The music historian in me is always chasing down the rabbit hole of 'what is the earliest rock and roll tune recorded?'
This is a very early track (released Nov, 1945) to be using backbeat, and by a major artist.
I consider backbeat to be supremely important when listening for is something from the era is "rock and roll" vs "swing" or "jump blues"
But not the only factor!
Double check FOR is the backbeat
Possible strikes against:
1) Arrangement is too large/big band-ish
2) Tempo a little too slow, rock tunes can be slower, but we're looking for the EARLIEST
3) Swing is too wide. A narrower boogie rhythm with straighter eights would've helped it go the other way.
OPINIONS PLEASE?
I think 'not rock', but it is a close one.
What do you think?
