This weekend, I dove into the quirky world of the 1985 film “Clue” – a first-time watch for me, and utterly delightful! As the credits rolled, a fantastic rendition of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” filled the air, instantly grabbing my attention. But here’s the puzzle: who is actually performing this electrifying version?
The movie credits simply acknowledge the song and its writer, Charles Calhoun (also known as Jesse Stone), yet remain silent on the performer. IMDB cautiously suggests “Bill Haley & the Comets, uncredited,” but my ears are telling me a different story. Could it truly be them?
To attribute this version to Bill Haley & the Comets would demand a radical transformation of their well-known studio recording. Imagine slowing it down, reimagining the drumbeat, swapping out the backing vocals, and completely remastering the track. Frankly, the “Clue” credits version feels worlds apart from Bill Haley’s signature sound. It leans into a rhythm and blues vibe, while Haley’s style is rooted in a more soulful, white rock and roll with clear rockabilly influences.
Consider the distinct vocal delivery. In Bill Haley’s iconic rendition, each word is sharply enunciated, almost staccato: “Get. Out. In. That. Kitchen. And. Rattle. Those. Pots. And. Pans.” The “AND” before “rattle” lands squarely on the beat.
Bill Hailey versionvideo: [www.youtube.com]
Haley also incorporates that rockabilly flourish, adding extra syllables, like “—cause I’m a hun-ga-ree-a mayan.” Conversely, the “Clue” credits version flows with a smoother rhythm, singing “Get out’in that kitchen—-rattle those pots ‘n’ pans.” The phrasing and feel are distinctly different. It’s a “Shake Rock And Roll” experience, but not quite the Haley brand.
Then there’s the comparison to the legendary Big Joe Turner. His version famously begins with “Git outta that bed — washyo face n hands,” a different opening verse altogether. Furthermore, the absence of piano in the “Clue” version and the overall sonic texture simply don’t align with Turner’s style.
Big Joe Turner version
Intriguingly, a memorable verse – “Wearin’ those dresses–sun come shinin’ through” – is absent from both the “Clue” and Bill Haley renditions. This highlights how lyrics evolve and morph across different interpretations of “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” It’s fascinating to see how this classic song has been reshaped and reimagined over time, each version offering a unique flavor of “shake rock and roll.”
The sheer variety of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” performances is a testament to its enduring appeal. Each version has its own magic, making you want to move and groove in some way.
NRBQ version
Beautiful edgy manic version from Elvis
Buddy Holly’s garage band-y sound version with nod to Elvis and brief Tequila interlude:
Living Archives Jerry Lee Lewis doin’ it to it (starts out strong (but gets a little too polished with backup singers)
But back to the central question: who is the voice behind the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” in the “Clue” movie credits? The mystery performer has crafted a truly compelling version of this rock and roll anthem. Perhaps someone out there recognizes this unique rendition and can finally solve this musical whodunit!
