About The Song
John Lennon's collaboration with Chuck Berry on "Johnny B. Goode" in 1972 marked a historic moment in rock and roll history, bringing together two influential figures from different eras of the genre. Originally penned and popularized by Chuck Berry in 1958, the song became an iconic anthem of rock and roll, celebrating the rise of a young, talented guitarist from humble beginnings. When Lennon and Berry joined forces to perform the song on "The Mike Douglas Show," it was a powerful meeting of musical minds, bridging the gap between generations and showcasing the enduring impact of rock and roll.
The performance itself was electric, with Lennon providing rhythm guitar and vocals while Berry took on the lead guitar duties. The chemistry between the two legends was palpable, as they traded licks and shared smiles, demonstrating a mutual respect for each other's contributions to the world of music. The live rendition of "Johnny B. Goode" captured the essence of rock and roll's energy, spontaneity, and rebellious spirit. The fusion of Lennon's distinct style with Berry's pioneering guitar work resulted in a memorable performance that showcased the timelessness of the song and its ability to transcend generational boundaries.
Beyond the musical synergy, Lennon's collaboration with Chuck Berry on "Johnny B. Goode" symbolized a passing of the torch between rock and roll pioneers. Berry, an architect of the genre, and Lennon, a key figure in The Beatles' meteoric rise, came together in a moment that emphasized the continuity of rock and roll's evolution. The performance served as a nod to the roots of rock music, acknowledging the influence of pioneers like Berry while demonstrating how the genre had evolved and expanded over the years.
The rendition of "Johnny B. Goode" on "The Mike Douglas Show" not only showcased the undeniable talent of both Lennon and Berry but also highlighted the enduring power of collaboration in music. It became a testament to the genre's ability to connect artists across time and space, creating a shared musical language that resonates with audiences of all ages. In the years following this performance, the impact of their collaboration continued to reverberate, influencing subsequent generations of musicians who drew inspiration from the shared moment when two rock and roll titans came together to celebrate the timeless spirit of the genre.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin' a bell
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
The people passing by they would stop and say
"Oh my what that little country boy could play"
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him "someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying "Johnny B. Goode tonight"
Go, go
Go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go
Johnny B. Goode