Could Birmingham be one of the very first places to have embraced rock and roll? This song, “Birmingham Bounce,” was originally recorded in 1950 by Sid “Hardrock” Gunter at WBRC-AM. This was out over a year before “Rocket 88” which many claim is the first rock and roll record. “Birmingham Bounce” may also be the first real rockabilly record. When Gunter released this record, it became a regional hit, and he was having to book airport hangers to be able to take in the crowds that were showing up. Then Decca put a version of the song out by Red Foley that shot up the country music charts to number one for 14 weeks. Gunter’s records were ignored in the avalanche of Foley’s success.
Gunter followed “Birmingham Bounce” up with “(Gonna Rock and Roll) Gonna Dance All Night.” He put that out on the Sun label in 1954 (Before Sun signed Elvis.) This song was one of the earliest to use the words “rock and roll” in the lyrics although Wild Bill Moore released the song “Rock and Roll,” in 1949 featuring Scatman Crothers on vocals.
It is clear that Sid “Hardrock” Gunter is one of the earliest pioneers of rock and roll, and should be given his due. He should, at the very least, be in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. This also means that Birmingham is one of the first places to rock.
