Big Joe Turner, known as the “Boss of the Blues”, was a prominent figure in the blues and R&B scene in the mid-20th century. With a powerful voice that could make audiences feel every emotion, Turner left an indelible mark on the music industry. His career spanned several decades, with countless memorable songs that still hold up today. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the top 10 best Big Joe Turner songs of all time. From his early work with the Count Basie Orchestra to his later recordings with Atlantic Records, we’ll explore the songs that made Turner an enduring and beloved figure in American music. We’ll examine the influence of each song and its impact on blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll, and we’ll delve into the stories and anecdotes behind each track. Whether you’re a die-hard Big Joe Turner fan or simply a lover of good music, this article is a celebration of one of the greatest singers to ever grace the stage. Get ready to be swept away by the timeless sound of the “Boss of the Blues”.
1. Shake, Rattle and Roll
Shake, Rattle and Roll is a classic rock and roll song that was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1954. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus make it an instant classic, with Turner’s powerful vocals and dynamic saxophone solos creating a lively and danceable sound. The song’s memorable lyrics and upbeat tempo have made it a beloved classic of the rock and roll canon, inspiring countless covers and adaptations over the years. With its high-energy sound and infectious rhythm, Shake, Rattle and Roll remains a quintessential example of early rock and roll music.
2. Honey Hush
Honey Hush is a classic R&B song that was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1953. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant classic, while the lyrics celebrate the joys of a good time and good company. The song features a lively rhythm section and Turner’s powerful vocals, with the singer’s passionate delivery and dynamic saxophone solos creating a high-energy sound that perfectly captures the spirit of early rock and roll. With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, Honey Hush remains a beloved classic of the R&B and rock and roll genres.
3. Corrine, Corrina
Corrine, Corrina is a classic blues song that was popularized by Big Joe Turner in 1956. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with Turner’s signature powerful vocals and saxophone solos, make it an instant classic. The lyrics tell the story of a lost love and the hope of rekindling the relationship, with Turner’s passionate delivery capturing the emotion and longing of the lyrics. With its infectious rhythm and memorable melody, Corrine, Corrina remains a beloved classic of the blues and rock and roll genres.
4. Flip, Flop and Fly
Flip, Flop and Fly is a classic R&B and rock and roll song that was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1955. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics have made it an instant classic, with Turner’s powerful vocals and dynamic saxophone solos creating a lively and danceable sound. The lyrics celebrate the joys of dancing and having a good time, with Turner’s passionate delivery and energetic performance capturing the excitement and exuberance of the rock and roll era. With its upbeat tempo and irresistible groove, Flip, Flop and Fly remains a beloved classic of the R&B and rock and roll genres.
5. Chains of Love
Chains of Love is a classic R&B and soul ballad that was popularized by Big Joe Turner in 1951. The song’s slow tempo and heartfelt lyrics tell the story of a lost love and the pain of separation, with Turner’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery capturing the heartbreak and longing of the lyrics. The song’s memorable melody and lush orchestration create a dramatic and evocative sound that perfectly complements Turner’s passionate performance. With its soulful sound and poignant lyrics, Chains of Love remains a beloved classic of the R&B and soul genres.
6. Roll ‘Em Pete (featuring Pete Johnson)
Roll ‘Em Pete is a classic blues song that was first recorded in 1938 by Pete Johnson and Joe Turner, two of the giants of the early rock and roll genre. The song features Johnson’s rollicking piano and Turner’s powerful vocals, with the pair’s infectious energy creating a lively and danceable sound. The song’s memorable melody and catchy chorus have made it a beloved classic of the blues and rock and roll canon, inspiring countless covers and adaptations over the years. With its high-energy sound and infectious rhythm, Roll ‘Em Pete remains a quintessential example of early rock and roll music.
7. Midnight Special
Midnight Special is a classic blues and folk song that has been recorded by countless artists over the years, including Big Joe Turner in 1957. The song’s memorable melody and driving rhythm have made it a beloved classic of the blues and folk genres, with Turner’s powerful vocals and dynamic saxophone solos creating a lively and energetic sound. The lyrics tell the story of a prisoner yearning for freedom and escape, with Turner’s passionate delivery capturing the emotion and desperation of the lyrics. With its infectious rhythm and evocative lyrics, Midnight Special remains a quintessential example of early blues and folk music.
8. Lipstick, Powder and Paint
Lipstick, Powder and Paint is a classic R&B song that was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1956. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant classic, while the lyrics celebrate the joys of dressing up and looking good. The song features a lively rhythm section and Turner’s powerful vocals, with the singer’s passionate delivery and dynamic saxophone solos creating a high-energy sound that perfectly captures the spirit of early rock and roll. With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, Lipstick, Powder and Paint remains a beloved classic of the R&B and rock and roll genres.
9. Rock a While
Rock a While is a classic blues song that was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1953. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful vocals make it an instant classic, with Turner’s signature growl and searing guitar riffs creating a dynamic and danceable sound that perfectly captures the spirit of early rock and roll. The song’s memorable melody and catchy chorus have made it a beloved classic of the blues and rock and roll canon, inspiring countless covers and adaptations over the years. With its high-energy sound and infectious rhythm, Rock a While remains a quintessential example of early rock and roll music.
10. Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do
Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do is a classic blues song that was popularized by Big Joe Turner in 1954. The song’s sassy lyrics and memorable melody have made it a beloved classic of the blues genre, with Turner’s powerful vocals and dynamic saxophone solos creating a lively and energetic sound. The lyrics celebrate personal freedom and individual choice, with Turner’s passionate delivery capturing the defiant spirit of the song. With its infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics, Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do remains a timeless anthem of personal autonomy and self-expression in the blues and beyond.
Samuel Moore 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.
