What is the title of the song discussed in the provided text, and who is the primary artist associated with it?

The song discussed in the provided text is titled "Johnny B. Goode," and it is primarily associated with the American musician Chuck Berry.

When was Chuck Berry's song "Johnny B. Goode" released as a single, and what was its B-side?

Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" was released as a single on March 31, 1958. Its B-side was the song "Around and Around."

Where and when was "Johnny B. Goode" recorded?

The song "Johnny B. Goode" was recorded on January 6, 1958, at Chess Studios in Chicago.

What music genre is "Johnny B. Goode" classified under?

"Johnny B. Goode" is classified under the genre of rock and roll.

What is the duration of the song "Johnny B. Goode"?

The song "Johnny B. Goode" has a length of 2 minutes and 39 seconds.

Which record label released Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode"?

The song "Johnny B. Goode" was released on the Chess record label.

Who is credited as the songwriter and producer(s) for "Johnny B. Goode"?

Chuck Berry is credited as the songwriter for "Johnny B. Goode." The song was produced by Leonard Chess and Phil Chess.

What were the chart positions of "Johnny B. Goode" on the Billboard charts in 1958?

In 1958, "Johnny B. Goode" peaked at number eight on the pre-Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number two on the Hot R&B Sides chart.

What is "Johnny B. Goode" described as in relation to the history of rock and roll music?

"Johnny B. Goode" is credited as being the first rock and roll hit song specifically about achieving rock and roll stardom.

How has "Johnny B. Goode" been recognized in lists of great songs by Rolling Stone magazine?

"Johnny B. Goode" has been recognized multiple times by Rolling Stone magazine on their lists of the greatest songs. It was ranked 7th on the 2004 version and 33rd on the 2021 version of their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

What unique honor did "Johnny B. Goode" receive in relation to space exploration?

"Johnny B. Goode" was included as one of the 27 songs on the Voyager Golden Record, a collection of human achievements sent into deep space on the Voyager spacecraft.

What is the narrative theme of "Johnny B. Goode"?

The song tells the story of an illiterate "country boy" from the New Orleans area who is exceptionally talented at playing the guitar, to the point where his playing sounds like a bell, and who has the potential for future fame.

What lyrical change did Chuck Berry make to "Johnny B. Goode" and why?

Chuck Berry originally wrote the lyrics to refer to Johnny as a "colored boy." He changed this to "country boy" to ensure the song would be eligible for radio play, as racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent at the time.

What autobiographical connection does the title "Johnny B. Goode" have to Chuck Berry?

The title "Johnny B. Goode" is suggested to have autobiographical elements because Chuck Berry was born on Goode Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri.

Who was the initial inspiration for the song "Johnny B. Goode," and who played piano on the recording?

The song was initially inspired by Johnnie Johnson, who was the regular piano player in Chuck Berry's band. However, for the actual recording session at Chess Records, Lafayette Leake played the piano.

Besides Lafayette Leake on piano, who were the other musicians on the "Johnny B. Goode" recording session?

In addition to Lafayette Leake on piano, Willie Dixon played bass, and Fred Below played the drums on the recording session for "Johnny B. Goode."

What musical element of "Johnny B. Goode" is said to borrow from Louis Jordan's work?

The opening guitar riff of "Johnny B. Goode" borrows from the opening single-note solo found on Louis Jordan's 1946 song "Ain't That Just Like a Woman," which was played by guitarist Carl Hogan.

What is a notable rhythmic characteristic of Chuck Berry's recording of "Johnny B. Goode"?

A notable feature of the recording is the contrast between the swing rhythm of the drums and piano accompaniment and the straight, non-swinging rhythm of the lead guitar.

How did Chuck Berry perform "Johnny B. Goode" at the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony?

At the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on January 23, 1986, Chuck Berry performed "Johnny B. Goode" and "Rock and Roll Music," accompanied by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Which film prominently features a performance of "Johnny B. Goode"?

The song "Johnny B. Goode" is famously featured in the 1985 film *Back to the Future*, where the character Marty McFly performs it at a high school dance.

What is the significance of the performance of "Johnny B. Goode" by Marty McFly in *Back to the Future*?

Marty McFly's performance in *Back to the Future* creates a bootstrap paradox, as the character Marvin Berry calls his cousin Chuck to tell him about the "new sound" he's looking for, implying Marty's performance inspired Chuck Berry to write the song in the first place.

Which country artist had a number-one hit with a cover version of "Johnny B. Goode"?

Country musician Buck Owens had a version of "Johnny B. Goode" from his album *Buck Owens in London "Live"* that topped Billboard magazine's Hot Country Sides chart in 1969.

How did Jimi Hendrix's cover of "Johnny B. Goode" perform on the charts?

Jimi Hendrix's live version of "Johnny B. Goode," released posthumously, became a hit, reaching number 35 on the UK Singles Chart in 1972 and later peaking at number 13 on the New Zealand Top 50 in 1986.

Which reggae artist covered "Johnny B. Goode" and achieved chart success with it?

Peter Tosh covered "Johnny B. Goode" in 1983 on his album *Mama Africa*. His rendition charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 84, the UK Singles Chart at number 48, and also charted in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

What heavy metal band recorded a version of "Johnny B. Goode" that charted in the UK?

Judas Priest recorded a version of "Johnny B. Goode" for their 1988 album *Ram It Down*, which reached number 64 on the UK Singles Chart.

In what year was "Johnny B. Goode" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame?

"Johnny B. Goode" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing its significant influence as a rock and roll single.

What is the significance of "Johnny B. Goode" being included on the Voyager Golden Record?

Its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Record signifies its status as a representative piece of human culture and achievement, intended to be discovered by any extraterrestrial intelligence that might encounter the spacecraft.

Which rock and roll hall of fame list included "Johnny B. Goode"?

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included "Johnny B. Goode" among the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll in their 1995 list.

What certifications has "Johnny B. Goode" received in Italy and New Zealand?

In Italy, "Johnny B. Goode" has been certified Gold by FIMI for 25,000 units. In New Zealand, it has achieved Platinum certification from RMNZ for 30,000 units.

What certifications has "Johnny B. Goode" received in Spain and the United Kingdom?

In Spain, "Johnny B. Goode" is certified Platinum by PROMUSICAE for 60,000 units. In the United Kingdom, it has achieved Platinum certification from the BPI for 600,000 units.

What certification has "Johnny B. Goode" received in the United States?

In the United States, "Johnny B. Goode" has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1,000,000 units.

What is the meaning of the superscript symbol '‡' next to the certification numbers in the table?

The superscript symbol '‡' next to the certification numbers indicates that these figures represent sales plus streaming units based on the certification alone.

Which band paid homage to "Johnny B. Goode" in their song "Come Back Jonee"?

The band Devo paid homage to Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" in their song "Come Back Jonee," featured on their 1978 debut album *Q. Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!*.

What is the significance of the song's inclusion in the soundtrack for *American Graffiti*?

The song's inclusion on the 1973 *American Graffiti* soundtrack album highlights its enduring popularity and its association with the nostalgic portrayal of 1960s youth culture.

How did Keith Richards comment on the chord structure of "Johnny B. Goode"?

Keith Richards suggested that the chords used in "Johnny B. Goode" are more characteristic of compositions written for piano rather than for guitar.

What did Jason Lipshutz of Billboard magazine say about "Johnny B. Goode"?

Jason Lipshutz stated that "Johnny B. Goode" was the first rock-star origin story and possessed a swagger and showmanship that had not yet become common on the radio.

What did Joe Queenan argue about "Johnny B. Goode" in The Guardian?

Joe Queenan argued in The Guardian that "Johnny B. Goode" more jubilantly celebrates the downmarket socioeconomic roots of rock 'n' roll than any other song in the genre's history.

What is the title of the song that appears on the same US single as "Johnny B. Goode"?

The song "Johnny B. Goode" was released as the A-side of a single, with "Around and Around" serving as the B-side.

What is the primary subject matter of "Johnny B. Goode"?

The primary subject of "Johnny B. Goode" is an aspiring musician, a "country boy" from New Orleans, who plays guitar exceptionally well and dreams of achieving fame.

Which publication ranked "Johnny B. Goode" as the number one greatest guitar song of all time?

Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Johnny B. Goode" as the number one greatest guitar song of all time in their 2008 list.

What is the significance of the song's inclusion in the film *Back to the Future* regarding its creation?

The song's inclusion in *Back to the Future* creates a narrative loop where Marty McFly's performance inspires Chuck Berry to write the song, a concept known as a bootstrap paradox.

What specific guitar techniques did Michael J. Fox incorporate when performing "Johnny B. Goode" in *Back to the Future*?

Michael J. Fox explained that he incorporated mannerisms from various guitarists, including a Pete Townshend windmill, Jimi Hendrix's behind-the-back playing, and Chuck Berry's signature duckwalk.

How many times did the Grateful Dead reportedly perform "Johnny B. Goode" live?

The Grateful Dead reportedly performed "Johnny B. Goode" live at least 287 times.

What animated TV series pays homage to "Johnny B. Goode" with a track titled "Dareth the Guitar Man"?

The animated TV series *Ninjago* pays homage to "Johnny B. Goode" with a track titled "Dareth the Guitar Man," which features similar musical themes.

What is the peak position of "Johnny B. Goode" on the US Cash Box Top 100 chart?

"Johnny B. Goode" reached a peak position of number 11 on the US Cash Box Top 100 chart in 1958.

What is the peak position of "Johnny B. Goode" on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958?

In 1958, "Johnny B. Goode" peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What is the peak position of "Johnny B. Goode" on the US Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart in 1958?

"Johnny B. Goode" reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart in 1958.

What is the peak position of "Johnny B. Goode" on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2017?

In 2017, "Johnny B. Goode" reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

What does the inclusion of "Johnny B. Goode" on the Voyager Golden Record suggest about its cultural significance?

The inclusion of "Johnny B. Goode" on the Voyager Golden Record suggests its profound cultural significance as a representative piece of American popular music and rock and roll history, chosen to communicate humanity's achievements to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.

Which two producers are credited for "Johnny B. Goode"?

Leonard Chess and Phil Chess are credited as the producers for "Johnny B. Goode."

What is the significance of the song being described as "the first rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom"?

This description highlights "Johnny B. Goode" as a pioneering song that shifted the lyrical focus of rock and roll from typical themes of romance or teenage life to the aspirational narrative of becoming a rock star, a theme that would become common in the genre.

Johnny B. Goode Wiki: Johnny B. Goode: Charting the Course of Rock & Roll

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

A Defining Rock & Roll Hit

Released in March 1958, "Johnny B. Goode" is a seminal song by American musician Chuck Berry. Written and sung by Berry, it achieved significant chart success, peaking at number two on the R&B Sides chart and number eight on the pre-Billboard Hot 100.^[1] It remains a cornerstone of rock and roll music, widely recognized for its narrative of aspiring musicianship and its innovative guitar work.

Cultural Significance

Often credited as "the first rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom,"^[2] "Johnny B. Goode" has been celebrated across numerous accolades. It was included in Rolling Stone magazine's lists of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (ranking 33rd in 2021 and 7th in 2004)^[3]^[4] and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.^[16] Notably, the song was also selected as one of the 27 musical pieces included on the Voyager Golden Record, a testament to its universal appeal and cultural importance.

Technical Details

The song was recorded on January 6, 1958, at Chess Studios in Chicago. It features Berry on vocals and guitar, accompanied by Lafayette Leake on piano, Willie Dixon on bass, and Fred Below on drums. The production was overseen by Leonard and Phil Chess. The song's structure and iconic guitar riff have been analyzed for their influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Composition and Recording

Narrative and Origins

Chuck Berry began writing "Johnny B. Goode" in 1955. The song tells the story of an illiterate country boy from the New Orleans area who possesses exceptional guitar skills, capable of playing "just like ringing a bell." The narrative follows his dream of achieving fame, with his "name in lights." Berry himself acknowledged the song's autobiographical elements, noting that the original lyrics referred to Johnny as a "colored boy" but were altered to "country boy" to ensure broader radio play.^[5] The title itself hints at autobiographical connections, referencing Berry's birthplace on Goode Avenue in St. Louis.

Musical Influences and Arrangement

The song was initially inspired by Johnnie Johnson, Berry's regular piano player, but evolved to focus primarily on Berry's own experiences and aspirations.^[7] During the Chess recording session, Lafayette Leake performed the piano part, supported by Willie Dixon on bass and Fred Below on drums.^[5]^[8] Musicologists have noted that the song's chord structure is more characteristic of piano compositions than guitar-centric ones.^[9] The opening guitar riff is recognized as being influenced by Carl Hogan's solo on Louis Jordan's 1946 recording of "Ain't That Just Like a Woman."^[10] A distinctive feature of Berry's recording is the rhythmic interplay between the swing-influenced drums and piano and Berry's own "straight" rhythm and lead guitar playing.^[11]

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Defining the Rock Star Narrative

Critics have lauded "Johnny B. Goode" for its jubilant celebration of the genre's working-class roots and its pioneering role as the first rock-star origin story.^[12]^[13] Its swagger and showmanship significantly influenced the evolving soundscape of popular music.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Berry performed the song during the first induction ceremony in 1986, backed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.^[14] The song is recognized as one of the 500 tracks that shaped rock and roll.^[15]
Grammy Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999 for its profound influence as a rock and roll single.^[16]
Film and Media: Featured prominently on the soundtrack for the 1973 film American Graffiti. In Back to the Future (1985), Michael J. Fox's character Marty McFly performs the song, creating a narrative loop where the performance inspires Berry himself.^[13]
Live Performances: The Grateful Dead frequently performed the song, playing it at least 287 times.^[24]
Pop Culture Homage: The animated series Ninjago references the song through its track "Dareth The Guitar Man."^[25]

A Message to the Stars

In a unique recognition of its cultural significance, "Johnny B. Goode" was included on the Voyager Golden Record. This phonograph record was launched aboard the Voyager spacecraft in 1977, carrying sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth to any potential extraterrestrial intelligence that might encounter the probes in the distant future.

Notable Cover Versions

Diverse Interpretations

The enduring appeal of "Johnny B. Goode" is evident in its numerous cover versions across various genres:

Buck Owens: His 1969 country rendition topped the Billboard Hot Country Sides chart.^[17]
Jimi Hendrix: A posthumous live version from Hendrix in the West charted in the UK and New Zealand.^[18]^[19]
Peter Tosh: His 1983 rendition achieved chart success in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK, also charting on the Billboard Hot 100.^[20]^[21]^[22]
Judas Priest: Their 1988 version from the album Ram It Down reached number 64 on the UK Singles Chart.^[18]
The Sex Pistols: Recorded a cover for their 1979 soundtrack The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle.
Elton John: Included a cover as the opening track on his 1979 album Victim of Love.
Devo: Paid homage with their song "Come Back Jonee" on their 1978 debut album.

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

The song has consistently been recognized by major music publications and institutions for its historical significance and artistic merit.

List	Publisher	Rank	Year of publication
500 Greatest Songs of All Time^[2]	Rolling Stone	7	2004
50 Greatest Guitar Solos^[26]	Guitar World	12	2009
100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time^[27]	Rolling Stone	1	2008
100 Greatest Guitar Tracks^[28]	Q	42	2005
500 Greatest Songs of All Time^[3]	Rolling Stone	33	2021
500 Songs That Shaped Rock^[29]	Rock and Roll Hall of Fame	N/A	1995

Chart Performance

Peak Positions

The song achieved notable success on contemporary music charts.

Weekly charts
Chart (1958)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100^[30]	8
US Billboard Hot R&B Sides^[31]	2
US Cash Box Top 100^[32]	11

Chart (2017)	Peak position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[33]	9

Certifications

Sales and Streaming Achievements

The song has been recognized with certifications in various regions, reflecting its commercial success.

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI)^[34] sales since 2009	Gold	25,000^‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)^[35]	Platinum	30,000^‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)^[36] sales since 2009	Platinum	60,000^‡
United Kingdom (BPI)^[37]	Platinum	600,000^‡
United States (RIAA)^[38]	Platinum	1,000,000^‡
^‡Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Johnny B. Goode" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about johnny_b._goode while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

arizona

dangerous goods

turf classic stakes

province of westphalia

selling out

shuja-ud-daula

nominal interest rate

jesus in christianity

imola circuit

ethnicity

References

Barker, Derek (2009). Liner notes to Bruce Springsteen's Jukebox: The Songs that Inspired the Man [CD]. Chrome Dreams.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Johnny B. Goode Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional musicological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional analysis or consultation regarding music history or copyright. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Johnny B. Goode: The Rock and Roll Genesis

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🎶 A Defining Rock & Roll Hit

🌟 Cultural Significance

🎛️ Technical Details

Composition and Recording ✍️

📖 Narrative and Origins

🎹 Musical Influences and Arrangement

Legacy and Cultural Impact 🚀

📜 Defining the Rock Star Narrative

🌌 A Message to the Stars

Notable Cover Versions 🎤

🎵 Diverse Interpretations

Accolades and Rankings 🏆

⭐ Critical Recognition

Chart Performance 📊

📈 Peak Positions

Certifications 🏅

📜 Sales and Streaming Achievements

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Defining Rock & Roll Hit

Cultural Significance

Technical Details

Composition and Recording

Narrative and Origins

Musical Influences and Arrangement

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Defining the Rock Star Narrative

A Message to the Stars

Notable Cover Versions

Diverse Interpretations

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

Chart Performance

Peak Positions

Certifications

Sales and Streaming Achievements

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice