“Move It” is a song written by Ian Samwell and recorded by Cliff Richard and the Drifters (the UK band that would evolve into The Shadows). Originally intended as the B-side to “Schoolboy Crush”, it was released as Richard’s debut single on 29 August 1958 and became his first hit record, reaching no. 2 on the UK singles chart. It is credited with being one of the first authentic rock and roll songs produced outside the United States. The song is described by Allmusic as “Presley-esque” and by Richard himself as “my one outstanding rock ’n’ roll classic”. (More from Wikipedia)
Before Cliff Richard and the Shadows recorded their first hit single “Move It”, Harry Greatorex – known as “Mr. Entertainment” in the UK during this period – prevailed upon Harry Webb to change his name to Cliff Richard. The “Cliff” was meant to suggest “rock”, and “Richard” was taken from the 1950’s American rock sensation Little Richard.
“Move It” was an original song by bandmember Ian “Sammy” Samwell and was first released as the “B” side, with the “A” side being a cover of a song by American artist Bobby Helms called “Schoolboy Crush”. “Move It” went to #2 on the UK charts in 1958 and is widely regarded as the first authentic British rock and roll song. John Lennon has been quoted as saying (from Wikipedia): “Before Cliff [Richard] and the Shadows, there had been nothing worth listening to in British music.” Cliff Richard is the third top-selling singles artist in British history, behind only the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
(November 2014)
