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Riot in Cell Block Number 9
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Wikipedia article
"'Riot in Cell Block #9'" is a R&B song composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1954. The song was first recorded by The Robins the same year. That recording was one of the first R&B hits to use sound effects and employed a Muddy Waters stop-time riff as the instrumental backing.
Lyrics
The song's setting takes place at a correctional facility. A man is serving his prison sentence for armed robbery. At 4:00 AM on July 2, 1953, he wakes up to an alarming disturbance; a jail riot. It started in cell block #4 and continued through the prison hall from cell to cell. The jailhouse warden, armed with a tommy gun, threatens to execute all the prisoners if the riot does not stop soon, but one of them, Scarface Jones, retaliates by carrying dynamite. Forty-seven hours later, 3:00 AM on July 4, 1953, the prison security let loose tear gas on the inmates and they return to their cells.
Personnel
* Richard Berry, lead vocals
* Mike Stoller, piano
* Gil Bernal, saxophone
* Barney Kessell, guitar
* Ralph Hamilton, bass
* Jesse Sailes, drums'The Coasters: The Complete Singles As & Bs 1954-62', Acrobat Licensing LTD., ADDCCD3180, 2016, UK
Cover versions
The song has been covered by many cross-genre artists such as The Grateful Dead, Wanda Jackson, Vicki Young, Johnny Winter, Dr. Feelgood, The Blues Brothers, Wee Willie Harris, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, Johnny Cash, and Flat Duo Jets.
The Beach Boys reworked the song as "Student Demonstration Time" for the 1971 album 'Surf's Up'. The Beach Boys originally covered the song for their 1965 album, 'Beach Boys' Party!', but it was never officially released until two versions appeared on the 2015 compilation 'Beach Boys' Party! Uncovered and Unplugged'.
It was also translated and performed in French by Michel Pagliaro as "meute dans la Prison" (Riot in the Prison). In his version it was July 13, 1968, at 4:00 am and originated in cell block #3. It was later covered by ric Lapointe.
See also
* 'Riot in Cell Block 11,' a 1954 film
References
Category:1954 songs
Category:Songs written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Category:Wanda Jackson songs
Category:Rhythm and blues songs
Category:Songs about prison
Category:The Blues Brothers songs
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