Discussion Questions for Early Rock ‘n’ Roll Covers:
“Shake, Rattle, and Roll”: original version
Links to an external site. recorded by Big Joe Turner, 1954; cover version
Links to an external site. by Bill Haley and the Comets,
“Mystery Train”: original version
Links to an external site. written and recorded by Junior Parker, 1953; cover version
Links to an external site. by Elvis Presley, 1955
What are the main similarities and differences between the original and cover versions of each of these songs?
Compare and contrast the vocal performances of Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley, and Junior Parker and Elvis Presley in their versions of these songs.
In each case, do you think that the cover version was a “rip-off” of the original, or that it was a new treatment of the original?
In your opinion, which version has a better “feel”? Why?
