The band formed by the Isley brothers, Ronald, O’Kelly, and Rudolph, decided to write a song on the spot while performing “Lonely Teardrops” by Jackie Wilson in the mid-1950s. In minutes, they had created one of the most iconic songs in rock and roll history. The song, of course, was ‘Shout’, which the audience received with roaring excitement.
The RCA executive Howard Bloom saw this impromptu performance and suggested they release it as their first RCA single, which became a classic. The song also became the debut single for the Scottish singer Lulu in the UK, as she recorded a version that made it to #7 in the UK in 1964. Early on, Lulu often performed in blues clubs, where the song was a perfect fit.
Lulu was only 15 when she recorded her version of ‘Shout’, and as she had a cold, her voice had a rougher sound that was perfect for the song. It quickly became a hit and helped Lulu become a very successful actress, appearing in the film ‘To Sir With Love,’ and scoring a #1 US hit with the title track.
Watching Lulu’s performance, one can easily be transported back to 1965 when this video was recorded. Lulu is stunning with her bright red lipstick and a fashionable mini dress. She commands the stage with her powerful voice, hitting each note flawlessly.
The comments under the video showcase how much Lulu’s performance has impacted her audience. Some commenters have stated that Lulu sounds like Brenda Lee, which is high praise for any singer. Others have described Lulu as being a “gorgeous” performer, with a voice that was “perfect for the song” and the performance itself as being “gold.” Still, others have called the performance “unbelievable” and “awesome too.”
Watching this video, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time in our country’s history. I think back to when milk cost 95 cents a gallon, gas was only 31 cents a gallon, and our president was Lyndon B. Johnson. It was a time of significant change but also a time when we could all come together and enjoy some great music.
So, I encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day to watch Lulu’s performance of ‘Shout.’ Share it with your friends and family, and let them experience the same feelings of joy and excitement that you felt while watching. Don’t forget to leave a comment, and let us know what you think of Lulu’s performance because it truly is a piece of rock and roll history.
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