Smiley Lewis Rocks CD

Smiley Lewis - Smiley Lewis Rocks CD

Smiley Lewis was one of the great New Orleans rhythm & blues and early Rock 'n' Roll voices, and this superb 36-track collection brings together his finest rocking sides from 1950-1958. Produced and co-written by the legendary Dave Bartholomew, these recordings feature the cream of the Crescent City studio scene, including the unmistakable saxophone of Lee Allen and powerhouse drumming from Earl Palmer.

From the storming I Hear You Knocking and One Night to the rawer early sides, Lewis delivers that wonderfully gritty New Orleans sound with a voice that could stand alongside the finest blues shouters of the era. I Hear You Knocking became a major R&B hit in 1955 and was later transformed into a huge British hit by Dave Edmunds, while One Night was subsequently taken into the mainstream by Elvis Presley.

A terrific single-disc overview of an essential figure in the development of New Orleans R&B and Rock 'n' Roll, packed with driving rhythms, superb musicianship and that unmistakable Crescent City atmosphere. 36 tracks of essential Smiley Lewis rocking, making this an excellent addition to any serious Rock 'n' Roll, Rhythm & Blues or New Orleans collection.