Additional information
Personnel: Johnny Burnette (vocals, guitar); Dorsey Burnette (vocals, guitar); Joe Maphis (guitar, banjo); Rene Joseph Hall (guitar, saxophone); Eddie Cochran, William Pitman, Grady Martin, Odell Huff, Paul Burlison (guitar); Gerald Vinci, Herman Clebanoff, Erno Neufeld, Benny Gill, Joe Stepansky, Israel Baker (violin); Bernard Senescu, Stanley Harris (viola); John Johnson (saxophone); Gene Garf, Danny Flores, Ernie Freeman (piano); Earl Palmer , Eddie Grady, Hidle Brown Barnum, Farris Coursey, Buddy Harman (drums). Liner Note Author: Colin Escott. Recording information: Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, TN; Gold Star Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA; Hollywood, CA; Master Recorders, Hollywood, CA; Pythian Temple, New York, NY; United Recording Corporation, Hollywood, CA. Illustrators: Marty Arbunich; Bob Moore & His Orchestra; R.A. Andreas; Sven T. Uhrmann; Bo Berglind; Trevor Cajiao. Photographers: Marty Arbunich; Bob Moore & His Orchestra; R.A. Andreas; Sven T. Uhrmann; Bo Berglind; Trevor Cajiao. The original rockabilly wildman, Johnny Burnette led the seminal Rock 'n' Roll Trio, which slightly predated Elvis Presley. Their raw, unfettered sound inspired several generations of rockers, and the best of their output is featured in this collection, along with a generous helping of material from Burnette's later (1957-1960) solo recordings. While some of the solo sides bear a bit more of a pop sensibility, there's always plenty of rock-&-roll abandon in Burnette's delivery, and the driving force of the Trio tracks is still a wonder to behold. Hardcore Burnette fans will be particularly impressed by the inclusion of 11 rare demo recordings, further illuminating the too-short story of Burnette, who died by drowning in 1964 at the age of 30.
