R&B
In 1957, “The Stroll” was being danced in America’s major cities. The R&B singer songwriter Chuck Willis performed the stroll to his hit song “C.C. Rider” on American Bandstand. It became one of those classic 50s dance songs. His version went to #1 on the U.S. R&B Chart, and #12 on the U.S. Pop Chart in 1957. Besides his voice and a great, relaxed beat, there’s that vibraphone and backing chorus.
“C.C.” Rider” (aka “See See Rider”) was written and recorded by blues singer Gertrude “Ma” Rainey in 1924. It’s about a woman who is of easy virtue, as they say. The song has been very popular, and there have been numerous versions. It has been recorded by Big Bill Broonz, Mississippi John Hurt, Lead Belly, Peggy, The Orioles, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, The Youngbloods, The Animals, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker, The Who, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and the list goes on and on.
