Jerry Lee mentions an important influence on his career, the blind pianist Paul Whitehead. I can't find much at all on the web, perhaps my search criteria is poor. But there was a reference in the book to one tune that Whitehead plays on, backing the guitarist and vocalist Gray Montgomery.
The tune is "Right Now", and can be heard, thankfully, on YouTube. There's a nice Paul Whitehead piano break in the middle of the song, and I guess the only known recording of this great musician. (There is some background on the scene and these musicians from the '50s here).
This rockabilly tune is all you need to hear to understand the soul of rock and roll and why I can't appreciate any of the modern garbage. Really, just listen to "Right Now", it's all there...
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8 comments:
Paul Whitehead was my Uncle.
Amazing! Thanks for commenting. I'm happy you found my blog post on your uncle. Do you have any other recordings featuring his piano work?
Hi Sherm,
Have you heard the b side, It’s All Right (Montgomery); it’s almost more Jerry Lee than Jerry Lee! Copies of the record are available now on ebay. I think this single is essential listening to all r’n’r and c’n’w enthusiasts, whether mere fans, like myself, or music historians. Keep on keepin’ on!
Paul Beecham
Hello, I am reading the book and mee to was looking for information about Paul Whitehead. Have you found anything then?
Nothing new on my end, but thanks for reminding me. I guess youtube will remain the best source for now.
Paul Whitehead lived in Vidalia, Louisiana with his sister and played the piano at the Eola Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. He was my first cousins uncle . I use to go as a young kid and he would play for us . Then he would catch a cab to Natchez, Ms. to play at the Eola Hotel . He is the man that taught Jerry Lee Lewis how to play .. I know this for a fact …
Thanks for the comment. One of many unsung heroes of rock and roll.
He was my ex husband uncle Uncle Paul was a great piano player .n he played in Jerry Lewis
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