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Big Joe Turner was a legendary blues and rhythm & blues singer, known for his powerful voice and his ability to deliver emotionally charged performances. He recorded many memorable songs during his career, and his influence on the development of rock and roll music cannot be overstated.
In this list, we will explore the 10 best Big Joe Turner songs of all time, highlighting some of his most iconic recordings and showcasing the breadth and depth of his musical talent. From the infectious energy of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” to the moody intensity of “Midnight Special,” these songs represent the best of Turner’s work, and they continue to inspire and delight audiences today.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Big Joe Turner, and a celebration of his place in the pantheon of great American musicians. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported by the timeless sounds of one of the greatest voices in the history of blues and rock and roll music.
1. Shake, Rattle and Roll
“Shake, Rattle and Roll” is a classic rock and roll song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1954. The song features a grooving rhythm and blues arrangement, with Turner’s powerful vocals leading the way. The lyrics are suggestive and playful, with Turner encouraging his partner to shake, rattle, and roll all night long.
The song has a timeless appeal and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley and Bill Haley & His Comets. It’s considered one of the most influential rock and roll songs of all time, as it helped pave the way for the genre’s explosion in the 1950s.
Turner’s gravelly voice and energetic delivery perfectly capture the excitement and joy of the early rock and roll era. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable melody make it a true classic, still beloved by music fans today. “Shake, Rattle and Roll” remains a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll and its ability to bring people together in celebration of life and love.
2. Honey Hush
“Honey Hush” is a classic blues song by Big Joe Turner, first recorded in 1953. The song features Turner’s signature booming voice, backed by a driving rhythm section and lively piano playing. The lyrics tell a story of a man trying to keep his wild and rowdy woman under control, with humorous and tongue-in-cheek lines throughout.
The song has a bouncy and infectious energy that has made it a favorite of blues and rock and roll fans alike. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to dance along to. Turner’s powerful vocals and playful delivery perfectly capture the song’s playful spirit.
“Honey Hush” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Burnette. It remains a beloved classic of the early rock and roll era, and a testament to Turner’s enduring influence on the genre. The song’s infectious energy and playful lyrics make it a timeless example of the power of blues and rock and roll to bring joy and celebration to people’s lives.
3. Corrine, Corrina
“Corrine, Corrina” is a classic blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1956. The song features Turner’s signature gravelly voice, backed by a swinging rhythm section and jazzy horns. The lyrics tell a story of lost love, with Turner reminiscing about a past relationship with Corrine, and wondering where she is now.
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a perfect example of the crossover between blues and early rock and roll. The horns and rhythm section add a jazzy flavor to the mix, giving the song a unique and distinctive sound. Turner’s vocals are full of emotion and soul, perfectly capturing the pain and longing of lost love.
“Corrine, Corrina” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal appeal and the timeless quality of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early rock and roll era, and a reminder of the power of blues and soul to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.
4. Flip, Flop and Fly
“Flip, Flop and Fly” is a classic blues and R&B song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1955. The song features a catchy call-and-response chorus and a lively rhythm section, with Turner’s powerful vocals leading the way. The lyrics are full of playful, double entendre-filled lines about dancing and having a good time.
The song’s driving beat and upbeat tempo make it a perfect example of the transition from blues to early rock and roll. Turner’s energetic delivery and soulful voice capture the excitement and joy of the era. The horn section adds a jazzy flair to the mix, giving the song a distinctive sound.
“Flip, Flop and Fly” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Ray Charles and The Blues Brothers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early rock and roll era, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together in celebration of life and love.
5. Chains of Love
“Chains of Love” is a classic rhythm and blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1951. The song features Turner’s signature booming voice, backed by a soulful horn section and a swinging rhythm section. The lyrics tell a story of unrequited love, with Turner lamenting the chains of love that bind him to his unfaithful partner.
The song’s powerful melody and emotional delivery make it a true classic of the blues genre. Turner’s soulful vocals perfectly capture the pain and heartbreak of lost love, while the horn section adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the mix.
“Chains of Love” has been covered by many artists over the years, including B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early rhythm and blues era, and a reminder of the power of music to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.
6. Roll ‘Em Pete
“Roll ‘Em Pete” is a classic boogie-woogie blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1938. The song features Turner’s powerful vocals, backed by a driving piano and swinging horn section. The lyrics celebrate the joys of dancing and partying, with Turner encouraging everyone to let loose and have a good time.
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm make it a perfect example of the early boogie-woogie style. Turner’s soulful vocals and playful delivery capture the spirit of the era, while the piano and horns add a jazzy flair to the mix.
“Roll ‘Em Pete” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Pete Johnson and Jerry Lee Lewis. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early blues and boogie-woogie era, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together in celebration of life and love.
7. Midnight Special
“Midnight Special” is a classic blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1954. The song features Turner’s deep, gravelly voice backed by a swinging rhythm section and soulful horns. The lyrics tell the story of a prisoner awaiting release, dreaming of the freedom and hope that will come with the “Midnight Special” train.
The song’s slow, moody tempo and haunting melody capture the pain and loneliness of a life spent behind bars. Turner’s raw, emotional delivery adds to the song’s powerful impact, while the horns and rhythm section provide a jazzy counterpoint.
“Midnight Special” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Lead Belly and Van Morrison. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the blues genre, and a reminder of the power of music to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.
8. Lipstick, Powder and Paint
“Lipstick, Powder and Paint” is a classic jump blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1956. The song features Turner’s signature soulful voice, backed by a swinging horn section and lively rhythm section. The lyrics celebrate the joys of love and attraction, with Turner singing about the irresistible power of a woman’s beauty products.
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a perfect example of the jump blues style. Turner’s playful delivery and suggestive lyrics add to the song’s infectious charm, while the horns and rhythm section provide a jazzy counterpoint.
“Lipstick, Powder and Paint” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Shakin’ Stevens and Roomful of Blues. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early rhythm and blues era, and a reminder of the power of music to celebrate the joys of life and love.
9. Rock a While
“Rock a While” is a classic blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1953. The song features Turner’s powerful voice, backed by a lively rhythm section and soulful horns. The lyrics encourage listeners to let loose and dance the night away, celebrating the joys of rock and roll music.
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm make it a perfect example of the early rock and roll style. Turner’s soulful vocals and playful delivery capture the spirit of the era, while the horns and rhythm section add a jazzy flair to the mix.
“Rock a While” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the early blues and rock and roll era, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together in celebration of life and love.
10. Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do
“Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do” is a classic blues song by Big Joe Turner, originally recorded in 1947. The song features Turner’s deep, powerful voice backed by a swinging rhythm section and soulful horns. The lyrics express defiance in the face of judgment and criticism, with Turner asserting his right to live his life on his own terms.
The song’s slow, bluesy tempo and mournful melody capture the pain and struggle of living in a world where others try to control your choices. Turner’s raw, emotional delivery adds to the song’s powerful impact, while the horns and rhythm section provide a jazzy counterpoint.
“Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the enduring influence of Turner’s music. The song remains a beloved classic of the blues genre, and a reminder of the power of music to give voice to those who have been silenced or oppressed.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.