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: 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)