Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in late 1956 on Presley’s second RCA album Elvis and also as a single in the U.K., “Rip It Up” is one of Elvis Presley’s most energetic rock and roll covers. Originally written by Robert “Bumps” Blackwell and John Marascalco, the song was first recorded by Little Richard, whose wild and unrestrained version had set a new standard for the genre. Presley’s take on the track retained the frantic energy of the original while adding his own swagger, backed by Scotty Moore’s sharp guitar, Bill Black’s slapping bass, and D.J. Fontana’s pounding drums. His performance captured the essence of early rock and roll—reckless fun, youth rebellion, and unstoppable momentum.
Origins of the Song
“Rip It Up” was penned in 1956 by Blackwell and Marascalco, a songwriting team that gave Little Richard many of his biggest hits, including “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Ready Teddy.” Little Richard recorded the original version of “Rip It Up” in May 1956, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number 17 on the Billboard pop chart and number one on the R&B chart.
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Presley recorded his version just months later on September 3, 1956, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood. At that point, Presley was already a national phenomenon, having broken into the mainstream with “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Hound Dog.” Including “Rip It Up” on his second RCA album was both a tribute to one of his biggest rivals and a declaration that he could match the energy and fire of Little Richard himself.
Why Elvis Released “Rip It Up”
By 1956, Presley was firmly established as the face of rock and roll, but RCA and Colonel Tom Parker wanted to maintain his momentum. Covering “Rip It Up” gave him a way to tap into Little Richard’s rising popularity while reinforcing his own reputation as a high-octane rocker.
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Unlike his ballads, which showcased tenderness and vulnerability, “Rip It Up” emphasized Presley’s raw, playful energy. The lyrics about partying on Saturday night and dancing all week long spoke directly to teenagers, the very audience driving Presley’s meteoric rise.
The song was not released as a U.S. single but appeared on the album Elvis (1956), which topped the Billboard album chart. In the U.K., it was issued as a single in early 1957 and became a hit, reaching number one on the singles chart. This success further cemented Presley’s global appeal, showing that his brand of rock and roll resonated just as strongly overseas.
The Message Conveyed in “Rip It Up”
The lyrics of “Rip It Up” are simple but perfectly suited to the spirit of rock and roll. They celebrate youthful abandon, late-night parties, and carefree dancing:
“Well, it’s Saturday night and I just got paid,
A fool about my money, don’t try to save.”
The message is about living in the moment—spending money, having fun, and throwing caution to the wind. It reflected the rebellious attitude of 1950s teenagers who were rejecting the conservative values of their parents’ generation.
Presley’s vocal performance enhances this sense of reckless joy. He sings with grit, humor, and abandon, leaning into the syncopated rhythms with a playful swagger. His interpretation made the song feel like a spontaneous outburst rather than a carefully crafted recording.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, Presley’s version of “Rip It Up” is a driving rock and roll number with strong rhythm-and-blues roots. Bill Black’s upright bass provides the foundation, slapping out a relentless rhythm, while D.J. Fontana’s drumming propels the track with explosive backbeats.
Scotty Moore’s guitar playing is central, delivering sharp riffs and quick solos that amplify the excitement. The piano, played by Shorty Long, adds bright, boogie-woogie flourishes that fill out the arrangement.
Presley’s vocals are raw and dynamic. He bends notes, growls, and shouts in a way that mirrors Little Richard’s intensity but with his own distinct phrasing. Unlike the smoother delivery of his ballads, this performance emphasized his ability to let loose and embody the wild spirit of rock and roll.
The recording captures the feel of a live performance, with the musicians feeding off each other’s energy. It feels less polished and more spontaneous, which was key to its impact.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Although it was not released as a U.S. single, “Rip It Up” became a fan favorite and a highlight of Presley’s second RCA album. In the United Kingdom, its release as a single in early 1957 propelled it to number one on the charts, proving Presley’s dominance outside the U.S.
Culturally, the song reinforced Presley’s image as the embodiment of teenage rebellion and excitement. Songs like “Rip It Up” demonstrated why adults often viewed him as dangerous while teenagers adored him. The lyrics about spending money recklessly and partying until dawn perfectly captured the generational divide of the 1950s.
The track also illustrated Presley’s relationship with his contemporaries. Covering Little Richard’s song showed both respect and rivalry, as Presley sought to prove that he could bring just as much fire to the material. Fans and critics often debated whose version was superior, but Presley’s interpretation ensured that the song reached broader audiences.
Legacy of “Rip It Up”
Today, “Rip It Up” is remembered as one of Elvis Presley’s essential early rock and roll recordings. While not as famous as “Hound Dog” or “Jailhouse Rock,” it remains a fan favorite for its unrestrained energy and its role in showcasing Presley’s ability to match the intensity of his peers.
The song is often included in collections of Presley’s early work and continues to be celebrated for its raw energy. Live performances of “Rip It Up” further demonstrated Presley’s charisma, as he often used the song to show off his stage moves and playful interaction with audiences.
More broadly, the track highlights the cross-pollination of early rock and roll. Presley drew from African American rhythm and blues artists like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Arthur Crudup, transforming their songs into mainstream hits. His version of “Rip It Up” ensured the song would reach millions of new listeners, contributing to the genre’s rapid growth.
Nearly seventy years later, “Rip It Up” still sounds fresh and exhilarating. It captures Elvis Presley at the height of his early powers—reckless, joyful, and unstoppable—offering a timeless reminder of why he became the King of Rock and Roll.