Of all the instantly recognizable anthems in Bob Seger’s vast discography, “Old Time Rock & Roll” stands out as perhaps the most iconic. It’s a song so deeply embedded in popular culture that just a few notes of Barry Beckett’s unforgettable piano intro are enough to trigger immediate recognition. Play that eight-note opening for almost anyone, and they’re likely to instinctively respond with the opening line, “Just take those old records off the shelf…”
Bob Seger performing live, iconic rock and roll musician
From Album Track to Iconic Anthem: The Rise of “Old Time Rock and Roll”
While “Old Time Rock & Roll” is now synonymous with Bob Seger and classic rock radio, its journey to becoming an enduring anthem wasn’t immediate. Featured on his commercially triumphant 1978 album, Stranger In Town, it initially played a supporting role to other hits. Following up on the success of Night Moves, Stranger In Town was a pivotal album for Seger, a crucial moment to prove his staying power after a decade of striving for mainstream recognition.
Seger replicated the formula that had worked so well on Night Moves, dividing the recording sessions between his Silver Bullet Band for touring and the legendary Muscle Shoals session musicians. This approach allowed him to explore both high-energy rock anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing his range as a songwriter as he entered his mid-thirties. Stranger In Town was packed with potential hits, yet “Old Time Rock & Roll” wasn’t initially among them in the eyes of radio programmers.
Instead, radio stations initially gravitated towards “Still The Same,” a powerful ballad, and “Hollywood Nights,” a widescreen rock narrative, both highlighting Seger’s storytelling prowess. “We’ve Got Tonight” followed, marking Seger’s first foray into a straightforward love ballad that resonated widely. These three singles all achieved Top 20 success, surpassing the commercial performance of Night Moves. FM radio then turned to “Feel Like A Number,” the album’s most assertive rocker, with its rebellious spirit and anti-establishment lyrics, hinting at Seger’s connection to the burgeoning punk rock movement.
The Unexpected Origins of a Timeless Tune
It was only after Stranger In Town had been available for nearly a year that “Old Time Rock & Roll” emerged from the album tracks to claim its place. Within the context of Stranger In Town, it stood out as a somewhat lighter, more deliberately retro-sounding song compared to the album’s other tracks. Notably, it was also one of only two songs on the album not originally written by Seger, having been penned by George Jackson and Thomas Earl Jones III.
“Old Time Rock & Roll” was a last-minute addition to the recording sessions for Stranger In Town, brought to Seger’s attention by the Muscle Shoals musicians. Co-writer George Jackson, a local Alabama songwriter with previous hits including The Osmonds’ “One Bad Apple,” presented the song to Seger. While Seger appreciated the song’s core, he felt the verses needed refinement. In a later interview, Seger explained that he rewrote all of Jackson’s verse lyrics, keeping only the chorus intact. However, underestimating the song’s potential, Seger never sought songwriting credit for his contributions. He famously described this decision in a 2006 radio interview as “the dumbest thing I ever did.”
“Old Time Rock and Roll” Live and Amplified
Released as a single in March 1979, “Old Time Rock & Roll” quickly became a staple of Bob Seger’s live performances, consistently featured early in his setlist amongst his string of hits. The song took on an entirely new dimension when performed live. The live rendition, powerfully captured on the 1981 double album Nine Tonight, is notably grittier and more energetic. The iconic piano intro is replaced by a raw, Rolling Stones-esque guitar riff, and the entire band delivers a looser, more improvisational performance. The live version also features a memorable, raucous saxophone solo by Alto Reed and dynamic piano playing by Craig Frost, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad.
Risky Business and the Song’s Cultural Takeover
While “Old Time Rock & Roll” achieved moderate success as a single upon its release, it was its prominent inclusion in the 1983 film Risky Business that catapulted it to true signature song status. Tom Cruise’s unforgettable scene, lip-syncing and dancing in his underwear to the song’s intro, became an instant cinematic icon. This scene not only defined a generation but also inextricably linked “Old Time Rock & Roll” with a sense of youthful exuberance and rebellious spirit.
Pete Townshend studio albums banner, classic rock music promotion
Following Risky Business, “Old Time Rock & Roll” experienced an unprecedented resurgence in popularity. It became ubiquitous in television shows, commercials, and even video games, most notably as a flagship song for Guitar Hero: World Tour. Furthermore, with the rise of classic rock radio around the same time as the song’s initial release, “Old Time Rock & Roll” was perfectly positioned to become a cornerstone of the format, its very title serving as an anthem for the genre itself.
A Timeless Sentiment or Nostalgic Blindness?
The lyrics of “Old Time Rock & Roll,” particularly the line “today’s music ain’t got the same soul,” present an interesting point of reflection. In 1978, when the song was released, was this sentiment a genuine critique or simply nostalgic yearning? While Seger’s fans likely appreciated its implicit dismissal of disco, 1978 was also a vibrant year for diverse and soulful music. Punk rock, funk, and mainstream rock were all thriving, with landmark albums released by The Rolling Stones (Some Girls), Funkadelic (One Nation Under A Groove), Bruce Springsteen (Darkness On The Edge of Town), and The Cars (their debut album). 1978 was overflowing with musical innovation, energy, and soul, with Bob Seger himself contributing significantly to this rich musical landscape. Despite this, “Old Time Rock & Roll”‘s nostalgic charm and undeniable energy have cemented its place as a timeless celebration of rock music’s enduring spirit.
