About the song
“Long Tall Sally,” also known as “Long Tall Sally (The Thing),” is more than just a catchy rock and roll tune. It’s a cornerstone of the genre, a song that helped define the sound and spirit of early rock and roll. Released in 1956 by the iconic Little Richard, the song became an instant hit, topping the R&B charts and establishing Richard as a true rock and roll pioneer.
The song’s origins are as electrifying as its music. Seeking to outshine cover artists like Pat Boone, Little Richard and producer “Bumps” Blackwell aimed to create a song so fast and energetic that it would be impossible to replicate. They found inspiration in an unlikely source – a few lines on a piece of paper from a young girl, detailing a clandestine rendezvous. With this seed, Richard and Blackwell built a song pulsating with energy and playful innuendo. The song’s title character, “Long Tall Sally,” became a rock and roll icon, a symbol of youthful desire and unbridled fun.
“Long Tall Sally” wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a musical innovator. The song featured a driving beat, Richard’s signature pounding piano, and a searing saxophone solo by Lee Allen. This fusion of elements created a sound that was raw, energetic, and undeniably rock and roll. Little Richard’s vocals, delivered with his characteristic intensity, perfectly captured the song’s frenetic energy.
The song’s influence is undeniable. It’s been covered by hundreds of artists, from Elvis Presley and the Beatles to Fleetwood Mac and the Kinks. “Long Tall Sally” is a staple of classic rock playlists, a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.
In 1999, the original recording of “Long Tall Sally” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place as a landmark achievement in music history. The song continues to be a cornerstone of rock and roll, a reminder of the genre’s raw energy and infectious spirit. So, the next time you hear this iconic song, remember Little Richard, the founding father of rock and roll, who dared to push boundaries and create a sound that would forever change the landscape of music.
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Lyrics
Gonna tell Aunt Mary about Uncle John
He claimed he has the misery but he’s havin’ a lot of fun
Oh baby, yeah, baby, whoo-ooh, hoo-ooh, baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah
Well long, tall Sally, she’s built for speed, she got
Everything that Uncle John need
Oh baby, yeah, baby, whoo-ooh, hoo-ooh, baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah
Well, I saw Uncle John with blonde-haired Sally
He saw Aunt Mary comin’ and he ducked back in the alley
Oh baby, yeah, baby, whoo-ooh, hoo-ooh, baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah, ow! Oh
Well long, tall Sally, she’s built for speed, she got
Everything that Uncle John need
Oh baby, yeah, baby, whoo-ooh, hoo-ooh, baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah
Well, I saw Uncle John with blonde-haired Sally
He saw Aunt Mary comin’ and he ducked back in the alley
Oh baby, yeah, baby, whoo-ooh, hoo-ooh, baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah
We gonna have some fun tonight
We gonna have some fun tonight, whoo!
Have some fun tonight, everything’s alright
Have some fun, have me some fun tonight