I forgot about Summer Rain. He gives a shout out to the Beatles' "Sergeant Pepper's" literally a month or two after that record came out. See my new comment. So many great songs, in every style.
A great cover of the Chuck Berry classic. Johnny Rivers made a number of "Whiskey A-Go-Go" LPs with a lot of great cover tunes done live. Then he put out a bunch of studio hits in the later 60s. I'd go for "Secret Agent Man" next.
@@magneto7930 Trending downward but lots of artists still release live albums, 26 so far in 2023. 57 in 2022, (55 per year was the 60's average) 76 in 2021, 94 in 2020, 101 in 2019, 109 in 2018, 112 in 2017, 119 in 2016, 163 in 2015, 174 in 2014, 200 in 2013. Most live albums were released between 2000-2009, averaging 425 releases a year, peaking in 2006 at 507 live album releases. The biggest selling live albums were recorded between 1969 and 1999. (topped by "Eric Clapton, Unplugged" 1992, 26 million copies worldwide) Hundreds of thousands of Swifties recorded bits of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour these past months but that didn't keep her from making a movie of it.
Jay & Amber, His "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" has great piano you will love!!!! edit- "Memphis,Tennessee" written by Chuck Berry!! Yes, about a 6-year old daughter.
Memphis Tennessee was written by Chuck Berry. Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, or Secret Agent Man by Johnny Rivers, that's what you need to react to next!
Johnny Rivers is a treasure. "Secret Agent Man" and "Mountain of Love" are 2 of my very favorite songs. Thanks you two for keeping our music relevant. ❤
The sequel was "The Prisoner" in which he didn't have a name, just a number (#6). Same actor Patrick McGoohan. The show was a British production and over there it was called "Danger Man", it was called "Secret Agent" in the states.
Another vote for his Secret Agent Man. I'd also check out another guitarist, Duane Eddy's version of the theme from Peter Gunn which he then did again on the band Art of Noise's version in the 80s. Some of his other instrumentals were Rebel-Rouser and Because They're Young.
Hi J and Amber. I grew up listening to Johnny Rivers because my grandparents had one of his albums and we're from the same area as he. The club that he mentioned is Whiskey a GoGo. It is affectionately known as the Whiskey and yes it is still open for business. Oh and Johnny Rivers is still touring and playing music at almost 81 years old. As for more Johnny Rivers' songs, Mountain of Love; Summer Rain; Secret Agent Man; Where Have All the Flowers Gone; The Seventh Son; and Huey "Piano" Smith's Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu.
Hi Amber. Yes , that was a nice twist in the story.. Written by the great Chuck Berry . And Jay , I could understand getting caught up in the guitar work. Did the same thing when I first heard it **years ago.You guys do a nice job in appreciating music. Keep up the nice work.
My half-Filipino kids always thought he was singing "Secret Asian Man". I never had the heart to correct them since they were so happy every time the song came on the radio.
Also, "Slow Dancing "&"Seventh Son" & as others have mentioned, "Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" & "Tracks of my Tears" & "Midnight Special" and so Many Many more I could go on and on!!!!!
I had the opportunity to see Johnny Rivers at an outdoor concert in Boston nearly 20 years ago and got to meet him briefly. It rained during the concert and I told him, "That was quite a summer rain." "Summer Rain" was an introspective psychedelic ballad which was one of his biggest hits. I think Amber would especially love it.
The Whiskey a Go Go is a legendary venue. Check out their webpage. One story of lore -- The Doors enjoyed a residency at the Whiskey a Go Go for three months in 1966. But an over the top performance of "The End" got them fired three days after they were signed to a recording contract.
Johnny Rivers was my first concert in 1976 when I was 10 years old. My Mom was a big fan and took me along. As soon as the music kicked in and I could feel the bass and drums, I was hooked on live rock and roll. That concert instilled a love of music and started my musical journey. She passed a month ago and that memory is strong. Thanks for this.
Back in the early-mid 60s my grandparents were the first in the family to have a color TV. On Saturday mornings my sister would go over there to help grandma clean the house, have lunch and then be able to watch American Bandstand in color. Years later I found out that my grandma was still watching it every week. I asked her why and she said she liked to keep up on the music and to see what the kids were wearing/dancing.
The Whiskey was the home ; launch of The Doors. In the 70s, my office was just down sunset & my wife & I spent lots time there in the evenings. (Almost every act on American Bandstand - or any Dick Clark production -- was mimed to the record like this. One of my favorite trax! 🎉❤
Awesome artist! You should check out "Slow Dancing'", "Going Back To Big Sur", "Summer Rain", "The Tracks of My Tears", "You Better Move On", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'", and "Secret Agent Man".
Johnny Rivers! I was too young when his songs were hits, but discovered him in college when I was listening to uncool "Oldies" stations to up my music IQ. So many great songs, in every possible style- at least 5 or 6 top radio hits well into the 70's. This is good one.
One of my favorites by Johnny was " Poor Side of Town. " He always seemed to have a summertime hit! I also liked how he referenced the Beatles' song in " Summer Rain. "
I used to watch American Bandstand every day when I got home from school. It was my introduction to so many wonderful artists, music and dances. We had so many great music and variety shows while I was growing up and the music was fabulous!
By Chuck Berry. Elvis had Johnny over to Graceland and he told the latter that he was planning to release that song as a single. Elvis was stabbed in the back by Johnny and he was barred from coming back to Graceland.
Johnny Rivers is one of those fantastic artists and you don't realize how much great stuff he did. If you've only heard this and Poor Side of Town, you have GOT to listen to Secret Agent Man.
So many good songs from Johnny Rivers, Swaying to the Music, Secret Agent Man, Mountain of Love, Baby I Need Your Lovin, Midnight Special, Maybelline, Rockin Pneumonia, and more. Love it you went down that rabbit hole.
Whiskey-A-Go Go was the blue-print for the dance clubs of the 60-70s. Lotsa folks got their 'entre' into the bigtime there. It was a time of soooo many new fads and dances it was tough to stay current. The "go go" clubs had dancers on raised up spot-lit boxes to show how a new dance was done. They wore white boots so you could follow the footwork. "Go Go boots", mini-skirts and BIG hair. (be still my heart) 😊
Cover of the original Chuck Berry record from 1959 (the B-side of "Back in the USA."). Lonnie Mack had a hit with a cover in 1963 (#5). Berry's record was titled "Memphis, Tennessee" but the 1963 Mack & the 1964 Rivers covers were titled simply "Memphis." This was the 1st charted single by Rivers on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking @ #2 (2 weeks) on the Billboard Hot 100. Rivers followed it up with another Berry cover "Maybelline," which peaked @ #12 in 1964.
...and the Lonnie Mack hit (an instrumental) is what Dick Clark was talking about. There's videos of Mack playing his other big hit, "Wham", with SRV live!
I don't think anyone could make a song his own like Johnny Rivers. I love Mountain of Love, Summer Rain, Secret Agent Man, Seventh Son, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, and more. 👍👍
The Whisky a go go is still around. I haven’t been since before the pandemic. But drove by there a few weeks ago. It’s worth a visit along with the Troubadour and the Roxy. All legendary venues.
My favorite part of this is "hurry-home drops on her cheeks." The song was written by the great Chuck Berry. It was part of the Beatles' set list as late as July of 1963, when they recorded it for broadcast at the BBC.
Great reaction, Jay and Amber! I am glad that you like Johnny Rivers. I remember back in the early 1960's before I was even in school, I had such a crush on him. My oldest brother, who was in his teens, would play his, as well as other artists songs. I remember one of the many songs my brother would play of his was, Secret Agent Man, which was from a TV show at the time. I love the reactions, please keep them coming.
Yes J, not only have I been to the World Famous Whiskey-A-Go-Go, but as a young man I actually got to play there with a band that I was in, back 1985. It is now considered a Historical Landmark in Hollywood. Next Johnny Rivers should be "Secret Agent Man" or "Rockin' Pneumonia (and the Boogie Woogie Flu).
I Used to DJ in the 90's and 2000's and this song would always pack the dance floor. Good music is ageless. thanks for doing this one, it was my late mothers' favourite and brought back some great memories!
The Whiskey, they dropped the name A-Go-Go years after it was opened, is a great LA club. So many of the bands you have listened to played on that stage. Throughout the 80's I worked in nightclubs and did a short stint at the Whiskey. I had to leave after a year when I got a job at another club as lighting director. There were a lot of rock clubs on Sunset Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood and West Hollywood back then that rocked and everyone wanted to play at those venues. Saw so many upstarting bands that went on to fame and fortune. Great scene back then and it was a great time to see some of the best bands ever. And I did see Johnny Rivers a couple of times. He is a great performer and a prolific songwriter having written many songs for other singers and bands. Love JR and I am glad you are getting the chance to explore his music.
Johnny Rivers was originally from New York.His family moved to Baton Rouge La.when he was around 13. He really captured the La.accent in his Country Rock sound. When I was a child HIS music was always on the radio. Check out Mountain of Love",and "Slow Dancing".
American Bandstand was on for decades. There are a lot of videos here on UA-cam with episodes including one from 1980 featuring Prince! The show started in 1957 but I started watching in the 60's until it ended in 1989. There's a lot of music and different artists that crossed that stage!
@@bert_towle 2 different shows. Bandstand first aired in 1952. Dick Clark joined it in 1956. The Beechnut show was Saturday evenings from NYC with performers on stage 1958-60. Bandstand was Monday to Friday afternoons from Philadelphia with teenagers dancing to records and occasionally a live guest, until it moved to LA. It had various time slots until it went off the air in 1989. Those and other Dick Clark shows had the singers lip sync to their records, that was the deal.
Yes, I've recently attended "A Whisky Go Go" Now it's "Whisky A Go Go" on 8901 Sunset Blvd, "The Sunset Strip" in West Hollywood, CA. Many Legends played there!
When my brother was four, in 1962, he called the operator and told her that he wanted to talk to his grandma. The local operator knew our grandma, and us, and connected them. This was one of the benefits of growing up in a small town.
(Btw, the Whiskey a Go Go nightclub is still open in Calif.. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood) My mom & dad went to the Whiskey a Go Go nightclub back in the '60's; they didn't get to see Johnny perform there but they Loved his music, had all of his albums inc. the "Whiskey a Go Go" album! I grew up on his music and was fortunate enough to be able to see him live at a nightclub in Wa. about 10 yrs ago ~ he was Amazing!!🥰
Mountain of Love has been one of my earworms since my older cousin came to live with us when I was nine ( 1968 I think )He had two greatest hits albums; Johnny Rivers and Sam the Sham and the Pharos . Never have complained when the music can back to haunt me. Great old stuff 🧓😎💖💖
this was a Chuck Berry song originally. In January 1964 Elvis recorded and planned it for his next big release. He played it for Johnny Rivers. Before Elvis released it Rivers went and recorded it and released his version. Elvis was hurt and chose not to release his version. I never paid attention to the lyrics in all the time i heard Rivers version, it just sounded like a raccous party record. Then i heard Elvis' version and it's completely different , with more feeling, and i realized the song is about the singers daughter
@@punkydoodle4774 I agree it wasn't the nicest thing to do. But it had already been a hit by Chuck Berry, the original version, and covered by others as well. He had a right to cover it, as did Elvis. Elvis still could have put his cover of it out there, and made a little competition between him and Johnny.
The first Whisky A Go-Go opened in Chicago in 1958. The The Whisky a Go Go is an iconic nightclub in West Hollywood, California. It is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip and has been the place where many legendary artists have recorded music.
Love Johnny Rivers! A band from my hometown, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was the house band at the Whisky-a-Go-Go club from 1969 to 1971. I think you'd really enjoy that band's one and only hit song. Very 1970s with a sweet Hammond organ solo and harmonies. The band is Gypsy and the song is Gypsy Queen Part 1. I've been binge-listening to it this week!
The Whiskey-A-Go-Go is an iconic club on the Sunset Strip. I've been a few times and I have that original album with "Memphis" on it that Johnny mentioned. It used to belong to my mother and I was able to get Johnny to autograph it a number of years ago.
Just looked up Johnny Rivers and he is still with us! 80 years old now, and looks great for his age - he must take care of himself. Have always loved this song, and the twist ending! Whiskey A Go-Go was the place - The Doors played a series of shows there when they first became known.
The Whisky is still around and thriving since the early 60s. Even older is The Troubadour, another LA club with live music, which is where I used to hang out a bit in the early 90s. Both places have seen the biggest music stars in the world perform there.
Johnny Rivers performed at a free summer concert in the '90s. He played for a solid two hours without break or conversation. He ended with Secret Agent Man, the next JR song for Reaction.
The whiskey was where Motley Crue got their start as well as so many other LA based bands for the hair metal 80's. Johnny Rivers started that trend. The history of music is soo cool, so Deep.
Johnny Rivers, Ray Guy, Tab Benoit, and Jimmie Davis. My favorite Baton Rouge born performers. And Jimmie was even the governor going around singing You Are My Sunshine.
The Doors were the house band at Whisky-A-Go-Go in the late 60's till they got fired.The straw that broke the camel's back was Jim Morrison's improvised addition to their song "The End."
"Slow Dancing" is my favorite Johnny Rivers song. Before my wife lost her hearing, I could put it on, and she would run from wherever she was in the house to dance with me.
Yes Amber. Yes. Anyway Johnny Rivers..grew up with him.....love hearing him on the radio.....great entertainer!!! My Stomping ground and hang out club was the Whiskey La- Go-Go.
Whiskey-A-Go-Go was an iconic music and dance venue in L.A. in the 1960s--actually in West Hollywood. It opened in Jan. 1964. Although a 'disco', Johnny Rivers opened as a live act and was supported by DJ Rhonda Lane. As far as I know, the Whiskey is still there doing it's thing. Although the very first Whiskey a Go Go was in France, the American version was probably the most iconic. The concept of 'go go dancing' originated at the Whiskey.
I have a friend Denny Blaze from High School who got some online fame and for April Fools Day he was booked to play the Whisky-A-Go-Go and while he was booked for April Fools he had fans and that show was no joke. Lol. And it was awesome seeing him get to play such a famous venue.
Had no idea he started at the Whiskey a go go. My good friend's kids band Little Rain played there a couple years back. Grew up listening to Johnny. Love his music.
One of the earliest songs by Chuck Berry and covered many times (also by the Beatles early in their carreer - it was a staple song for them in Liverpool and Hamburg before they were famous in 1960-62 when they played a lot of Berry songs). The Johnny Rivers version was indeed very successful, even internationally.
Johnny Rivers was an enigma. The guy had a ton of hits, and almost all of them were covers. In many cases his cover version became a bigger hit than the original. I can't think of another artist that did this.
Johnny Rivers was the first to put out singles on the radio that were live club recordings. A good friend of mine, now passed on, played sax and harmonica w/ Johnny in New Orleans before he was called 'Rivers". You need to check out the song 'Secret Agent Man'. He had about 20-22 hit singles over 3 decades.
Went to the Whiskey-a-Go-Go in late '64 during my first trip to California. Can't remember who was performing, I .was too busy watching the go-go-girls!
Johnny Rivers has many hits and great songs. "Secret agent man", "Baby I need Your Lovin" and" Summer Rain" are good songs too.
Secret Agent Man?" 🤔
I thought it was "Secret Asian Man. 😲
My bad.😐
😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤
@@LesterMoore
😅😂🤣🤣🤣
Tracks of My Tears and Baby I Need Your Loving are incredible!!!!!!
This was a rocker in it 's time and to me still is. Y'all should react to "Summer Rain" sung by Johnny Rivers.
This is my favorite Johnny Rivers song as well.
Agree ,Definitely must do "Summer Rain".
I forgot about Summer Rain. He gives a shout out to the Beatles' "Sergeant Pepper's" literally a month or two after that record came out. See my new comment. So many great songs, in every style.
Yes!
yes@@57doodoo
A great cover of the Chuck Berry classic. Johnny Rivers made a number of "Whiskey A-Go-Go" LPs with a lot of great cover tunes done live. Then he put out a bunch of studio hits in the later 60s.
I'd go for "Secret Agent Man" next.
It's a shame nobody can make live albums anymore. Everyone records the shows with their phones so the artists don't bother.
Definitely Secret Agent Man. Our band is playing that tomorrow night!
@@nathanwahl9224 my band played it 40-something years ago. Just an all-around fun song to play!
"Seventh Son" is another Whisky-a-Go-Go smash.
@@magneto7930 Trending downward but lots of artists still release live albums, 26 so far in 2023. 57 in 2022, (55 per year was the 60's average) 76 in 2021, 94 in 2020, 101 in 2019, 109 in 2018, 112 in 2017, 119 in 2016, 163 in 2015, 174 in 2014, 200 in 2013. Most live albums were released between 2000-2009, averaging 425 releases a year, peaking in 2006 at 507 live album releases. The biggest selling live albums were recorded between 1969 and 1999. (topped by "Eric Clapton, Unplugged" 1992, 26 million copies worldwide)
Hundreds of thousands of Swifties recorded bits of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour these past months but that didn't keep her from making a movie of it.
Johnny Rivers deserves a much larger audience and following. So many great songs.
Absolutely
They still have his best song to do, Secret Agent Man.
Absolutely!
I agree completely
Had the pleasure of seeing him live in concert at our local fairgrounds in Central CA -- very soft-spoken guy, but an incredible catalog of songs!
Jay & Amber, His "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" has great piano you will love!!!!
edit- "Memphis,Tennessee" written by Chuck Berry!! Yes, about a 6-year old daughter.
Yes! "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" Love that piano!
Oh yeah! Rockin Pneumonia is a fun fun banger!
Oh, yes, that is a great one! These songs remind me of my dad. He loved this music!
Memphis Tennessee was written by Chuck Berry. Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, or Secret Agent Man by Johnny Rivers, that's what you need to react to next!
And Seventh Son!
@@jojokrako7818 oh believe me, I can mention quite a few. I figured I'd narrow it down to two so they have a better chance.
"Slow Dancing"
Mountain of Love!!
Yes! Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu
Johnny Rivers is a treasure. "Secret Agent Man" and "Mountain of Love" are 2 of my very favorite songs. Thanks you two for keeping our music relevant. ❤
And Summer Rain!
Mountain Of Love!!
Seventh Son
Whisky a Go Go is an historic nightclub! It's even in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ♥
Yes, thank you for mentioning that! I was about to comment on it, "How have you younguns not heard of the Whisky A Go Go?"
“Secret Agent Man” is a great hit that he had with great guitar.
"They've givin' you a number and taken away your name"!! Great rockin' song
So did I! @sam-zm5zw
The sequel was "The Prisoner" in which he didn't have a name, just a number (#6). Same actor Patrick McGoohan. The show was a British production and over there it was called "Danger Man", it was called "Secret Agent" in the states.
Another vote for his Secret Agent Man. I'd also check out another guitarist, Duane Eddy's version of the theme from Peter Gunn which he then did again on the band Art of Noise's version in the 80s. Some of his other instrumentals were Rebel-Rouser and Because They're Young.
Don't forget "40 miles of bad road"
Peter Gunn by Duane Eddy is an awesome tune
Hi J and Amber. I grew up listening to Johnny Rivers because my grandparents had one of his albums and we're from the same area as he. The club that he mentioned is Whiskey a GoGo. It is affectionately known as the Whiskey and yes it is still open for business. Oh and Johnny Rivers is still touring and playing music at almost 81 years old.
As for more Johnny Rivers' songs, Mountain of Love; Summer Rain; Secret Agent Man; Where Have All the Flowers Gone; The Seventh Son; and Huey "Piano" Smith's Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu.
Hi Amber. Yes , that was a nice twist in the story.. Written by the great Chuck Berry . And Jay , I could understand getting caught up in the guitar work. Did the same thing when I first heard it **years ago.You guys do a nice job in appreciating music. Keep up the nice work.
Music I grew up to my mother playing his albums
8 year old me caught the groove too! I loved his guitar tone that seemed o match his vocals.Chiguy!
A cool song that Jonny did with a riff you might like Jay, is Secret Agent Man. It came out abiut the time the James Bond movies started.
It was the theme song to the Patrick McGoohan TV show, "Secret Agent" (called "Danger Man" in the UK).
My half-Filipino kids always thought he was singing "Secret Asian Man". I never had the heart to correct them since they were so happy every time the song came on the radio.
Also try his "Secret Agent Man" and "Summer Rain"
Add Mountain of Love tithe list please
LOVE Summer Rain!!
Love those, try Midnight Special
Also, "Slow Dancing "&"Seventh Son" & as others have mentioned, "Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" & "Tracks of my Tears" & "Midnight Special" and so Many Many more I could go on and on!!!!!
Yes do secret agent man
I had the opportunity to see Johnny Rivers at an outdoor concert in Boston nearly 20 years ago and got to meet him briefly. It rained during the concert and I told him, "That was quite a summer rain." "Summer Rain" was an introspective psychedelic ballad which was one of his biggest hits. I think Amber would especially love it.
The Whiskey a Go Go is a legendary venue. Check out their webpage. One story of lore -- The Doors enjoyed a residency at the Whiskey a Go Go for three months in 1966. But an over the top performance of "The End" got them fired three days after they were signed to a recording contract.
Johnny Rivers was my first concert in 1976 when I was 10 years old. My Mom was a big fan and took me along. As soon as the music kicked in and I could feel the bass and drums, I was hooked on live rock and roll. That concert instilled a love of music and started my musical journey. She passed a month ago and that memory is strong. Thanks for this.
Back in the early-mid 60s my grandparents were the first in the family to have a color TV. On Saturday mornings my sister would go over there to help grandma clean the house, have lunch and then be able to watch American Bandstand in color. Years later I found out that my grandma was still watching it every week. I asked her why and she said she liked to keep up on the music and to see what the kids were wearing/dancing.
So many great songs in so many different styles - Mountain of Love, Summer Rain, Seventh Son
The Whiskey was the home ; launch of The Doors. In the 70s, my office was just down sunset & my wife & I spent lots time there in the evenings. (Almost every act on American Bandstand - or any Dick Clark production -- was mimed to the record like this. One of my favorite trax! 🎉❤
The Doors were fired for Morrison's lewd behavior.
Johnny Rivers - "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu"
Jay will LOVE this one!!!..I guarantee it! 😉
YES!
"BABY I NEED YOUR LOVIN'" IS ANOTHER GEAT HIT!🎸🎶🎸🎵🎤🎶🎸❤❤❤👍👍👍👍🎵🎶🎤🎸
"Slow Dancing (Swaying to the Music)" and "Secret Agent Man" are his best, showcasing his slower and faster sides too.
Slow dancing, great hit, a favorite for all time.
Omg. Slow dancin…. ❤ so good.
ROCKIN PNEUMONIA AND THE BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU!!! Omgosh I’ve been requesting this for a year now. THE PIANO!!!!!! Will blow your mind
Awesome artist! You should check out "Slow Dancing'", "Going Back To Big Sur", "Summer Rain", "The Tracks of My Tears", "You Better Move On", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'", and "Secret Agent Man".
i love Slow Dancing! Some call it Swayin' to the Music, but Slow Dancing (Swayin 'to the Music) is the correct title, I believe.
I second “Summer Rain”
@@sallyphillips9175 yeah, I was just saving time and space. Searching for either will bring up the same song. Lol
And "Seventh Son".
Yes Summer Rain
Johnny Rivers! I was too young when his songs were hits, but discovered him in college when I was listening to uncool "Oldies" stations to up my music IQ. So many great songs, in every possible style- at least 5 or 6 top radio hits well into the 70's. This is good one.
One of my favorites by Johnny was " Poor Side of Town. " He always seemed to have a summertime hit! I also liked how he referenced the Beatles' song in " Summer Rain. "
I used to watch American Bandstand every day when I got home from school. It was my introduction to so many wonderful artists, music and dances. We had so many great music and variety shows while I was growing up and the music was fabulous!
I’m old enough to remember American Bandstand. I would rush home from school to watch Dick Clark and the new music. ❤love it
Summer rain is a hauntingly beautiful song by johnny.
This is just sheer talent ! No one can make music like this anymore.
He did not write this song, Chuck Berry did.
My very favorite song by Johnny Rivers. I've loved this song since I was young. It's still great!!!
By Chuck Berry. Elvis had Johnny over to Graceland and he told the latter that he was planning to release that song as a single. Elvis was stabbed in the back by Johnny and he was barred from coming back to Graceland.
Johnny Rivers is one of those fantastic artists and you don't realize how much great stuff he did. If you've only heard this and Poor Side of Town, you have GOT to listen to Secret Agent Man.
And Summer Rain. In fact, it is raining!
So many good songs from Johnny Rivers, Swaying to the Music, Secret Agent Man, Mountain of Love, Baby I Need Your Lovin, Midnight Special, Maybelline, Rockin Pneumonia, and more. Love it you went down that rabbit hole.
This man is a treasure. Still touring abd still has that voice.
"Secret Agent man", is my favorite Song by him. That into rift is such a Classic.
Whiskey-A-Go Go was the blue-print for the dance clubs of the 60-70s. Lotsa folks got their 'entre' into the bigtime there. It was a time of soooo many new fads and dances it was tough to stay current. The "go go" clubs had dancers on raised up spot-lit boxes to show how a new dance was done. They wore white boots so you could follow the footwork. "Go Go boots", mini-skirts and BIG hair.
(be still my heart) 😊
Cover of the original Chuck Berry record from 1959 (the B-side of "Back in the USA."). Lonnie Mack had a hit with a cover in 1963 (#5). Berry's record was titled "Memphis, Tennessee" but the 1963 Mack & the 1964 Rivers covers were titled simply "Memphis." This was the 1st charted single by Rivers on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking @ #2 (2 weeks) on the Billboard Hot 100. Rivers followed it up with another Berry cover "Maybelline," which peaked @ #12 in 1964.
...and the Lonnie Mack hit (an instrumental) is what Dick Clark was talking about. There's videos of Mack playing his other big hit, "Wham", with SRV live!
Johnny Rivers Summer Rain is my #1
I don't think anyone could make a song his own like Johnny Rivers. I love Mountain of Love, Summer Rain, Secret Agent Man, Seventh Son, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, and more. 👍👍
I spent many nights at the Whiskey. Saw a lot of famous acts, but never Johnny Rivers. I wish I had - he was always one of my favorites.
The Whisky a go go is still around. I haven’t been since before the pandemic. But drove by there a few weeks ago. It’s worth a visit along with the Troubadour and the Roxy. All legendary venues.
My favorite part of this is "hurry-home drops on her cheeks." The song was written by the great Chuck Berry. It was part of the Beatles' set list as late as July of 1963, when they recorded it for broadcast at the BBC.
I used to live in LA and went to many a show at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go on Sunset Blvd. Small, but a lot of history.
I've been in Baton Rouge for most of my life and Johnny's music still resonates
Great reaction, Jay and Amber! I am glad that you like Johnny Rivers. I remember back in the early 1960's before I was even in school, I had such a crush on him. My oldest brother, who was in his teens, would play his, as well as other artists songs. I remember one of the many songs my brother would play of his was, Secret Agent Man, which was from a TV show at the time. I love the reactions, please keep them coming.
Mountain of love
Yes J, not only have I been to the World Famous Whiskey-A-Go-Go, but as a young man I actually got to play there with a band that I was in, back 1985. It is now considered a Historical Landmark in Hollywood. Next Johnny Rivers should be "Secret Agent Man" or "Rockin' Pneumonia (and the Boogie Woogie Flu).
I Used to DJ in the 90's and 2000's and this song would always pack the dance floor. Good music is ageless. thanks for doing this one, it was my late mothers' favourite and brought back some great memories!
The Whiskey, they dropped the name A-Go-Go years after it was opened, is a great LA club. So many of the bands you have listened to played on that stage. Throughout the 80's I worked in nightclubs and did a short stint at the Whiskey. I had to leave after a year when I got a job at another club as lighting director. There were a lot of rock clubs on Sunset Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood and West Hollywood back then that rocked and everyone wanted to play at those venues. Saw so many upstarting bands that went on to fame and fortune. Great scene back then and it was a great time to see some of the best bands ever. And I did see Johnny Rivers a couple of times. He is a great performer and a prolific songwriter having written many songs for other singers and bands. Love JR and I am glad you are getting the chance to explore his music.
Johnny Rivers was originally from New York.His family moved to Baton Rouge La.when he was around 13.
He really captured the La.accent in his Country Rock sound.
When I was a child HIS music was always on the radio.
Check out Mountain of Love",and "Slow Dancing".
American Bandstand was on for decades. There are a lot of videos here on UA-cam with episodes including one from 1980 featuring Prince! The show started in 1957 but I started watching in the 60's until it ended in 1989. There's a lot of music and different artists that crossed that stage!
Originally, the Saturday Night Beechnut Show.
@@bert_towle 2 different shows. Bandstand first aired in 1952. Dick Clark joined it in 1956.
The Beechnut show was Saturday evenings from NYC with performers on stage 1958-60.
Bandstand was Monday to Friday afternoons from Philadelphia with teenagers dancing to records and occasionally a live guest, until it moved to LA. It had various time slots until it went off the air in 1989.
Those and other Dick Clark shows had the singers lip sync to their records, that was the deal.
Johnny Rivers has been one of my favorites since the 60s
Summer Rain is my favorite Johnny Rivers tune. You can feel it in your soul.
Yes, I've recently attended "A Whisky Go Go" Now it's "Whisky A Go Go" on 8901 Sunset Blvd, "The Sunset Strip" in West Hollywood, CA.
Many Legends played there!
When my brother was four, in 1962, he called the operator and told her that he wanted to talk to his grandma. The local operator knew our grandma, and us, and connected them. This was one of the benefits of growing up in a small town.
(Btw, the Whiskey a Go Go nightclub is still open in Calif.. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood)
My mom & dad went to the Whiskey a Go Go nightclub back in the '60's; they didn't get to see Johnny perform there but they Loved his music, had all of his albums inc. the "Whiskey a Go Go" album! I grew up on his music and was fortunate enough to be able to see him live at a nightclub in Wa. about 10 yrs ago ~ he was Amazing!!🥰
I'm glad that Amber was paying attention to the lyrics. That's the whole point of the song.
Mountain of Love has been one of my earworms since my older cousin came to live with us when I was nine ( 1968 I think )He had two greatest hits albums; Johnny Rivers and Sam the Sham and the Pharos . Never have complained when the music can back to haunt me. Great old stuff 🧓😎💖💖
Little Red Riding Hood!
I live in L.A. and have been to the Whisky many times, particularly in the 90s. YES, it's still open on Sunset Boulevard!
this was a Chuck Berry song originally. In January 1964 Elvis recorded and planned it for his next big release. He played it for Johnny Rivers. Before Elvis released it Rivers went and recorded it and released his version. Elvis was hurt and chose not to release his version. I never paid attention to the lyrics in all the time i heard Rivers version, it just sounded like a raccous party record. Then i heard Elvis' version and it's completely different , with more feeling, and i realized the song is about the singers daughter
I hated Johnny Rivers after he betrayed Elvis like that.🤮
That was a crappy thing to do. I heard Elvis never talked to him again. I hope losing his friendship was worth it.
@@punkydoodle4774 I agree it wasn't the nicest thing to do. But it had already been a hit by Chuck Berry, the original version, and covered by others as well. He had a right to cover it, as did Elvis. Elvis still could have put his cover of it out there, and made a little competition between him and Johnny.
The first Whisky A Go-Go opened in Chicago in 1958. The The Whisky a Go Go is an iconic nightclub in West Hollywood, California. It is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip and has been the place where many legendary artists have recorded music.
Love Johnny Rivers!
A band from my hometown, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was the house band at the Whisky-a-Go-Go club from 1969 to 1971. I think you'd really enjoy that band's one and only hit song. Very 1970s with a sweet Hammond organ solo and harmonies. The band is Gypsy and the song is Gypsy Queen Part 1. I've been binge-listening to it this week!
We had a cat in the 60s who we named Puddin Ago-Go! Lots of clubs across the country used Ago-Go in their names. 🤪
I live only minutes away from the Whiskey-a-Go-Go...it's still around.
The Whiskey-A-Go-Go is an iconic club on the Sunset Strip. I've been a few times and I have that original album with "Memphis" on it that Johnny mentioned. It used to belong to my mother and I was able to get Johnny to autograph it a number of years ago.
Whiskey-A-Go-Go was located on the Sunset strip (Sunset Boulevard) where a lot of 60s groups performed-Byrds, doors etc.
Just looked up Johnny Rivers and he is still with us! 80 years old now, and looks great for his age - he must take care of himself. Have always loved this song, and the twist ending! Whiskey A Go-Go was the place - The Doors played a series of shows there when they first became known.
The Whisky is still around and thriving since the early 60s. Even older is The Troubadour, another LA club with live music, which is where I used to hang out a bit in the early 90s. Both places have seen the biggest music stars in the world perform there.
I watched that tv show when I was about ten thru my teens. We had black and white tvs. I love Johnny Rivers. I love Secret Agent Man. I learn
"Baby I Need Your Lovin'", "The Tracks of My Tears", "Rockin' Pneumonia - Boogie Woogie Flu", and "Swayin' To the Music" are really good too!
Johnny Rivers performed at a free summer concert in the '90s. He played for a solid two hours without break or conversation. He ended with Secret Agent Man, the next JR song for Reaction.
The whiskey was where Motley Crue got their start as well as so many other LA based bands for the hair metal 80's. Johnny Rivers started that trend.
The history of music is soo cool, so Deep.
Great song! You guys should react to his version of "Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu."
"Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu" and "Secret Agent Man" are my favorite Johnny Rivers Songs
My favorite song by him…incredible piano playing in it
Johnny Rivers, Ray Guy, Tab Benoit, and Jimmie Davis. My favorite Baton Rouge born performers. And Jimmie was even the governor going around singing You Are My Sunshine.
The Whiskey is LEGENDARY. I saw the B-52's and the Dead Kennedys there in '79-80...
This was in the 60’s before color TV. I always liked Johnny Rivers, still do.👍💜💜
The Doors were the house band at Whisky-A-Go-Go in the late 60's till they got fired.The straw that broke the camel's back was Jim Morrison's improvised addition to their song "The End."
Still need to do his most memorable song, "Secret Agent Man"
"Slow Dancing" is my favorite Johnny Rivers song. Before my wife lost her hearing, I could put it on, and she would run from wherever she was in the house to dance with me.
Yes, the Whiskey is still there and still rocking, spent some incredible evenings in there and The Troubadour, classic LA spots. ✌️
Yes Amber. Yes. Anyway Johnny Rivers..grew up with him.....love hearing him on the radio.....great entertainer!!! My Stomping ground and hang out club was the Whiskey La- Go-Go.
I've loved it since I first heard it. Many years ago.
"Slow Dancin" is my fav. My late wife and I would slow dance to it and I'd sing in her ear.
Whiskey-A-Go-Go was an iconic music and dance venue in L.A. in the 1960s--actually in West Hollywood. It opened in Jan. 1964. Although a 'disco', Johnny Rivers opened as a live act and was supported by DJ Rhonda Lane. As far as I know, the Whiskey is still there doing it's thing. Although the very first Whiskey a Go Go was in France, the American version was probably the most iconic. The concept of 'go go dancing' originated at the Whiskey.
Love Johnny Rivers, such a large song book.
AMERICAN BANDSTAND HAD EVERY BODY ON IT IN 50'S THRU 70'S. SOUL TRAIN, TOO! THEY INTERVIEWED ALMOST EVERYONE WHO APPEARED. NO TEEN MISSED IT!!!!😎❤👍👍👍👍
This song gives me flashbacks, as it was one of the songs on the mix tape we exercised to in PE class when I was in Jr high in the early 1980's
I have a friend Denny Blaze from High School who got some online fame and for April Fools Day he was booked to play the Whisky-A-Go-Go and while he was booked for April Fools he had fans and that show was no joke. Lol. And it was awesome seeing him get to play such a famous venue.
Had no idea he started at the Whiskey a go go. My good friend's kids band Little Rain played there a couple years back. Grew up listening to Johnny. Love his music.
He should have been inducted into rock and roll hall of fame!!
One of the earliest songs by Chuck Berry and covered many times (also by the Beatles early in their carreer - it was a staple song for them in Liverpool and Hamburg before they were famous in 1960-62 when they played a lot of Berry songs). The Johnny Rivers version was indeed very successful, even internationally.
This is one of my favorite songs. Many of us would get home from school and turn on American Bandstand.
Johnny Rivers was an enigma. The guy had a ton of hits, and almost all of them were covers. In many cases his cover version became a bigger hit than the original. I can't think of another artist that did this.
Three Dog Night was famous for taking other artists' songs that had done okay or hadn't done so well and turning them into monster hits.
Way to go Amber; 6 yr old Marie is the twist at the end. 😃
Johnny still playing & Rockin at 80 yrs young. Watching American Bandstand was a must. More Johnny 😊
Love Johnny Rivers!
I was entranced by his version of Pete Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"
Yeah, Johnny! "Poor Side of Town", "Summer Rain", "Mountain of Love". So many great songs!
Johnny Rivers was the first to put out singles on the radio that were live club recordings.
A good friend of mine, now passed on, played sax and harmonica w/ Johnny in New Orleans before he was called 'Rivers".
You need to check out the song 'Secret Agent Man'. He had about 20-22 hit singles over 3 decades.
Went to the Whiskey-a-Go-Go in late '64 during my first trip to California. Can't remember who was performing, I .was too busy watching the go-go-girls!