Move It: The Song That Launched British Rock and Roll
In the late 1950s, the musical landscape of the United Kingdom was on the verge of a seismic shift. While rock and roll was exploding in the United States, Britain was still searching for its own authentic voice in the genre. That voice arrived on August 29, 1958, with the release of "Move It" by Cliff Richard and the Drifters. Often cited as Britain's first authentic rock and roll song, "Move It" did more than just climb the charts; it proved that the UK could produce high-energy rock that rivaled the American imports.
Key Facts
- Artist: Cliff Richard and the Drifters (later known as the Shadows).
- Songwriter: Ian Samwell.
- Release Date: August 29, 1958.
- Chart Success: Peaked at number 2 on the New Musical Express chart in the UK.
- Historical Significance: Regarded as one of the first authentic rock and roll songs produced outside the US.
- Recording Studio: EMI Studios, London.
The Origin of a Classic
The creation of "Move It" was almost accidental. Norrie Paramor, the recording director at Columbia, had arranged an audition for Cliff Richard and the Drifters at EMI Studios after receiving a demo tape from their agent, George Ganjou. The band passed the audition, and a session was booked for July 24, 1958, to record "Schoolboy Crush," a song originally by American singer Bobby Helms.
However, the production team needed a B-side (the flipside of the vinyl record). This gap was filled by Ian Samwell, the Drifters' guitarist. Samwell wrote "Move It" during a bus journey from London Colney to Cheshunt. Inspired by the guitar licks of Chuck Berry and motivated by a Melody Maker article that claimed rock and roll was dead, Samwell scribbled the lyrics on a packet of guitar strings while sitting on the top deck of a Green Line bus.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
The Recording Session
During the recording at EMI, Paramor was uncertain if the Drifters could provide the necessary instrumental backing. To ensure a professional sound, he hired session musicians Frank Clarke on double bass and Ernie Shear on lead guitar. While the Mike Sammes Singers provided backing vocals for "Schoolboy Crush," the raw energy of "Move It" relied on the driving rhythm and Richard's vocals.
From B-Side to Smash Hit
Initially, the promotional push was entirely behind "Schoolboy Crush." However, a pivotal moment occurred when Jack Good, the producer of the ITV show Oh Boy!, heard both tracks. Good was captivated by "Move It" and offered Richard a spot on the program—on the condition that he perform "Move It" instead of the A-side.
Richard appeared on the first episode of Oh Boy! on September 13, 1958. The performance was a sensation, shifting the public's attention to the B-side. Consequently, "Move It" surged up the UK charts, peaking at number 2. While it saw limited success in the US—selling just over 1,100 copies—it cemented Richard's status as a superstar in Britain.
Evolution and Legacy
The song has evolved over the decades. In the original 1958 recording, the first verse was repeated because Samwell had not yet finished the second verse. It wasn't until 1995 that Samwell completed the missing lyrics. These were recorded by Richard for Hank Marvin's album Hank Plays Cliff and subsequently debuted at a Royal Variety Performance before Queen Elizabeth II.
The influence of "Move It" extended to the greatest bands in history. John Lennon once remarked that it was the first English record that came close to the quality of American rock and roll. The Beatles were even recorded playing the song in a medley, and Led Zeppelin included the original version in their 2010 compilation, The Music that Rocked Us.
The 2006 Re-recording
In 2006, Cliff Richard re-recorded the track with Brian May of Queen and Brian Bennett of the Shadows. This version was part of a campaign to extend music copyright from 50 to 70 years, as the original 1958 recording was nearing the public domain. This version peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in December 2006.
Song Summary
| Feature | Original Version (1958) | Re-recorded Version (2006) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Vocals | Cliff Richard | Cliff Richard |
| Key Musicians | The Drifters, Ernie Shear, Frank Clarke | Brian May, Brian Bennett, Mo Foster |
| Label | Columbia | EMI |
| UK Chart Peak | #2 (NME) | #2 (Official Chart) |
| Length | 2:23 | 4:07 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the song "Move It"?
The song was written by Ian Samwell, the guitarist for the Drifters, during a bus ride to a rehearsal.
Why is "Move It" considered historically important?
It is widely regarded as Britain's first authentic rock and roll song and one of the first of its kind produced outside of the United States.
How did the song become a hit if it was originally the B-side?
The song gained popularity after Cliff Richard performed it on the ITV show Oh Boy!, which shifted the promotional focus away from the A-side, "Schoolboy Crush."
Why did Cliff Richard re-record the song in 2006?
The re-recording was part of a campaign to extend the copyright of recordings from 50 to 70 years, as the original 1958 version was set to enter the public domain in 2008.
Which famous musicians have covered or praised the song?
The Beatles recorded a version in their journals, and John Lennon praised it as a milestone for English music. Led Zeppelin also featured the original track in a 2010 compilation.