Memphis "Piano" Joe..."Sea Cruise"

This is my piano-instrumental version of Frankie Ford's 1959 hit, "Sea Cruise".

From songfacts.com: This was written by Huey "Piano" Smith, a popular New Orleans piano player who wrote the song "Rockin' Pneumonia." He recorded the original version in New Orleans with Gerri Hall.

19-year-old Frankie Ford was brought in to record a younger sounding, more commercially successful vocal track than the blues-based original. It worked, as the song became a hit.

The song was originally recorded by Huey Smith and the Clowns, but Frankie Ford's lead vocal replaced Huey Smith's while the group was on tour. Smith was furious when he heard the finished product. It was credited to Frankie Ford with Huey "Piano" Smith and The Clowns.

The idea of the bells and the horns came from Ace Records' management. The producers and musicians were aghast as the sound effect horns were in a different key than the song's real horn section.

Ford re-wrote some of the lyrics so he could get a songwriter credit. Smith really got screwed on this one.

Herman's Hermits cover version was a hit at the peak of the first British Invasion. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for above 3)

This was one of many songs used as a nickname by ESPN announcer Chris Berman. He used it for a baseball player -- outfielder Jose "Won't You Let Me Take You On A Sea" Cruz.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Boogie Woogie
• Honky Tonk
• Jerry Lee Lewis
• Blues
• Piano
• Country
• Blues Piano
• Boogie
• Woogie
• Honky
• Tonk
• Jerry
• Lee
• Lewis

[PAESEDI]

Thanks for sharing Joe !

[demografx]

PAESEDI , you're welcome!

[idamay1]

Great piano work, Joe!! I love it!!

[demografx]

Thanks, Idamay! Nice of you to post that!

[haarbreed]

Great! And how can such a nice and shiny piano sound so beautifully honky tonk?

[demografx]

Thank you very much, haarbreed!!

[play88keys]

Nice!

[evilasiov]

nice boogie woogie feeling. seems you have it on your soul.

[demografx]

boogieman, I almost forgot your guitar playing too!!

[demografx]

soul-brother-boogieman! A great compliment from one of my favorite singer/pianists! Thanx!