by Nic Armstrong only. The same goes for the EP. The enhanced album above is a reissue by Nic Armstrong & The Thieves containing a bonus track (the Berry one) and two MPEG videos. The thing is that the US promo album from 2004 included this Berry track but it was left out of the various 2004 releases in Europe, USA and Australia. Strange.

PIERRE ARNAUD (Spain)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Barcelona. He usually sings in Spanish or French and has a repertoire of Chanson Française, Gypsy Jazz, blues, jazz and folk. Here’s what he has to say on bandcamp about the album below:
“This is a special album I've been recording with great musicians, usual gypsy jazz and jazz players located in Barcelona, but most of all good friends of mine”. No names unfortunately, but they sure can play.

You Never Can Tell (4:22) 2017

Digital album: Pierre Arnaud & Los Mercenarios De La Barbacoa [Self released ] ● Spain, 2017

Released 12 December 2017. You probably have not heard this classic performed quite like this before? His English pronunciation is far from the best, but that’s not the main point here, it’s the music and musicians who are playing. Go to Bandcamp and listen.

ROCKIN’ RAFFI ARTO (France)

From Paris. Singer, pianoplayer. At the time of recording this album below he was only 12 years old (!) He’s into rhythm & blues, boogie woogie, rockabilly, rock’n’roll and pop. Pretty versatile musician at such a young age!

You Never Can Tell (4:23) 2013

CD: Introducing Rockin’ Raffi Arto [Swingin’ Records SRCD-719] ● France, 2013

His playing is far from Johnnie’s. He opens by just playing the melody in a soft way and then starts singing and rockin’. After 3 minutes he stops, pauses, and then plays the song as an instrumental for almost one and a half minute. Pretty unusual but works very well !!!

BALLISTIC CATS (USA)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly band from California. Matthew White (guitar, backing vocals), Lissy Abraham (lead vocals, bass), Christopher White (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). They have released three full length albums and the EP below.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:17) 2011

Digital EP: Ballistic Cats [BC Self-released ] ● USA, 2011

Released 3 May 2011. I like this in more than one way. First there’s Lissy who’s singing and second they have arranged it a little different from many others. The bass and guitar have a driving sound. Listen on Bandcamp and you’ll see what I mean.

BANG! (Spain)

With such a name you expect a heavy band, but no. It’s a rock’n’roll trio from Murcia, who mostly do covers of ‘50s to’70s rock’n’roll songs.

You Never Can Tell (3:08) 2014

Digital: Dance & Roll [Self-released ] ● Spain, 2014

A little boogie arrangement. They also do a version of “Route 66” in the Stones/Berry way but still do their own interpretation.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:17) 2023
Roll Over Beethoven (3:27) 2023

CD: Rock’N’Roll Shots [Good Old Music no cat no] ● Spain, 2023

Good versions in their own arrangements. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”.

DAVID BECK’S TEJANO WEEKEND (USA)

Cajun country. Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Marcos, Texas. Musicians on the track below: David Beck (vocals, bass), Tony Browne (guitar), Peter Huysman (keyboards, vocals), Joel Guzman (accordion), Dees Stribling (drums, percussion).

Memphis, Tennessee (2:47) 2019

Digital: Vol. 1 [Self-released ] ● USA, 2019

Recorded by David Beck at the Woodshed Studios. Released September 2019. They have also released a Vol. 2.

CAMERON HONS (Australia)

Indipendent rock musician, singer, songwriter, film-maker, actually a multi-instrumentalist from Sidney. He’s been playing and producing music since 2004. If you check out Bandcamp you will find many albums by him. He also has a merchandise site for CDs, DVDs, T-shirts and more.

Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 2022
Roll Over Beethoven (2:28) 2022

Digital: In My Spare Time [Self-released ] ● Australia, 2022

8 covers like “Sweet Home Chicago”, “Peter Gunn”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Green Onions” and others. The two Berry numbers must be characterized as punk-rock. Pretty noisy.

NELSON CARRERA (Portugal)

See DIXIE BOYS

CRACKED COOKIES (France)

Three ladies from Strasbourg who started out in 2016 and perform various styles of music their own way. Jitka Sterbakova (Jessika), Maria Dubus (Claude), Marie Ruby (Ruby). Sometime they remind me of the Andrew Sisters. They sing in pretty harmonies and play guitars, bass, drums, piano, and put on a spectacular show when they perform live.

You Never Can Tell (2:46) 2018

Digital EP: The Cracked Cookies [Self-released ] ● France, 2018

Released 19 October 2018. Very unusual rendition. Go to Bandcamp and listen. You can also check them out on YouTube to get an idea of their performance skills.

MALCOLM CROSS (USA)

Singer, guitarist from Los Angeles, California. He also plays percussion and vibraphone. He has 4 albums on Bandcamp. Bossa Nova (2018), Old time blues (2012) and Beethoven (2010). Pretty versatile fellow. Here’s what he has to say about the EP below:
“Chuck Berry, the Guv'nor. The Beatles and the Stones loved his music; The Beach Boys blatantly stole it - every Rock & Roll guitarist since owes him some kind of debt. So, for my latest guitar student project immersing myself in his deep catalog of songs was a no-brainer; I picked 3 of my faves for this collection and played/recorded all the instrument parts. All Hail Charles Edward Anderson Berry!! ”

I Want To Be Your Driver (2:16) 2013
Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2013
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:14) 2013

Digital EP: Mal Plays Chuck [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013

Released 13 July 2013. Not bad for a young guy to play and release a tribute to the Master in 2013. And he’s got what it takes to get the music right ! Listen on Bandcamp.

DIEGO DANGER (USA)

Rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. Adam Smith (vocals, guitar, drums), Adam Audieheim (keyboards, percussion), Ryan Audieheim (bass) are playing on the album below. However, they are not just a trio, sometimes expanded to both quartet and quintet. They have 12 albums on Bandcamp.

Run Rudolph Run (2:57) 2020

Digital album: Happy Holidaze [Past World Records Self-released] ● USA, 2020

Released 20 December, 2020. They have slowed the tempo down a bit which actually makes it more groovie.

DIXIE BOYS (Portugal)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly quartet. Formed 1994 in Oporto, very influenced by the ‘50s musical icons.

Thirty Days (2:50) 2011 as Nelson Carrera & The Dixie Boys

CD: Boogeyman Boogie [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-059] ● Portugal, 2011

Nelson Carrera is a singer, songwriter, guitarist. It’s okay but drags a little.

Johnny B. Goode (3:25) 2013

CD: 50’s Special [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-138] ● Portugal, 2013

They have a goode sound here but the singer’s English pronunciation is not the best.

DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Nashville, Tennessee. His band: Nathan Aronowitz (keyboards, vocals), Will McGee (bass, vocals), Noah Miller (drums, percussion). In 2022 they played over 200 shows!!!
His Bandcamp site is actually filled with various live concerts, you’ll be amazed. It seems he’s recorded everything and everytime. And you will find his music on all the sites, like Spotify. Amazon, Apple, iTunes, YouTube and you name it.

Johnny B. Goode (4:46) 2023 (live)

Digital: 10/15/2023 Pittsburg, PA – Club Café [Self-released ] ● USA, 2023

Released 30 October 2023. Rock version with a little country flavour, but they could have skipped the organ.

SAM EMPASIS (USA)

Bay area (California) folk punk artist.

Johnny B, Goode (2:36) 2022

CD: The Kidd Returns [Shallow Dive Records SDR-016] ● USA, 2022

Recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Rip Florence at SubRosa in Santa Cruz, California. Now this is bizarre. You hear a guitar, harmonica and a voice singtalking the lyrics.

42 DECIBEL (Argentina)

Rock band from Buenos Aires. Junior Figueroa (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bob (rhythm & slide guitar), Matt Fraga (bass), Nicko Cambiasso (drums). There are CD albums on Discogs and digitals on Bandcamp.

Johnny B. Goode (4:44) 2015 (live)

CD & Digital: Rude, Live And Fast [42D Self-released ] ● Argentina, 2016

Released 1 January 2016. Recorded at The Roxy Live in Buenos Aires on 13 November 2015. Only sold at their gigs.
In case of need you can also watch the complete show at YouTube.

GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTRA (USA)

Bandleader from New York City. He’s been around for more than three decades. Has released several albums in the jazz field.

Run Rudolph Run (4:35) 1995

Digital single: Run Rudolph Run [Self-released ] ● USA, 1996

Released 1 January 1996. Yes, it swings! Unissued holiday favorite featuring vocals by guest guitarist Nick Palumbo.

GRAN THIEF (USA)

Five piece stringband group from Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick Mulroy (vocals, guitar), Tom Farrell (resonator guitar, vocals), Zach Meyer (mandolin, vocals), Alex Barstow (5-string violin, vocals), Mike Harmon (bass, percussion, vocals).

You Never Can Tell (4:31) 2019 (live)

Digital album: Bake Sale! [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2021

Released 1 October 2021. Sounds okay but the studio version below is a little better. 18 tracks recorded live by festival archivist Ray Potter at the 2019 Podunk Bluegrass Festival. Mixing by Mark Fitzgerald and Todd Hitchinson of Rosewood Sound. This record is available exclusively through Bandcamp and the band's own website.

You Never Can Tell (4:07) 2022

Digital album: Ain’t Hangover Yet [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2022

Very country influenced and without any drums, still a good version.

GUITAR MAC & HIS BLUES EXPRESS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Sacramento, California. He has over 20 albums available on Bandcamp. I actually met this guy in 1984 in San Francisco and saw him play. He’s a real good blues performer as you’ll see if you check out his catalog. And a very humble and nice guy.

Johnny B. Goode (4:17) 1982 (live)

CD/Digital album: Keymaster @ Work / California State Fair [Mac Sound ] ● USA, 2021

A goode version with much energy.

DOMINIC HALPIN & The Honey B’s (UK)

Pop/rock/country singer, songwriter from Manchester. On his own site he has 13 albums for downloading and on Bandcamp, iTunes or Spotify.

You Never Can Tell (3:01) 2016

Digital album: Slick [Self-released ] ● UK, 2016

Released July 2016. Pretty standard rendition but with saxophone instead of piano.

HAND OF DOOM (Germany)

Heavy rock group from Bad Hersfeld.

Johnny B. Goode (3:08) 1979

2-CD: Poisenoise [Shadow Kingdom Records SKR-014DCD] ● USA, 2009
2-LP: Poisenoise [High Roller Records HRR-075] ● Germany, 2009

Reissue of the single original album from 1979 with extra tracks, including the Berry number.

HIDEAWAYS (USA)

Blues-rock band from East Northport, New York. Chris James (vocals, guitar, organ), Scotty McCiche (harp, vocals), Sean O’Neill (bass), and the late ‘Boom Boom’ Johnson (drums).

Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 2006

CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.1 [Mind Smoke Records MSR#600] ● USA, 2020

Hey, this is pretty good guys!

You Can’t Catch Me (4:01) 2006

CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.2 [Mind Smoke Records ] ● USA, 2021

Also quite good!

HITTILS (Sweden)

Pop and rock group from Blekinge. They seem to be a quartet but could expand to more members.

Come On ( : ) 1996

Live On The Radio [Headphone Records HRCD-1963] ● Sweden, 1996

GUIDO HORCKMANS (Belgium)

Actor and singer, born 1942 in Mechelen, died 2015 in Hulst, Netherlands. To many people he’s probably best known for his character as Pastor Walter in the Flemish soap “Familie”.

Johnny B. Goode (1:58) 1998

CD: Graceful [Rainbow R.10107] ● Belgium, 1998

This a tribute album to Elvis. Just so you know. But playing and singing Johnny B. in under 2 minutes is wrong. Either you skip a verse or two or you are playing it too fast.

HOTFOOT GALE (UK)

Rock’n’roll revival quartet, Mike Gale (vocals, piano), Mick Mannion (guitar, vocals), Tony Warren (bass, vocals, lead vocals on Johnny B), Paul Fox (drums, vocals).

Little Queenie ( : ) 1975?

LP: Hotfoot Gale [Box Records BOX-2] ● UK, 1975?

Johnny B. Goode (2:56) 1977

LP: Grease Lightnin’ [Castle Records CALP-032] ● UK, 1977

I feel they are playing it a little too fast and becomes fussy.

DIANE HUBKA & The Sun Canyon Band (USA)

Jazz singer from Los Angeles. So far she’s released some 6 jazz oriented albums.
To quote a little from her web-site regarding the album below: What happens when a world class jazz singer returns to her Appalachian folk roots then meets up with a veteran blues/rock guitarist, who is also a gifted singer-songwriter? L.A. based Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band brings new life to a wide variety of celebrated genres, from Texas swing to delta blues, from lilting ballads to heartland country rock.

You Never Can Tell (3:46) 2023

CD: You Never Can Tell [Self-released no cat no + digital download] ● USA, 2023

Very good and slower in a waltz arrangement, you also get the feeling of cha-cha rhythm. Featuring Albert Lee on guitar.

TRACY HUANG (Taiwan)

Pop singer, born 1951 in Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County. She must be popular because of all the albums released.

You Never Can Tell (Ce’st La Vie) (3:18) 1981

LP: Tracy Goes Country [EMI EMGS-5054] ● Singapore, 1981

This sounds exactly like the Emmylou Harris version (!)

KIKE JAMBALAYA (Spain)

José Enrique Pulido Losa, born 1966 in Madrid. Singer, songwriter, pianist in the rock’n’roll, boogie woogie genre, Jerry Lee style.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:58) 2017

CD: Rock ‘N’ Roll, Brother! [Snap!! Records FUNCD-037] ● Spain, 2017

DAWSON JAMES (USA)

Country singer, guitarist from Sedalia, Colorado.

Johnny B. Goode (3:22) 2011

CD: Plaid Shirt Livin’ [Double Dice Records DDR-004] ● USA, 2011

Recorded at Side 3 Studios in Denver, Colorado. Produced by Dawson James. Nothing new under the sun…

JD & DYNAMITE (UK)

Rockabilly trio.

Promised Land (3:28) 2018

CD: JD & Dynamite [Foot Tapping Records FT-179] ● UK, 2018

Okay rockin’ version with a little country feeling.

JIMMY JEMAIN - THE RAPIERS (UK)

Pop/rock quintet: Jimmy Jemain (vocals), Colin Pryce-Jones (lead guitar), Neal Ainsby (rhythm guitar), Nathan J. Hulse (bass), John Tuck (drums). The four musicians = The Rapiers from London, who themselves have albums and several EPs/singles out since the mid ‘80s.

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2014

CD: A Tribute To Cliff Richard And The Shadows [InBeat Records IB-1401 CD] ● UK, 2014

Just for the record, I haven’t heard this but I assume it sounds like Cliff’s.

JERRY And JO’ANNE (Canada)

Jerry Robitaille and Jo’Anne Moreault. Country duo from Lennoxville, Québec. Their first album came in 1971. They sing in both English and French.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1972

LP: Down Home [London Records EBX.4171] ● Canada, 1972

With the Cajun Country Gentlemen Orchestra.

JETT PUPPY (Canada)

Rock’n’roll group from Toronto. Edward Greer (vocals, guitar), Brent Welbourn (guitar, vocals), Jon McSpadden (piano, vocals), Miss Mary (bass, vocals), Fraser Kolvasky (drums, vocals).

Almost Grown (2:12) 2023

Digital: Almost Live [EP 1] ● Canada, 2023

Recorded at York University. 7 tracks including bonus. Released August 2023.

JOHN THE REVELATOR (Netherlands)

Blues rock band, formed in 1968 by Tom Huissen.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:24) 1998

CD: Seven (Blue) Seas [Tamalone Records 281198] ● Netherlands, 1999

Unusual version.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

When you read about the New Berry Covers you will probably have noticed that I now often refer to a site called Bandcamp. Here thousands of musicians, artists and groups can display their music for downloading/buying. You can listen to everything in its entirely. I have used this a lot lately to find new Berry covers for the blog. Of course I have to be selective of what to include. Not everything is up to standard and some might not have the best quality to be in our survey.

There’s a punk-rock band called Dogs from Michigan, USA who in 2012 recorded a tune titled “You Can’t Catch Me” (CD: Hypersensitive Detroit Records PX-1084) which is NOT the Berry song.

I found a hip-hop band on Bandcamp that called themselves Johnny B. Goode. They released songs in 2015 and an album in 2016. But nothing to do with Berry’s music (!)

AND there’s a band from Colombia who in 2020 called themselves Johnny B. Goode Band. But again the music has nothing to do with Berry’s.

ANTHONY ARYA (USA)

Rock singer, songwriter, guitarist from Santa Cruz, California. He has several albums (many live) on Bandcamp. The band on the album below featuring: Arya (vocals, guitar), Kylan DeGhetaldi (piano), Everett Moody (saxophone), Mike Meagher (bass), Ezra Hapner (drums), and Liv Johansen (guest vocals). Arya is a very popular artist in the Bay area with several concert dates during Spring 2024. He has also a physical CD store for some of his albums.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2019 (live)

Digital: Home For The Holidays [AA Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released November 2020. Produced and mixed by Kenny Schick. The following info is from his Bandcamp site:
This 22-song album is a collection of holiday tunes recorded live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA on December 7, 2019. From Elvis to Chuck Berry to Nat King Cole, Anthony and his full band bring you the standards, the rockers, and new arrangements to classics.

BLACK CATS NYC (USA)

Hard rock band from New York City. Andrew Giordano (vocals, rhythm guitar), Fransesco D’Ambrosio (lead guitar, backing vocals), Stan Esposito II (bass, backing vocals), Jason Reddish (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2021

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [BTB International Records BTB-5001] ● USA, 2021

Released early December 2021. This is written on their Bandcamp website: “Run Rudolph Run” is the ultimate rock n' roll Christmas song and Chuck Berry is the ultimate rock n' roll performer! This song has it all; Santa, Rudolph, electric guitars, baby dolls, sabrejets, and of course that ol' Chuck Berry smile and flair.

MARC BOLAN & T. REX (UK)

See Volume 4, page 1909 under T. Rex for biographical info.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (4:13) 1977 (live)

CD: Need TV (Vol.4) – The Supersonic Years [Bolan Boogie TVCD-7577] ● UK, 1990

TV performance 29 March 1977. Musically nothing to brag about. All tracks digitally remastered.

CANVAS (USA)

Producer, DJ, musician, artist from Chicago, Illinois. He has several entries on his Bandcamp site.

Run Rudolph Run (2:24) 2023

Digital: Trappy Xmas [Self released ] ● USA, 2023

Released December 2023. The reason for including this is the hip-hop arrangement, which is a rare treat for a Berry cover.

CHEECK (USA)

Rock trio: Clark Cothern, Erik Hanson, Emmett Kane from Chicago, Illinois.

Run Rudolph Run (3:51) 2020

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released December 2020. Almost 4 minutes with Rudolph is well worth to include. And the sleigh-ride is rockin’ real goode. Recorded and produced by the three guys.

COBRAS (UK)

Beat group: Ian Gane (vocals, guitar), Paul Mitchell (lead guitar), Peter Relton (bass, vocals), John Williams (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (2:37) 1964 (live)
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (1:42) 1963
Too Much Monkey Business (2:37) 1965
(Chuck) Berried (2:44) 1975 (instr) Tribute

CD: The Striking Sound Of The Cobras [Bristol Archive Records ARC-330] ● UK, 2018

This is a compilation album probably of unissued tracks. It’s printed that “Memphis” was recorded in 1962 but that’s wrong as it is clearly based on the Lonnie Mack hit version from 1963. “(Chuck) Berried” is a tribute written by guitarist Paul Mitchell and it sounds like Berry’s Guitar Boogie. There was a Paul Mitchell who was a member of the UK band The Midnights who had one single out on Ember in the mid ‘60s.

BILLIE DRE & THE POOR BOYS (Canada)

Rock trio from Toronto, Ontario. William Dray, Dylan Ryan, Corey Henderson.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2012

Digital: Merry Christmas from… [Self released ] ● USA, 2012

Released December 2012. The guys have this to say on Bandcamp: A song about the raddest reindeer there is. With deepest respect to the original rock and roller Chuck Berry.

FIVE AMERICANS (USA)

Rock/pop band who resided in Dallas, Texas. They had some hits in the ‘60s especially “Western Union” which was a Top Five in 1967.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:21) 1965

CD: Early Americans [BeatRocket BR-143] ● USA, 2006

Previously unissued. Compilation album.

DAN FORAL And The Drifters (USA)

Country singer, guitarist, raised in Columbus, Nebraska.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1971

LP: Dan Foral And The Drifters [Rene Records R-1122] ● USA, 1971

FOUR VEGAS (Italy)

They are not four but five (!). A rock’n’roll group. Looking at their site they seem to be a live band.

You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2008 (live)?

CD: Viva Four Vegas [Entusiasmo Prod. ENT-1001] ● Italy, 2008

A good selection of covers from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”.

FRANKIE & JIMMY (Canada)

Blues-rock. Franc Adamczyk (vocals, guitar) and Jim Fitzgerald (vocals, harmonica). Or as the album cover proclaims: Frankie (slide guitar, porchboard bass, tambourine, background hollering), Jimmy (harmonica, lead hollering, whistling).

Let It Rock (2:29) 2012

LP: Scream The Blues [JJ (self released) 22205 4 1] ● Canada, 2014

Album recorded in 2012 and 2013. A very noisy version, and fast with much harmonica playing by Jimmy.

FRIEL BROTHERS (USA)

A brother duo from Virginia, Skip and Randy Friel, who blend various style of music, folk, country, blues, gospel, rock and jazz.

Run Rudolph Run [as “Run Rudolf Run”] (2:47) 2008

CD: Evergreen Christmas [New Moon Music CD-60831 2 7] ● USA, 2008

The family is probably of German origin since they used Rudolf(?)

CARLINHOS BORBA GATO (Brazil)

Carlos Alberto Borba. Singer, songwriter, musician, producer.

You Never Can Tell (2:43) 2004

CD: Acústico Country [Atração Fonográfica ATR-11258] ● Brazil, 2004

Okay acoustic version, but his English pronunciation is not the best, unfortunately.

GEORGIA PROPHETS (USA)

Rock/soul/funk group from North Carolina. On the album below they are: Billy Scott, Barbara Scott, Tommy Witcher, Bruce Dees, Warren Cowers, Andy Jordan and Tony Pittman.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) 1971

LP: Fever [Custom 8 Stereo CRC-77] ● USA, 1971

A good rockin’ version with solid guitar work and bass.

GOMMARD (France)

Rock quintet based in Monstreuil.

Havana Moon (4:05) 2016 (live)

CD: Live In MonStreuil [Self released ] ● France, 2016

Recorded live at L’Armony, music bar in Montreuil, 22 January 2016. Released in September 2016.

LP: Live In MonStreuil [Mauvaise Foi Records MFR] ● France, 2016

Advance release with silk-screened sleeves, 2 series : one of 100 copies, numbered, second one of 50, numbered, otherwise identical.

ANDREW GOLD (USA)

Andrew Maurice Gold, singer, songwriter. Born 1951 in Burbank, California, died 2011 in Los Angeles. His first single and album came in 1975. During his lifetime he had at least 11 albums and several singles to his credit.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:32) 1978

CD: The Late Show – Live 1978 [Omnivore Records OVCD-128] ● USA, 2015

Recorded live 22 april at the final show of the 1978 U.S. tour at the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood. However, in the liner notes regarding this track it is written: Only hardcore Beatles fans reach this far back. Excuse me?

GRANTS (UK)

Dominic Grant (singer, actor) & Julie Forsyth (singer), members of the ‘70s group Guys ‘N’ Dolls. Formed a country duo in 1986. They have released many albums and a whole lotta singles. Julie is the daughter of actor Bruce Forsyth. Dominic died in 2020, 71 years of age.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:23) 1998

CD: Let’s Dance [Dino Music DNCD-1601) ● Netherlands, 1998

JOHNNY GREEN’S BLUES COWBOYS (Australia)

Singer and guitarist. Johnny Green's Blues Cowboys performed together for 10 years before they made their first album in 1999. They do blues, rock’n’roll and rockabilly.

Maybellene (2:33) 1999

CD: At Last [Angelwood Records ANG-0198 CD] ● Australia, 1999

GRINDERS (USA)

Punk-rock trio from Rochester, New York. Todd Dentico (vocals, guitar), John Chajka (bass), Ed Lynd (drums).

Beautiful Delilah (2:10) 2004

CD: Where The Wild Things Are [Garage Pop Records GP-21] ● USA, 2004

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009

CD: A Grinder Xmas [Garage Pop Records GP-30] ● USA, 2009

Here they are supported by a guest vocalist, Kevin Wilcox.

RICHARD GROSSER (Australia)

Multi-talented musician from Sydney. He’s very versatile in music and has recorded many songs from various styles as you will notice if you go to his Bandcamp site. Pretty amazing.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2022 (instr)

Digital single: Roll Over Beethoven ● Australia, 2022

When you portrait Chuck’s original Chess label on your Bandcamp site, it’s just right that you are gonna be included here. Released March 2022. Richard on all instruments and effects, My electro instrumental version of Roll Over Beethoven.

LIAM GRUNDY (UK)

Rock’n’roll singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in London.

Back In The USA (2:38) 2000s (live)

CD: Houston [Hot Tomale Recordings HOTTOM-02] ● UK, 2015

Part of the album was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis, and the Tomale Studio in London. The Berry track was recorded live in Finland with The Avengers Big Roll Band, here Liam also plays the piano.

GUITAR SLINGERS (Ireland)

Psychobilly band from Dublin.

You Can’t Catch Me (2:41) 2010

CD: Six String Bandit [Diablo Records no cat no] ● UK, 2010

No comments. Recorded and mixed at Diablo Studios.

GUNSHOT (France)

Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly quartet, featuring singer Yannick Dimont. If you go to Bandcamp and search for Gunshot you also get albums by Yannick Dimont and Poulpe Again, featuring several Berry covers. Check them out, however, I think the “best” ones are below.

Promised Land (3:55) 2002

CD: On S’en Mord … Les Dents! [Gunshot GUN-001] ● France, 2002

You get the feeling he’s listened mostly to the Elvis version, however, this runs a little slower.

Maybellene (1:29) 2002
Thirty Days (3:15) 2002

CD: Énervés Par la Colère [Gunshot GUN-002] ● France, 2002

I don’t say I like them but they are surely different.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2003

CD: Je Danse … Donc Je Suis! [Gunshot GUN-003] ● France, 2003

This is quite different from most others you have heard. Give it a listen on Bandcamp.

You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2004

CD: T’as Country Le Coup? [Gunshot GUN-004] ● France, 2004

Don’t know what to think? It sounds like there’s a wild wedding ceremony going on and much more throughout the song. The timing says 5:18, but after a little over 4:20 there’s only shouting and screaming. Excuse me, but who got this crazy idea?
Giving them justice there’s also another short version on the album “In The Beginning” at 1:45 which sounds normal.
To give you an idea of the influence Berry had on the band here’s all the Berry covers online of the “In The Beginning” album: Brown Eyed Handsome Man / Maybellene / Nadine / Promised Land / Sweet Little Sixteen / Thirty Days / You Never Can Tell. The album is a mix of home and live recordings from around 1998.

HADDRELL & HAVES BAND (UK)

Featuring Bob Haddrell (keyboards, vocals), Geoff Haves (vocals, guitars), Dave Jones (upright bass), Graham Walker (drums ).

It’s My Own Business (2:53) 2018
Wee Wee Hours (3:13) 2018

Digital: Haddrell & Haves Band [Self released ] ● UK, 2018

Released September 2018. 10 blues tracks. Both Berry covers have a boogie beat. Especially for “Wee Wee Hours” which is an unusual treat. Pretty cool arrangements. You can listen at Bandcamp.

HAMILTON LOOMIS (USA)

Rock/blues/soul singer and multi-instrumentalist. Born 1975 In Galveston, Texas. I have found 10 albums by him going back to 1994 and up to the one below, all out on Ham-Bone Records.

Run Rudolph Run (3:58) 2019

CD: This Season [Ham-Bone Records HBR-30686 1] ● USA, 2019

Solid groovie rock version.

CHARLIE HARPER (UK)

David Charles Perez born 1944. Singer and harmonica player. He’s also been involved as a vocalist in the U.K. Subs.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (1:57) 1981 (live)

LP: Stolen Property [Flicknife Records SHARP-100] ● UK, 1981

Recorded at Club 29 Clapham, September 1981.

See also U.K. Subs

NICKY HARRIS (USA)

Singer, songwriter. I’ve found 5 albums by him but not so much about the man himself.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:36) 2015 (live)

CD: Live On Stage [NH self released CD-53660 5 2] ● USA, 2015

I’m getting tired of all these Johnny Rivers’ copyists. Why cover a cover? I have never understood it. This one sounds almost like Rivers, I had to look carefully that I was not mistaken. Why bother?

HEAD CAT (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1239 for biographical info. However, a couple of things. According to the CD sleeve the album mentioned on that page was recorded at Sage And Sound Studios, Hollywood, California, which means that the track was not live.
And Lemmy Kilmister died in 2015 and was replaced by David Vincent in 2017.

Back In The USA (2:32) 2004 (live)
Bye Bye Johnny (2:50) 2004 (live)
I’m Talking About You (2:40) 2004 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:10) 2004 (live)

LP: Rockin’ At The Cat Club [Rock-A-Billy Records CCR-0105] ● USA, 2006

Recorded live on Tuesday 13 January 2004. The vinyl album was pressed in only 322 copies. Also released on DVD.

LP & CD: Rock’n’Roll Riot On The Sunset Strip [Cleopatra CLO-0311] ● USA, 2016

Reissue of the 2006 album.

Let It Rock (2:18) 2008 (live)

LP: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706LPX] ● Worldwide, 2022

Record store day, limited edition, picture disc.

CD: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706CD] ● Germany, 2023

Recorded live 1 February 2008 at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, California.

Let It Rock (2:24) 2011 (live)

LP & CD: Live In Berlin [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-707DLP (CD)] ● Germany, 2023

Recorded live 11 October 2011 at Huxley's, Berlin, Germany. Red LP vinyl.

MIKE HEFFLEY (USA)

Singer, songwriter, trombonist, journalist, author, arts administrator, and much more (!) He’s released several albums in various styles and contents.

No Money Down (4:24) 2022

Digital: Midlife Christmas [Self released] ● USA, 2022

It’s a very bluesy rendition with Mike and his ac.guitar. But on a Xmas album? – “When I was out walkin’ one Christmas day…” You never know where to find them, that’s for sure. You can listen to it at Bandcamp.

ANITA HIRVONEN (Finland)

Pop singer Anita Ritta Helena Lindgren, born 1946. She’s released many albums since 1976, however, her first single came out in 1966 on Philips.

You Never Can Tell (3:18) 2008

CD: Hei Mambo [Woodoodo Tuotanto W-003] ● Finland, 2008

U.K. SUBS (UK)

Punk-rock quartet from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and has released sooo many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990

LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones.

See also CHARLIE HARPER

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few a digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

BELAIRES (USA)

Blues-rock trio from Columbia, Missouri, formed in 1981. David Pruitt, Dick Pruitt and Michael Cherry.

Nadine ( : ) 1991

CD: Dangerous Curves [Borrowed Records BORO CD-01] ● USA, 1991

I’ve seen a You Tube clip of the band performing this Berry classic, clocking in at (4:19).

MIKE BLOCK (USA)

Singer, songwriter, cellist from Boston, Massachusetts. Grammy-Award winning musician. It’s the first cellist entry we have here in this Berry Cover survey. Hail! Hail!

Johnny B. Goode (2:53) 2018

Digital: Final Night At Camp [Bright Shiny Things BSTD-0125] ● USA, 2018

Recorded al Dimension Sound Studios in Jamaica Plain, MA. Released June 2018. You can listen and watch the performance at Bandcamp. The album above is a deluxe edition with three bonus tracks.

Roll Over Beethoven (5:14) 2019

Digital: Walls Of Time [Self released] ● USA, 2019

Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, Jamaica Plain, MA. Released November 2019. When a guy plays a cello and records “Roll Over Beethoven” for over 5 minutes, you are guaranteed a place in this survey. Really excellent performance. Listen to this at Bandcamp !!!

CHAR-MAN (USA)

Punk band (quartet) from Ojai, California, formed 2003.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:53) 2005

CD: Char-Man [self released] ● USA, 2005

Released October 2005.

LP: Char-Man [Music Sucks Records MSR-001] ● USA, 2016

STEPHEN R. CHENEY (Australia)

Country and folk singer, guitarist.

Johnny B. Goode (1:56) 2012

CD: Hound Doggin’ [self released CDGSL-30009] ● USA, 2012

20 rock’n’roll covers, several from Elvis. As I have said before, when you record a popular song that’s over 30 seconds shorter than the original, something is missing along the way.

CHRISTOFF (Belgium)

Christoff de Bolle. He’s regarded as a pop/schlager singer. Born 1976 in Ninove. Has released a lot of singles and albums since the early ‘90s.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:50) 2013 feat. Robby Longo

CD: Christoff & Vrienden 2 [ARS 06 0253 74060 6 7] Belgium, 2013

The first and last verse are sung in Dutch and the rest in English (!)

See also ROBBY LONGO

COAD SISTERS (Australia)

A multi-talented folk and country duo, sisters Virginia and Lynette Coad. Started out in the late ‘80s. However, they have also performed as a trio with brother Peter Coad, and being members of the Runaway Dixie group.

Johnny B. Goode (3:26) 1998

CD: Talk Of The Town [Coad Sisters COA-900723] ● Australia, 1998

A slower version with the harmonica being the prominent instrument. Virginia plays keyboards, fiddle, steel guitar, lead and rhythm guitars, mandolin and piano. Lynette plays banjo, harmonica, bass and drums. In addition to doing harmony vocals together with brother Peter. And of course they both sing. Produced and arranged by the sisters. I really like this one.

CORNET CHOP SUEY (USA)

Jazz Band from Florissant, Missouri. Vocals by Brian Casserly. The band has been around since the late ‘90s and they usually play jazz tunes.

Johnny B. Goode (4:00) 2018 (live)

CD: Ten [CCS (self released) 58150 2] ● USA, 2018

“Johnny B. Goode” the Dixieland way. Interesting concept of songs, as you get tunes from the likes of Fats Waller, Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington, Elmore James a.o.
I have seen a couple of versions of this Berry classic done live by the Cornet Chop Suey (You Tube) and it’s quite different than others. This is a proper CD release.

BILLY COWSILL (USA/Canada)

William Joseph Cowsill Jr. Singer, songwriter, guitar player. Born 1948 in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA, died 2006 in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Lead singer of the ‘60s hit group The Cowsills. He moved to Calgary Alberta in the mid ‘70s.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:22) 1985 (live)

LP: Live From The Crystal Ballroom, Calgary AB, July 1985 [Indelible Music Inc. NIRC-0007] ● Canada, 2004

Recorded live 5 July 1985. Cowsill and his band was warming up for k d lang in the Crystal Ballroom at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary Alberta.

See also Co-Dependents on this blog and on page 1131 in Vol.3.

CRAZY CRACKERS (Germany)

Seven piece rock’n’roll band. In addition to the three albums below they have also released an Elvis tribute album (2002).

Maybellene [as “Maybelline”] ( : ) 1996

CD: Last Walk [Foresttown Recordings ABCD-73007] ● Germany, 1997

Again a bunch of covers, 18 to be exact, from the likes of Elvis (several), Little Richard, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, John Denver and even Bob Seger.

Promised Land ( : ) 2010

CD: Lock, Stock & Barrel [CR (self released) 1000102] ● Germany, 2010

Several Elvis related songs and other rock’n’roll/country tracks.

Too Much Monkey Business (2:56) 2015

CD: Twenty5 [CR (self released)] ● Germany, 2015

There are 15 tracks on the album.

CHARLIE CUCCIA (USA)

Singer and guitarist from New Orleans.

Nadine (5:02) 2005

CD: Cuccia [Sound Of New Orleans SONO-1066] ● USA, 2005

Soul arrangement and therefore a little different. Pretty cool !

PÉ DAALEMMER & ROIE RINUS (Netherlands)

Musical comedy duo from Groningen. Peter de Haan and Frank Den Hollander.

Maybellene [as ”Baukelien”] (2:50) 1982 (live)

LP: Op Verziede In Waskemeer! [Telstar TAR-19002] ● Netherlands, 1982
CD: Op Verziede In Waskemeer! [Telstar TCD-10128 2] ● Netherlands, 1992

Johnny B. Goode [as ”Jelle (Gaat Lekker)”] (2:16) 1982 (live)

CD: Op Verziede In Waskemeer! [Telstar TCD-10128 2] ● Netherlands, 1992

Both songs recorded live in the little village of Waskemeer.
When this album was reissued again in 2010, Maybellene was not included.

DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS (USA)

Singer and pianoplayer Davina Sowers and 4 guys on trumpet, trombone, bass and drums. Formed in 2006 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Back To Memphis (3:02) 2008 (live)

2-CD: Live @ The Times [Self released ] ● USA, 2009

Recorded live at The Times Bar and Cafe 6 and 7 July 2008. Jazzy and bluesy version. Pretty different from Chuck’s.

Run Rudolph Run (2:51) 2020 (live)

CD: A Lovenest Holiday [Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Recorded live during “Holiday At The Hook” show 5 December 2020.

BOBBY DAVIS (New Zealand)

Rock’n’roll singer from Christchurch.

Dear Dad (1:46) 1966

45: Zodiac Records Z45 1247 ● New Zealand, 1966

Apart from Australian band Master’s Apprentices who covered this in 1966, so the above was also an early cover version. Most of the covers came in the ‘90s and 2000s.

CD: Rave Up (Zodiac Heritage Series Vol. 16) [Stebbing Recording Centre ] ● New Zealand, 2017

Have a feeling that the above CD is for downloading only.

FREEK & DE JONGES (Netherlands)

Frederik Jan Georg de Jonge was born in 1944. Singer, songwriter and comedian. First album in the mid ‘70s. Has released numerous since then.

Come On [as “Kom Op”] ( : ) 2017

CD: Koffers [V2 Records Benelux VVNL-32032] ● Netherlands, 2017

DEMOLITION GIRL & THE STRAWBERRY BOYS (Germany)

Punk quintet.

Too Much Monkey Business [as “Too Much Punky Business”] ( : ) 2001

LP: Sexclusive Mastery [Rockin’ Bones RON-047] ● Italy, 2001

“16 S-M Hits For Multi Socialised Kids”.
It seems this album was also available in Germany on a limited edition CD, probably self released. It says it is a medley with Brown Eyed Handsome Man but I haven’t heard it so I can’t verify.

WAYNE DENTON (UK)

Singer, guitarist. He’s done tribute shows to both John Denver and Neil Diamond.

Johnny B. Goode (3:01) 2003

CD: More Beautiful [WDA Ltd. CD-0006T] ● UK, 2003

21 covers of well-known hits during several Decades.

D. C. & THE CRUISERS (Germany)

Rock and roll-rockabilly-rhtyhm & blues quartet.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2003

CD: Never Far From A Bar [DC Records CD-02] ● Germany, 2003

TOMMY DELL (South Africa)

Country singer from Cape Town, born 1942, and is called a country music legend in South Africa. He has 11 gold albums under his belt.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1989

LP: Forever [Select Musiek SELB-119] ● South Africa, 1989

I haven’t heard this, but there’s a live version on You tube which doesn’t catch me at all, running too fast and the standard Rivers/Mack arrangement.

DOLLYROTS (USA)

Pop punk band (trio) from Los Angeles. One lady and two guys. They have released many albums and singles since 2004. Arrested Youth is their own label.

Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2015

Digital single: Run Rudolph Run [Arrested Youth Records ] ● USA, 2015

The “sleeve” proclaims: Living Stereo. (RCA used that expression back in time.)

CD: A Very Dollyrots Christmas [Arrested Youth Records CD-41306 2 3] ● USA, 2015

As the Master once said: Nothing new under the sun. It sounds like a punk-rock version should.

PAT DONOHUE (USA)

Singer, songwriter and one eminent guitar player from Minnesota. He plays, country, jazz, folk and blues. Has released some 14 albums so far. One of the albums is with Mike Dowling who’s already in the Berry covers (page 1167).

Maybellene (2:15) 2016

CD: Blue Yonder [BlueSky Records 77545 2 2] ● USA, 2016

Good acoustic guitar version.

JOHNNY DOUGLAS And HIS ORCHESTRA (USA)

Born 1920 and died in 2003. English composer, pianist, musical director, string arranger for orchestras. He provided music for 36 films. He was also the man behind The Living Strings and Living Guitars albums. It seems he recorded over 80 albums!!! for RCA. How come I have never heard of him before?

Rock And Roll Music (3:06) 1965

LP: Dance Party Discoteque [RCA Camden CAS-883] ● USA, 1965

This is a bit different version in the way that it sounds like an instrumental but half way the singing starts. The vocals are based on the Beatles’ version, in case you wondered(?)

DUKES OF SEPTEMBER (USA)

Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs with a band consisting of seven members and two background vocalists.

You Never Can Tell (3:36) 2014 (Live)

DVD & Blu-ray: Dukes Of September Live [429 Records FTN-17946] ● USA, 2014

You wonder why I have suddenly included a DVD, well it seems like a supergroup to me and it’s always interesting when famous artists/musicians pick a Berry song among so many others to chose from. And the show was transmitted on public TV. Filmed and recorded live at the Philharmonic Hall at the Lincoln Center, New York City. This version is very much like so many others with a horn section.

ELECTRIC SOUL PARADE (USA)

Rock trio from California. Travis Lee Stephenson (vocals, guitar), Josh McClanahan (bass) and Phillip Major-Willis (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (3:52) 2023

Digital single: self-released ● USA, 2023

Recorded and mixed in North Hollywood. Yeah, I know, but recording and releasing this classic as a single in 2023 is pretty special, considering how many versions there are out there! But all credits to the guys for doing a very goode job, so they deserve to be here, I think. And pretty nice “sleeve” they made too.

EXILE (USA)

Country-rock group from Richmond, Kentucky. In the ‘60s they called themselves Exiles. As Exile they were very big on the country charts from 1983-1991. They had 10 #1’s 1984-1988. There’s been some changes in the line-up throughout the years but five of the original members are featured on the album below.

Run Rudolph Run (3:08) 2016

CD: Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas [BFD Records BFD-069] ● USA, 2016

Credited to Chuck Berry. Thank you.

JOHNNY FARNHAM (Australia)

See Volume 3, page 1183 for biographical info.
However, here is a little addition to the already text and also another cover version. As you will see in Vol.3 “Memphis” is already in there but on a different album.
His first single, “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)” was released in 1967 and became the biggest selling single of the ‘60s in Australia. His album “Whispering Jack” from 1986 is said to be the biggest selling album ever by an Australian artist.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1973
Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 1973

LP: Hits Magic & Rock’n Roll [EMI EMC-2502] ● Australia, 1973

CHARLIE FEATHERS (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1184 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:42) 1982 (unreleased demo)

45 EP: Goofin’ Records GREP-240 ● Finland, 2022

Featuring daughter Wanda Feathers. This EP was part of a release by the Finish group Hi-Fly Rangers and their 10” album tribute to Charlie Feathers titled “Go Feathers!” Goofin’ Records GRLP-61028 (2022).

DOUG FERONY (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1186 for biographical info.
I know this is in Vol.3 but if you haven’t listened to it, you just have to. Check it out on You Tube, if you dare?

Run Rudolph Run (2:30) 2002

CD: It’s Christmas [Ferony Enterprizes CD-51005 2 6] ● USA, 2002

All I want for Christmas is a swinging saxophone... And he added a couple of new verses.

FIETSEFREEM (Netherlands)

Rock band (quartet) from Borgharen, Limburg, who started out in 1984. The band dispanded in 1996.

You Never Can Tell [as “Trow Daan Wetste ‘T Wel”] (3:24) 1985

LP: Fietsefreem [Marlstone MARL-98517] ● Netherlands 1985

Rock And Roll Music [as “Dans de Rock en Roll Mét Miech”] (2:36) 1991

LP: Fietsemanie [Marlstone 099107 CD] ● Netherlands, 1991

This is a copy of the Beatles version (!) In 1991?

FIVE STATE DRIVE (Japan)

Ska Punk band from Nagoya.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2020

Various CD: Cheap Covers [No Cigar Records NCRD-0003] ● Japan, 2020

FJELLIS (Sweden)

Jan-Eric Fjellstrõm, born in 1955 and died in 1999. Studio and live guitarplayer who’s actually played with so many Swedish artists throughout the years. Most notably Bjõrn Afzelius, Mikael Wiehe, Peps Persson and Thomas Wie. He was a blues-fan to the bone.

Bye Bye Johnny (3:13) 1990s (live)

Various 2-CD: Till Och Från En Blå Man [Playground Music PGMCD-3] ● Sweden, 1999

Previously unissued. CD-1 is a tribute album to Fjellstrõm by people like Sven Zetterberg, Louise Hoffsten, Ulf Lundell, Mats Ronander, Peps Persson and many others. CD-2 featuring performances by Fjellis himself in the form of 16 unreleased tracks.

FLOORWALKERS (USA)

A rock’n’roll sextet from Columbus, Ohio. They have released several EPs and albums since 2005.

Run Rudolph Run (4:38) 2019

CD EP: All These Things And More! [Hip Like a Belt Records CD-08 8829 59689 3 5] ● USA, 2019

It starts very slow with a prominent piano playing and after 30 seconds starts rockin’ with a solid beat, horn section and saxophone solo. Then at about 2:30 suddenly slows down and at 3:55 starts rockin’ again with great piano playing and keeps rockin’ until the end. A lot of energy and really different. You can also download this 6 track EP.

FOGHAT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1197 for biographical info.

Promised Land (3:14) 2023

CD: Sonic Mojo [Foghat Records FHR-0022] ● USA, 2023

Recorded at Boogie Motel South, Deland, Florida. They have made it a more boogie version which is unusual.

LP: Sonic Mojo [Foghat Records FHR-0023] ● USA, 2023

Purple vinyl, limited edition.

LOCOMOTIONS (Netherlands)

“Shadows” band (quintet) from Gemert, Noord-Brabant who was active in the ‘60s, however, since the ‘90s they have reunited several times and done recordings of new material.

Johnny B. Goode - in a rock’n’roll Medley (5:36) early 2000s (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Reeling And Rocking”] (2:08) early 2000s (live)

CD: Select [HCD Music Prod. HCD-505045] ● Netherlands, 2004

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] (2:41) 2009

CD: ‘E’Motions [Zebra Music ZE-3017302] ● Netherlands, 2009

They have also a DVD (probably 2007) were they perform a.o. Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Sweet Little Sixteen and Forty Days.

ROBBY LONGO (Belgium)

Country singer born 1981 at Genk. The album below seems to be his debut.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:52) 2013

CD: Country Man [ARS Ent. / Universal 3751255] ● Belgium, 2013

This sounds very much like the version he did with Christoff. Although this above is sung in plain English.

See also CHRISTOFF

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: Just three months ago we were confident to have documented all cover versions of Berry songs except for the ones newly recorded. Then came Bjørn Knudsen, a friend who’s been helping Morten a lot with Berry covers through the years, with a new list of hundreds of cover versions to include. Many of these are digital only and thus don't qualify for our list of records and CDs, but others require us to open the list again. Thank you, Bjørn! Here's a first batch.

Let’s go back to page 1837 (+ page 761) and Lenny & The Thundertones (USA) with their “Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar)” 1964. It has come to my attention that the song was actually released in 1963 by Big Daddy G (Lenny Drake).
So the correct name for the tribute should read as follows:

BIG DADDY G (USA)
Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) (1:43) (L. Drake-J. Stokes) 1963
45: Hyland A-3009 ● USA, 1963

The reason for this mix-up is the Lenny & The Thundertones CD I bought in ’95 (page 1837) containing this Berry tribute. Nothing was mentioned in the liner-notes that it was actually recorded as Big Daddy G. But we are still talking about the same artist, Lenny Drake, who also co-wrote the song.

If you search Secondhandsongs and the title “Thirty Days” by Chuck Berry you get several versions and one by Jim Stringer & The Austin Music Band. However, It is actually the song written by Winfield Scott and recorded by Clyde McPhatter in 1957, SO it’s not Berry’s.

The same goes for Mitch Ryder and his “It Wasn’t Me” on the album “Live At The Logo Hamburg” (1996), which is stated by Secondhandsongs as written by Chuck Berry, but is NOT. It’s an original song from Ryder. I hate it when they do this, as the big problem for me is the fact that if I can’t find the song online to listen to I will probably include it in the survey.

AND even one more. Secondhandsongs says that “Reelin’ And Rockin’” by John Littlejohn on the album “John Littlejohn’s Chicago Blues Stars” from 1968 was written by Chuck Berry, but it’s NOT. It was written by John Wesley Funchess.

CHRISTIAN ANDERS (Austria)

Antonio Augusto Schinzel-Tenicolo, born 1945 in Bruck an der Mur. His first record came in 1965, and he’s had many since. The latest I found was from 2006.

Johnny B. Goode (1:54) 1973

2-LP: Der Untergang von Taro Torsay - Aufstieg Und Fall Eines Pop Stars [Chranders 1C 188 30 185 186] ● Austria, 1973

This is way too short but it seems that the album is from some kind of musical with introduction by Anders and various speeches between songs.

HASSE ANDERSSON (Sweden)

Hans Olle Lennart Andersson. Country singer, songwriter born 1948 in Malmö. He’s released many albums since 1983. He usually sings in Swedish, but the album below is in English.

Johnny B. Goode (2:54) 2010

CD: Hasse’s Jukebox [SlowFox FOXCD-10015] ● Sweden, 2010

“With the songs we remember”. 14 tracks.

RICHIE ARNDT (Germany)

Blues and rock singer, guitar player.

Memphis, Tennesee (2:23) 2016

3-CD: Mississippi Songs Along The Road [Fuego Records 2606 2] ● Germany, 2016

1 CD containing songs and 2 CDs as audio-book.

ATOMIC LEOPARDS (Spain)

See Volume 3, page 1051, for biographical info.

Beautiful Delilah (2:34) 2005

CD: In Technicolor [Foot Tapping Records FT-048] ● UK, 2006

This is already in Vol.3, however, wrong recording year and I didn’t have the timing for the song. And it’s a UK label and not Spain.

Promised Land (2:46) 2009

CD: Rockin’ Fix [Raucous Records RAUCD-247] ● UK, 2010

STERLING BALL, JOHN FERRARO, JIM COX (USA)

Musicians from California. Sterling Ball (bass, various guitars, bongos), Jim Cox (keyboards), John Ferraro (drums, percussion).

Memphis, Tennessee (3:11) 2018 (instr)

CD: The Mutual Admiration Society [Favored Nations Entertainment FNM-75432] ● Netherlands, 2018

Here they have help from an ac.bass player called Brad Hayman. They have sadly covered (like so many others) the Lonnie Mack/Johnny Rivers arrangements. Although I must admit they do a very good and solid job.

BAMBI KINO (USA)

Group was formed 2009 in New York. They wanted to play music of the early ‘60s to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first Beatles’ concerts in Hamburg. (Well, well.) They also debuted in Hamburg during 2010 (see below).

I’m Talking About You (1:58) 2010 (live)

CD: Bambi Kino [Tapete Records TR-202 (mono)] ● USA, 2011

Recorded live at The Indra Club, Hamburg, 19 August 2010.

BAND OF HOPE JUG BAND (New Zealand)

Folk, country, bluegrass, jug music played by a sextet. They were active in the late ‘60s.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:40) 1968

LP: The Band Of Hope Jug Band [Kiwi SLC-61] ● New Zealand, 1968

JIMMY BARNES (Australia)

James Dixon Swan, singer, songwriter, guitarist. Born 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland, but the family moved to Australia when he was 4 years. He’s had 14 Top 40 albums as the lead singer of the rock band Cold Chisel and 12 charting albums as a solo act which gives Barnes the highest number of hit albums of any Australian artist. Not bad!

Run Rudolph Run (3:21) 2022

CD: Blue Christmas [Bloodlines BLOOD-111] ● Australia, 2022

Standard rock version with piano, guitar and a horn section.

BAS EDIT (Sweden)

Folk and country trio, Bengt Sandblom (vocals, guitar), Torbjörn Sörensen (banjo, mandolin, slide guitar, vocals), Tony Rudberg (ac.bass, vocals), but they are expanded on the record below by fiddle, accordion and drums.

Johnny B. Goode (2:16) 1999
You Never Can Tell (2:38) 1999

CD: Vol. 3 [Hönö Records HRCD-08] ● Sweden, 1999

These guys were quite good.

CAMILE BAUDOIN (USA)

Singer, guitarist, from New Orleans, who is in the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. He played guitar for over 40 years in the New Orleans Radiators who by the way have released several albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:37) 2021

CD: This Old House [Indipendent release ] ● USA, 2021

Recorded May 2021 at Rhythm Shack Studio, New Orleans. Pretty good mid tempo version with guitar (Camile) and piano (Josh Paxton), plus Jake Eckert (rhythm guitar), Reggie Scanian (bass) and Frank Bua Jr. (drums).

CLIFF BEACH (USA)

Black singer, songwriter and keyboardist. He’s been playing live in Los Angeles and Southern California for over 15 years. It is said that his style is a cross between soul, trad R&B, funk and neo-soul = Nu-funk as he calls it himself.

Run Rudolph Run (3:03) 2021

Digital: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year [California Soul Music 01 9640 03543 8 3] ● USA, 2021

As you can see this is digital but I wanted to include it because it’s a very good soulful version and he has a good voice. Go Rudolph Go.

VINNY BELL (USA)

Vincent Edward Gambella, session guitar player, also a master on electric sitar, based in New York. Born 1932, died in 2019. Also known as Vinnie Bell.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:19) 1964 (instr)

LP: Whistle Stop [Verve Records V6-8574] ● USA, 1964

BIG BILL (Belgium)

Armand Hombroeckx also known as Big Bill Krakkebaas. Born 1950 in Leuven. Blues singer and guitarist.

No Particular Place To Go [as “Ene Me Hesp” (2:21) 1975

LP: Big Bill [Parsifal KLE-4000 231] ● Belgium, 1975

GARRY BLACKMORE BAND (UK)

Country singer. The band: Terry Clifford (guitars), Robbie Hawks (bass, vocals), Frog Goddard (drums), with the help of Dave Hayward (steel guitar, keyboards, harmony vocals).

Memphis, Tennessee (3:57) 2005

CD: Remembering [self released GB-15CD] ● UK, 2005

Covers from the likes of Bill Anderson, Don Gibson, Marty Robbins, Rick Nelson, Kris Kristofferson etc.

BLUEJAYS (UK)

This group is already on this blog with three entries.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2016
No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 2016

CD: Rockin’ And Rollin’ With The Bluejays [Bluejays JAY-5005] ● UK, 2016

Maybellene ( : ) 2021 (live)

CD: Rock And Roll Revolution – Live Tonight [Bluejays ] ● UK, 2021

Run Rudolph Run (2:55) 2021 (live)

CD: The Christmas Show – Live [Bluejays ] ● UK, 2021

Recorded 18 December 2021 at Pound Arts Centre, Corsham. It seems like this is only available online.

CD: Rave On – The Rise Of Rock’n’Roll [Bluejays BP-2201] ● UK, 2022

BO GUMBOS (Japan)

A rock quartet who got their name from Bo (Diddley).

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1993 (live)

CD: King Of Rock’n’Roll [Bo Records BO-001 D] ● Japan, 1994

Recorded live at On Air, Shibuya (Tokyo), 2 December 1993.

JONNY BOMBASTIC (Germany)

Marco Majewski, born 1984. He’s looking like Johnny Restivo (if you remember him). A wrestler with muscles and a voice so and so.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Johnny Be Good”] (2:39) 2011

45: 3rd Floor Music 42 6020 60423 3 4 ● Germany, 2011

This might be a song for downloading only (?)

RAY BROWN Jr. (USA)

Raymond Matthews Brown Jr., blues and jazz singer, pianist, drummer. He’s the adopted son of Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Brown. He was born 1949 in New York City to Fitzgerald’s half sister Frances. He’s lived in California and Oregon but now resides in Hawaii.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:37) 2008

CD: Friends And Family [SRI Jazz SRI-311252] ● USA, 2008

With Dr. John and featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith. You probably have never heard the song performed like this. Very bluesy and jazzy. And again it’s interesting to notice the 16 songs on the album which are mostly jazz tunes and popular songs: “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”, “Lullabye Of Birdland”, “Laughter In The Rain”, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” …and a Berry classic.

EDDIE BUSH (USA)

Born 1965 in Princeton, Indiana. Country-rock singer, songwriter, guitarplayer who has lived in Charleston, South Carolina since the early ‘70s. He has several albums for downloading on Bandcamp.

Run Rudolph Run (3:03) 2011 as Eddie & The Icicles

CD: Holiday Harmonies [Eddie Bush self-released ] ● USA, 2011

Real rockin’ version, maybe a little noisy but I still like it.

BUSHMEN (Italy)

Beat quintet.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:09) 1965

45: SunStar SPS-214 ● Italy, 1965
CD: The Bushmen [On Sale Music 52 OSM 025] ● Italy 1997

The arrangement here is closer to Berry’s original than most others from the ‘60s. Although it’s different.

CALYPSONUTS (USA)

Steel drum duo from Navarre, Florida.

Johnny B. Goode (4:39) 2012

CD: Down To The Wire [Red Cedar Devil CD-35409 5] ● USA, 2013

They have followed the Peter Tosh version.

CANDLEWICK GREEN (UK)

A 1970s five piece group from Liverpool. Had several 45s released during the ‘70s but the single "Who Do You Think You Are" was their only UK top 30 hit, peaking at #21 in 1974.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1980

LP: Making It [Candlewick Green SRTX/80/CUS-519] ● UK, 1980

Recorded at Amazon Studios, Kirby, Liverpool. No writing credits given on the sleeve or label. Just Copyright Control. This was a self-released item sold at gigs. However, regarding the cat.no series see also HOJO.

TIM CAPPELLO (USA)

Timmy Cappello, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor. Born 1955 in Harrison, New York. He’s known for his saxophone work with Tina Turner in the mid ‘80s and the ‘90s. He’s also played with Carly Simon, Peter Gabriel, Ringo Starr, Garland Jeffries and more.

Maybellene (3:44) 2018

CD: Blood On The Reed [self released ] ● USA, 2018

Very funky version with lots of harmonica playing.

HOJO (UK)

Rock trio, Howard (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, bass), John (lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals) & Sue (keyboards, backing vocals), plus Dave Morell (drums). Strange but there are no credits regarding the composers for any songs, neither on the sleeve or label.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1979

LP: It’s The Music That Counts [SRT Productions STRY/79/CUS-497] ● UK, 1979

Recorded and mixed at Fairview Recording Studio. Special thanks to The Electric Light Orchestra who helped to inspire this album. Regarding the cat.no series see also CANDLEWICK GREEN.

HOGSLOP STRING BAND (USA)

Old-time string band music with a hint of country. Group based in Nashville. Gabriel Kelley (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Kevin Martin (vocals, fiddle), Daniel Binkley (vocals, banjo), Pickle (vocals, washtube bass, acoustic bass).

Roll Over Beethoven (4:33) 2012 (live)

CD: Hogslop String Band 2.5 [self-released] ● USA, 2012

Seven self written songs plus the Berry classic. Interesting! Now this is a pretty different version. Have I heard a string band version before? I don’t remember. Check them out on You Tube.

MICHAEL CARPENTER (Australia)

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. Label (Big Radio Records) and studio (Love HZ Studios) owner from Sidney, NSW.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:31) 2011

CD: Soop #3 – Songs Of Other People [Big Radio Records no cat no] ● Australia, 2011

On the front cover there’s a collage of pictures of various album covers including “One Dozen Berrys”.
From 2001–2016 he released 6 albums with cover songs of other people, Soop #1 - #6.

ROGER CERESI’S ALLSTARZ (USA)

According to the album cover they are 8 people all together. There’s a lot about them on You Tube.

Back To Memphis (4:13) 2011
You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (4:21) 2011

CD: On The Right Track [Self released 08 8450 14701 4 8] ● USA, 2011

“Back To Memphis” is pretty solid and bluesy. The other Berry cover is performed good but unfortunately a little dull.

EUGENE CHADBOURNE (USA)

Eugene Alexander Chadbourne, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, born 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He’s mostly into free (avant-gard) and improvised jazz but also likes to jazz-up a country song or three. Also into avant-rock. He’s been playing in a lot of groups and has released many albums.

Roll Over Beethoven [as “Roll Over Berlosconi”] (3:02) 2010

LP: Roll Over Berlosconi [Interbang Records IBR-001] ● USA, 2010

Here Chadbourne has written mostly his own lyrics, I guess it’s not a tribute. Roll over Berlosconi tell Mussolini the news.
There are also a couple of self-released albums by Chadbourne featuring live recordings of this particular song.

LALO CHEETA (France)

Rock singer, guitarist from Paris. The songs below you’ll find on the Bandcamp site.

I’ve Changed [as “I Have Changed”] (6:13) 2018 (live)
Thirteen Question Method (4:15) 2018 (live)
Vacation Time (2:14) 2018 (live)

Digital album: Live [Lalo Cheeta ] ● France 2018

Recorded live in France March 2018. The album was released 12 October 2018. Lalo Cheeta (vocals, guitar), Lucas Ltiė (guitar, vocals), Myrto Stathatou (keyboards), Stephen Cat (saxophone), Yacine Baroudi (saxophone), Holy Dan (bass, vocals), Pietro Loconte (drums, vocals)
Two Berry numbers that are rarely covered and one that has not been covered (so far). I didn’t know about this man before and certainly not the album above. “I’ve Changed” is an obscure Berry blues track from December 1955 that was first released in the UK in April 1983 on the LP “Chess Masters” Chess CXMP-2011, and in the US on “The Chess Box” Chess (MCA) CH6-80.001 in November 1988.
“I’ve Changed” sounds a little messy in the arrangement, unfortunately. “Vacation Time” has a different melody(!) than Berry’s and it takes a little while before you recognize the song. “Thirteen Question Method” has a long intro (1:20 minutes) and at first you think they are going to do “Memphis” until he starts singing. Cheeta’s English is not the best but I don’t think it mattered much to the French audience.

Havana Moon (4:26) 2016

Digital track: Super Bombetas [Lalo Cheeta ] ● France 2018

Recorded January 2016 at RDC Studio, Les Lilas. Released 11 October 2018. Lalo Cheeta (vocals, guitar, bass), Yacine Baroudi (saxophone), El Manicero (trumpet), Dukeul (maracas).
This is arranged a little different from most others much because of the saxophone and trumpet fills that comes in after one and half minute and makes the song more complete in this arrangement. Especially the trumpet fills are interesting.

CHER (USA)

Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre, known to everyone just as Cher. Born 1946 in El Centro, California. Singer, actor. She started back in the mid ‘60s together with Sonny Bono (they married in 1967, divorced 1975) as Sonny & Cher and had many hits. And she has managed to stay at the top ever since. She has sold over 100 million albums and have won many Awards.

Run Rudolph Run (2:53) 2023

LP: Christmas [Warner Records 093624851189] USA, 2023

Nice to finally have Cher on this survey. A good rockin’ version it is too, and she still has a strong voice.

ALEKSEY FETISOV Rock & Roll Tribute Band (Russia)

Rock & roll singer, bassplayer from Moscow, who really has a knack for the old stuff. Rock’n’roll classics from Russia with love (!) They are a trio but is augmented by a keyboardplayer, plus backing vocalists.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:41) 2016 as Aleksey Fetisov’ Rock & Roll Trio

Digital album: Rocks [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2017

Released January 2017. This sounds like the Buddy Holly version.

The Little Girl From Central (2:41) 2019

Digital album: Aleksey Fetisov Rock & Roll Tribute Band Vol. 1 [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2020

Released January 2020. Now I just had to include this guy since we are actually talking about a NEW Berry song to be covered. He follows the Berry original. A little background: This obscure Berry track was first available to Berry fans through the UK LP “You Never Can Tell” PYE Int. NPL-28039 in late 1964, in mono. Later it was made available in stereo on the UK Marble Arch LP MALS-702 in 1967. It was not issued in the US until 1990 on the album “Missing Berries – Rarities Volume 3” Chess (MCA) CH-9318.

Carol (3:02) 2021
Nadine (3:16) 2021
Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:41) 2021

Digital album: Aleksey Fetisov Rock & Roll Tribute Band Vol. 2 [AF Recording Service] ● Russia, 2021

Released April 2021. Again they are very similar to the original Berry arrangements.