HOT ROD RACE (Charlie Ryan)
“Hot Rod Race” is a Western swing song about an automobile race out of San Pedro, California, between a Ford and a Mercury. Released in November 1950, it broke the ground for a series of hot rod songs recorded for the car culture of the 1950s and 60s. With its hard driving boogie woogie beat, it is sometimes named one of the first rock and roll songs. Written by George Wilson, it became a major hit for Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys (Gilt-Edge 5021), staying on the charts for seven weeks, peaking at number five in 1951. Trying to repeat his success, Shibley recorded at least four follow-up songs. (More from Wikipedia)
The original song “Hot Rod Race” is largely forgotten today, but “Hot Rod Lincoln” has shown up in all kinds of places over the years. The song was written and first recorded in 1955 by Charlie Ryan (who had also recorded a version of “Hot Rod Race”).
(December 2014)
