Long Tall Sally (Song): Introduction
This article is about the Long Tall Sally (song), but there is also an EP with the same name. So, if you need to look up that record, click here.
“Long Tall Sally” is one of the early 1960s Beatles’ cover songs. Moreover, it was one of the most durable songs in their live repertoire. With this in mind, many versions of the song are available on the various Beatles’ albums.
In Detail
- Release Date: June 19, 1964
- Recorded: March 2, 1964
- Track Duration: 2:03
- Studio: EMI, London
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Enotris Johnson, Richard Penniman (Little Richard), and Robert Blackwell
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
- John Lennon: rhythm guitar
- George Harrison: lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums
- George Martin: piano
Where To Find The Song: Long Tall Sally
This song is still available to buy on the following albums:
**If you need the original version of this song, buy the EP or Past Masters album. However, nothing is stopping you from buying the lot if you are an avid record collector!
Long Tall Sally: Background
This was originally a single release by Little Richard in March 1956 with “Slippin’ and Slidin’” on the B-side. In America, the single got to the top spot in the R&B charts, and that’s where it stayed for six weeks. However, it only peaked at number six in the pop charts.
Covered by many artists, this rock and roll standard epitomises the late 1950s very well indeed. Since The Beatles would cover famous songs too, they did this one as well. Sung by Paul McCartney, the whole band loved playing along with it.
“Little Richard was one of the all-time greats. The first time I heard him, a friend of mine had been to Holland and brought back a 78 with Long Tall Sally on one side and Slippin’ And Slidin’ on the other. It blew our heads—we’d never heard anybody sing like that in our lives, and all those saxes playing like crazy.”
John Lennon
Anthology
The Beatles would sing “Long Tall Sally” as part of their live repertoire from 1957 right through until they became a studio band rather than a touring band in August 1966.
In short, the only Beatle who could possibly emulate the voice of Little Richard was Paul McCartney. He did so with ease, complete with the screaming, making it stand on an equal footing with the original.
“One of the things I didn’t like about the film Backbeat is that they gave Long Tall Sally to the John character. I was not amused; I always sang that: me and Little Richard.”
Paul McCartney
Anthology
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Long Tall Sally” on March 1, 1964, in Studio Two at the EMI Studios, London, during the 10.00 a.m.–1.30 p.m. session. With The Beatles playing this song so regularly onstage, they only needed to record one take.
There are two guitar solos within the song, and both have different guitar players. The first guitar solo on the record comes from John Lennon, while the second guitar solo features work from George Harrison. Then there is Ringo Starr, who ripped the drum kit to shreds.
With George Martin playing the piano throughout, it’s difficult to believe that one take was all that was necessary because this was an all-around astonishing performance.
Of course, this was the first song on the “Long Tall Sally” EP from 1964. The other tracks are “I Call Your Name,” “Slow Down,” and “Matchbox.” However, there are other versions of “Long Tall Sally” as well. For example, on their 1995 album “Anthology 1,” there is a version from April 19, 1964, recorded at the IBC Studios. That version was for the ITV show “Around The Beatles.”
Other Recordings
In the early 1960s, The Beatles also appeared on many BBC Radio programmes. In fact, they recorded the song seven times for the BBC shows between April 1, 1963, and July 17, 1964.
The version on the “Live At The BBC” album is from the “Pop Go The Beatles” radio show airing on August 13, 1963 (recorded on July 16, 1963).
The version, which is part of the 2013 album “On Air: Live At The BBC, Volume 2,” comes from the “Top Gear” radio show airing on July 16, 1964 (recorded on July 14).
Not only did The Beatles sing “Long Tall Sally” in their early days, but they continued to do so until the end of their gigging days. It’s fitting then that the band would release a live version. So, the version we hear on the 1977 album “The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl” comes from a recording there on August 23, 1964.
The Beatles certainly made “Long Tall Sally” their own, as it’s so clear to see.
Take A Listen
Finally, listen to the song, then leave your opinions below.