What are the main similarities and differences between the original and cover versions of each of these songs? Compare and contrast the vocal performances of Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley, and Junior Parker and Elvis Presley in their versions of these songs.

Early rock n roll covers discussion

Discussion Questions for Early Rock ‘n’ Roll Cover. Number the answers to follow the format of the questions and the total length of the answers must be 400 words without the questions included as word count.

• Listen to Shake, Rattle, and Roll”: original version Links to an external site. recorded by Big Joe Turner, 1954: and the cover versionLinks to an external site. by Bill Haley and the Comets,
• Listen to “Mystery Train”: original version Links to an external site. written and recorded by Junior Parker, 1953; and the cover version Links to an external site. by Elvis Presley, 1955

1. What are the main similarities and differences between the original and cover versions of each of these songs?

2. Compare and contrast the vocal performances of Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley, and Junior Parker and Elvis Presley in their versions of these songs.

3. In each case, do you think that the cover version was a “rip-off” of the original, or that it was a new treatment of the original?

4. In your opinion, which version has a better “feel”? Why?