Louis Jordan - Keep A-Knockin' (but You Can't Come In) 1939

[MassNebitch]

Milton Brown recorded a version with his great Western Swing band just before he died in 1936.

[CrudeDude]

Very interesting (and informative) comments. Thanks, y'all !

[jammymor]

Louie Jordan and his band was the first to rock & roll.... Chuck Berry.

[MrGotsquashed]

Seems like there is always a version that preceded a hit of the 1950s. 

[onehappydogg]

This is just great!

[theoriginalbadbob]

If this doesn't put a smile on your face and make you want to get up and dance, you're brain-dead.

[elvisguerra]

Amazing!

[MsReeReeChiq]

I love Louis Jordan b4, but now, NOW, I love him even more!!!!!!!! I love this song. To find out he made the original is awesome!

[eddiebaby58]

How ignorant I am, I always thought Little Richard did the original. Now I am enlightened. :-))

[jllorigins]

@eddiebaby58 this song goes way back to the 1920's

[neckapb]

@eddiebaby58 The original was by James "Boodle It" Wiggins in 1928. See "Boogie Woogie and Barrelhouse Piano, Vol. 2 (1928-1930)", Document Records

[wmnoyt]

Thanks for posting this! Jordan had a great swing sensibility. Does anybody have the earlier Lil Johnson version?

[jllorigins]

@wmnoyt the earliest version i know of is by james boodle it wiggins, with bob call on piano