Rave On!

"Rave On"
Single by Buddy Holly
B-side "Take Your Time"
Released April 20, 1958
June 6, 1958 (UK)
Format 7" single
Recorded January 1958, Bell Sound Studios - New York City
Genre Rock and Roll
Length 1:47
Label Coral C61985
Coral Q 72325 (UK)
Writer(s) West-Tilghman-Petty
Producer Norman Petty
Buddy Holly singles chronology
"Maybe Baby"
(1958)
"Rave On"
(1958)
"Think It Over"
(1958)

"Rave On" is a 1958 song written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman and Norman Petty, first recorded by Sonny West (released February 1958, Atlantic 45-1174).[1] It was also recorded by Buddy Holly, and was one of his last hits during his lifetime. The song as sung by Holly is ranked #154 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Other versions

It has also been covered by Bruce Springsteen with the E Street Band, Commander Cody, Status Quo and folk-rock band Steeleye Span. It was a hit for The Delta Cross Band in Denmark in 1980.

In Australia in the early 1990s, the song was also used as comical background music for an Arnott's Shapes commercial. The song also partly features in the 1998 motion picture Pleasantville.

Joe Meek produced a version with singer Michael Cox, released in 1964 (b/w "Just Say Hello" HMV POP1293 A).

John Mellencamp also recorded a version for the Cocktail soundtrack in 1988.

The Real Kids recorded a cover version on their 1977 self-titled album.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded a cover version on their 1970 album Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy.

In an interview, the Danish rock band The Raveonettes stated that their name is "a complete direct reference to The Ronettes and Buddy Holly Rave On."[2]

M. Ward recorded a cover of the song on his 2009 album Hold Time.

Denny Laine, guitarist of Wings and Moody Blues fame, covered the song on his 1977 Buddy Holly tribute Album Holly Days.

Marshall Crenshaw covered the song live, which was released as a bonus track on the reissue of his self titled album.

Julian Casablancas covered the song for the 2011 Buddy Holly tribute album Rave on Buddy Holly.

References

  1. ^ Rockabilly Hall of Fame
  2. ^ Interview with The Raveonettes, David Shankbone, Wikinews, October 16, 2007