IDA RED
“Ida Red” is an American traditional song of unknown origins. In the 1930s Bob Wills took the old tune and set it to a 2/4 dance beat to be played by his Western swing dance band, the Texas Playboys. His 1938 recording (Vocalion 05079) became a hit. The song, as originally recorded by Wills, borrowed lyrics from an 1878 popular song written by Frederick W. Root (“Sunday Night”). In 1955, Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene”, an adaptation of “Ida Red” as recorded by Bob Wills in 1938, reached #10 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. (More from Wikipedia)
Chuck Berry met Muddy Waters on a trip to Chicago in May 1955, who suggested that he contact Leonard Chess of Chess Records. (The story of Chess Records and their musical roster is told in the 2008 film, Cadillac Records). To Berry’s surprise, Leonard Chess was most interested not in his blues material, but in his performance of a traditional country song called “Ida Red” (as recorded in 1938 by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys). The song was rewritten by Chuck Berry and was released on May 21, 1955 as the million seller “Maybellene”.
(June 2013/1)
