Record #0020: Fiddle Bop / Jukebox Help Me Find My Baby – RHYTHM ROCKERS

Sun 248 (original), USA, 1956
Words & Music by:  Hardrock Gunter
Musicians:  Hardrock Gunter (vocals, guitar), Bobby Durham (fiddle, vocals on side A, a letter opener & a box as percussion), Bob Tustin (bass)
Recording sessions:  Wheeling, VA, 1956
Highest chart positions:  Did not hit the charts

Many early rock artists have claimed that they made the first rock’n’roll record in the world or that they were the first ones to use the words “rock and roll” in the right context. Sidney “Hardrock” Gunter is one of the less famous ones trying to claim the “title”. His 1950 recordings “Birmingham Bounce” and “Gonna Dance All Night” are claimed to be the first true rock’n’roll recordings. Well, maybe they were, but it’s really hard to draw the line in this.

This record was first released on a small label, Cross Country (CX-524, very rare). “Jukebox Help Me Find My Baby” was a local hit in Wheeling area and started to get national airplay around the time, when Sam Phillips made a deal to release the single on Sun Records. He edited the master tape of “Jukebox …” (e.g. removed the bass solo and other gimmicks) and moved it to side B. The record fell flat. According to Gunter, “Sam Phillips edited the hit out of the record”.

Hardrock Gunter is now 87 years old. See his home page for an interesting story (like how he got his nickname), an interview and full discography.

List price:  “Very Good+” is $50 and “Near Mint” is $100