About the song
Jerry Lee Lewis’s live performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” from 1964 is a vibrant testament to his dynamic presence and the exuberance that defined the early years of rock and roll. Originally released in 1957, the studio version of this song was a groundbreaking hit that catapulted Lewis to fame, showcasing his ferocious piano playing and distinctive vocal style. However, the 1964 live rendition offers a fresh, invigorating take on this classic, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity that marked Lewis’s live performances.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” was an immediate success upon its initial release, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the R&B chart. Written by Dave Williams and recorded with the enthusiastic backing of his band, the song’s infectious rhythm and Lewis’s exuberant delivery turned it into a defining anthem of the rock and roll era. The track’s energetic beat, coupled with Lewis’s flamboyant piano style and charismatic stage presence, made it a standout hit and cemented his reputation as one of the genre’s most dynamic performers.
The live version from 1964, recorded during a period of significant evolution in the rock and roll scene, highlights how Lewis continued to electrify audiences with his performances. By this time, he had firmly established himself as a central figure in the genre, and the live rendition of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” reflects the ongoing vitality and passion he brought to his music. The live performance adds a layer of immediacy and excitement that the studio version, while groundbreaking, could not fully capture.
The 1964 live recording is not just a performance but a celebration of Jerry Lee Lewis’s career and his indelible impact on rock and roll. It showcases his ability to connect with audiences and maintain his electrifying stage presence throughout his career. His performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” from this period remains a vital piece of rock and roll history, exemplifying the fervor and intensity that defined his live shows.
In summary, Jerry Lee Lewis’s 1964 live performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” is a compelling showcase of his enduring talent and his significant role in the evolution of rock and roll. It captures the essence of his energetic performances and his ability to continue captivating audiences well into the 1960s, maintaining his place as a rock and roll legend.
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Lyrics
Come on over, baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yes I said come on over, baby, baby, you can’t go wrong
We ain’t fakin’ a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Come on over, baby, babe, I got the bull by the horns
We ain’t fakin’, a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, shake, baby, shake
I said shake, baby, shake
I said shake it, baby, shake it
Well shake, baby, shake
Come on over, whole lot of shakin goin’ on
Ah let’s go
Well, come over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over, baby, better got your bull by the horn
We ain’t fakin’, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Easy now
Shake it, oh, shake it, baby
Yeah, you can shake one time for me
Well, I said on come over, baby, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s get real low one time now
Shake, baby, shake
All you gotta, honey, is kinda stand in one spot
Wiggle around just a little bit
That’s what you gotta do, yeah
Ooh, babe, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s go one time
Shake it, babe, shake it
Shake it, babe, shake
Shake it, babe, come on, babe
Shake it, babe, shake it
Come on over, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on