1st Rock N Roll Record? Rare GOREE CARTER Rock Awhile
$
44
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Description
Goree Carter Rock Awhile/ Back Home Blues
Freedom Records (Houston, Texas) #1506
Record Condition: V+ note: although this record would grade an E- on a visual grade there is some surface distortion that knocks it down to a V+
Label Condition: E-
Special note: Make sure to bid today you may not see this rare record again! Do a youtube search to hear this song!
This is your chance to purchase a piece of Rock N Roll history. The Freedom label itself is a rarity since it only existed for about 4 years and some of the most collectible records came from it including a recording by Texas Alexander, that only 3 copies are known to exist, he last one sold on June 11 2008 for $3272.00. This record is another one of those rarities because of the historical significance of this record. Sun Records contends that "Rocket 88" done By Jackie Brenston (which included Ike Turner in the band) was the first recording of Rock N Roll in 1951. Well, Goree's tune "Rock Awhile" pre-dates that by 2 years and it even has Chuck Berry guitar licks before he even hit the scene. In fact Chuck may have been influenced by his style of guitar playing.
Goree was strongly influenced by another Texas blues man T-Bone Walker and that is why this record had the typical T-Bone instrumental intro with kind of a Jazzy blues feel to it. Once you get past the intro you will strongly agree that this is rock and roll being born in 1949! I have added the wikipedia information on Goree below for reference as well.
Goree Carter was born in Houston, Texas. In 1949 he and his jump blues band, The Hepcats, signed for Freedom Records, a local record label set up by Sol Kahal, and recorded the label's first release, "Sweet Ole Woman Blues." As well as Carter, the band featured two saxophones, trumpet, piano, bass and drums.
Carter's electric guitar style was very much influenced by Aaron "T-Bone" Walker, but had a rougher edge which presaged the sound of rock and roll a few years later. His single-string runs and two-string "blue note" chords anticipated, and may have influenced, Chuck Berry. His best known recording, "Rock Awhile", has been cited as one of many contenders for the title of "first rock and roll record", although it was not commercially successful at the time.
Carter recorded for several labels in the early 1950s, including Imperial, Coral and Modern, but last recorded in 1954 and seemed to have given up the music industry thereafter.
He died in Houston, at the age of 59, in 1990.
The VJM Grading System
N (78) M (LP). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).
N- (78) M- (LP). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.
E+ (78) VG+ (LP). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.
E (89) VG (LP). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.
E- (78) VG- (LP). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches. LP: Some wear, scratches and scuffs, but no skipped or repeat grooves.
V+ (78) G+ LP. V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. LP: Below average with scuffs and scratches on fewer than half the tracks. No skips or repeat grooves.
V (78) G (LP). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.
V- (78) G- (LP). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. LP: Lowest Grade. Audible scratches, etc. on more than half the tracks. Listening uncomfortable.
G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.
G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.
G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scatch damage extensive.
F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.
P (78). Unplayable.
NB: Damage to labels and jackets (LP) should be noted whenever present.
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