Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

BRENSTON, Jackie

Singer, songwriter, saxophonist; one-hit wonder whose hit was often hailed as first true rock'n'roll record. Played sax with Ike Turner and his Kings Of Rhythm, then located Clarkesdale MS; wrote jumping car song "Rocket 88', the band recorded it for Sam Phillips's Sun Records in Memphis who leased it to Chess as Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (his mother signed the contract; he was under age): it was one of the biggest R&B hits of '51. Brenston fronted band on tour but faded when he parted with them. The song had been sold to Phillips for about $900; country bandleader Bill Haley switched styles to cover it on the Holiday label, launching a new career.