Jackie Brenston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackie Brenston
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Brenston (right) with Ike Turner
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| Background information | |
| Born | August 24, 1928 or 1930 Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | December 15, 1979 (aged 49–51) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, saxophone |
| Years active | 1950–1960s |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Ike Turner Kings of Rhythm Lowell Fulson |
Jackie Brenston (born August 24, 1928 or 1930 – died December 15, 1979) was an American singer and saxophonist. He is famous for recording "Rocket 88" with Ike Turner's band. Many people consider this song to be one of the very first rock-and-roll songs ever made.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Music
Jackie Brenston was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. There are different ideas about his exact birth date. Some records say August 24, 1928, while others suggest August 15, 1930.
He joined the army for a short time in 1946. After returning home, Brenston learned to play the tenor saxophone. In 1950, he joined Ike Turner's band, the Kings of Rhythm. Brenston played saxophone and sometimes sang with the band.
"Rocket 88" Success
The band became popular in their local area. This led B. B. King to recommend them to Sam Phillips, a studio owner in Memphis, Tennessee. In March 1951, the band made several recordings at Phillips' studio. One of these songs was "Rocket 88". Jackie Brenston sang the main vocals on this song. He was also given credit for writing it. Ike Turner led the band but did not sing on "Rocket 88".
Sam Phillips later sold the recordings to Chess Records in Chicago. Chess Records released "Rocket 88" under the name Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. This was different from the band's usual name. The song quickly became a huge hit. It reached number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart. About half a million copies of the record were sold.
Phillips later said that "Rocket 88" was the first rock and roll record. Many experts agree that it was definitely one of the first songs in the rock and roll style. The money Phillips earned from this song's success helped him start Sun Records the next year.
Later Career
The big success of "Rocket 88" caused some disagreements within the band. After one more recording session, Brenston decided to leave Ike Turner's band. He wanted to try a solo career. Brenston later played in Lowell Fulson's band for two years.
In 1955, he returned to play in Ike Turner's band. Even though he sometimes sang with the band, he was reportedly not allowed to sing "Rocket 88". In 1958, Brenston played saxophone on recordings by Otis Rush. These recordings included the songs "Double Trouble" and "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)".
Brenston continued to play in local bands. In 1961, one of his last recordings, "Trouble Up The Road", was released. His final recording session was in Chicago in 1963. Even though "Rocket 88" was a big hit, Jackie Brenston did not have more major successes in his music career. He later became a truck driver. He passed away from a heart attack in Memphis on December 15, 1979.
Legacy
Jackie Brenston's music had an important influence on other artists. One example is Bill Haley and the Comets.
In 2007, a collection of Brenston's recordings was released. Music historian Richie Unterberger wrote about Brenston's importance. He explained that while "Rocket 88" is very famous, Brenston himself is sometimes overlooked. Unterberger said that Brenston was a talented R&B singer. He was more important than some critics have suggested.
Discography
Singles
- 1951: "Rocket 88" / "Come Back To Where You Belong" (Chess 1458) – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats
- 1951: "My Real Gone Rocket" / "Tuckered Out" (Chess 1469) – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats
- 1957: "Much Later" / "The Mistreater" (Federal 12291) – Jackie Brenston With Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm
- 1957: "What Can It Be" / "Gonna Wait For My Chance" (Federal 12283) – Jackie Brenston With Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm
- 1961: "Trouble Up The Road" / "You Ain't The One" (Sue 736) – Jackie Brensten With Ike Turner's Orchestra
- 1963: "Want You To Rock Me" / "Down In My Heart" (Mel-Lon 1000) – Jackie Brenston
Album Appearances
- 1984: Sun Records: The Blues Years 1950-1956 (Sun Records)
- 1994: The Sue Records Story (EMI Records)
- 1991: Ike Turner Kings Of Rhythm – Trailblazer (Charly R&B)
- 2008: Ike Turner – Classic Early Sides 1952-1957 (JSP Records)
- 2008: Rockin' Memphis (Proper Records)
- 2010: Ike Turner – That Kat Sure Could Play! The Singles 1951-1957 (Secret Records Limited)
- 2012: Ike Turner Studio Productions New Orleans And Los Angeles 1963-1965 (Ace Records)
- 2013: After Sun: What The Stars Of The Legendary Sun Record Company Did Next (Fantastic Voyage)
