Released 1970 (1970) Genre Hard rock Label Columbia (no. C 30221) | Recorded 1970 Length 3:29 Writer(s) Rick Derringer | |
"Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" is a rock song written by Rick Derringer. It was first recorded in 1970 by Johnny Winter And, Johnny Winter's band from 1970–71, of which Derringer was a member. In 1973, Derringer recorded a solo version and it became his only Top 40 chart hit as a solo artist, peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 23. Both Winter and Derringer have recorded multiple live versions of the song, and several other artists have recorded covers.
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Original rendition
"Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" was initially recorded by Johnny Winter in 1970 with his band "Johnny Winter And", which included Rick Derringer and other former members of The McCoys. According to Derringer, "The first song I wrote for Johnny was 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo'. 'Rock and Roll' to satisfy the rock 'n' roll that I was supposed to be bringing into the picture, and 'Hoochie Koo' to satisfy the king of blues sensibility that Johnny was supposed to maintain. And it worked out great". However, Winter noted, "The reviewers liked it. I didn't think 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo' would do as well as it did 'cause it was a little corny. Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo. You don't ever know". The song is included on the Johnny Winter And album, which reached number 154 on the Billboard 200 album chart. In 1970, they recorded the song during the Live Johnny Winter And tour, which was released as Live at the Fillmore East 10/3/70 in 2010. Together they later recorded the song with Winter's brother for Edgar Winter's White Trash live 1972 album Roadwork.
Other renditions
Rick Derringer recorded the song for his 1973 solo debut album All American Boy. Derringer's version became a staple of 1970s rock music compilations and classic rock radio. Derringer subsequently recorded several live versions of the "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" over the years. In 2012, Derringer recorded and released a new version of the song with lyrics reflecting his Christian beliefs. Titled "Read the Word and Live It Too," the song also credited a "Big D" for the rapped verses. Derringer's version has appeared in several films, including The Spirit of '76 (1990), Rush (1991), Dazed and Confused (1993), Stag (1997), and What a Girl Wants (2003).
In 1975, a live performance of "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" by Van Halen was recorded, although it is officially unreleased.
Suzi Quatro recorded the song for her 1978 album If You Knew Suzi...
Nashville Pussy recorded a version of the song for their 2002 LP Say Something Nasty, which also included covers of songs by Turbonegro, Twisted Sister, and Molly Hatchet
Japanese band Superfly included it as a b-side on their 2009 single "My Best of My Life", as well as on the 2010 compilation album Cover Songs: Complete Best 'Track 3'.
Four By Fate included a version in their debut album "Relentless" (2016).