Keep A-Knockin' (But You Can't Come In)

Album: Saxa-Woogie (1939)
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Songfacts®:

  • Although the early rock 'n' roll track "Keep A-Knockin'" is usually credited to Little Richard, it is actually a lot older than that. The phrase "keep a-knockin'" dates to at least 1895 when an unrelated coon song with that title by Michael E. Rourke and Frank Pallma was published at Chicago.

    The song as recognized was recorded in 1939 by the bandleader Louis Jordan and also in the 1930s by Jimmy Dorsey And His Orchestra with teenage vocalist Helen O'Connell. The original has been credited to Perry Bradford; it was recorded as "Keep A Knockin' An You Can't Get In" on Paramount in February 1928 by Boodle It Wiggins.

    The most uptempo, dynamic and arguably best version was recorded by Mott The Hoople for the Wildlife album; this extended version is a medley, and is also included on Rock And Roll Queen. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

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