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Chapter 47: Shout

R&B, rock & roll

Is “Say Man” history’s first rap song? Probably not - there’s not the slightest effort to sync Bo Diddley's delightfully weird insult routine with Jerome Green to the classic Diddley rhythm. But in the early days of rock, every new idea or modest tweak seemed like it could open a door to a whole musical world. You can likewise hear realms being discovered in the in-your-face slapback reverb on “Love Me,” and on “Shout”’s breakdown (and build up) for the ages.
1. Bo Diddley

You Can't Judge a Book By The Cover

2. The Isley Brothers

Twist and Shout

3. The Phantom

Love Me

4. Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

Shakin' All Over

5. Solomon Burke

Cry to Me

6. Johnny Burnette

Little Boy Sad

7. The Isley Brothers

Shout

8. Louis Prima

Jump, Jive, An' Wail

9. Bo Diddley

Say Man

10. Elvis Presley

It's Now or Never