Died On This Date (December 15, 1979) Jackie Brenston / Had Hit With “Rocket 88”

Jackie Brenston
August 15, 1930 – December 15, 1979

Jackie Brenston was an R&B singer and musician whose biggest claim to fame was, as part of Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm, wrote and sang lead on “Rocket 88,” considered by many to be the very first rock ‘n roll song.  The record, credited to Jackie Brenston & His Rhythm Cats was released on Chess Records and quickly reached the top of the R&B singles chart where it stayed for over a month.  In later years, Bernston worked with Lowell Fulson and Earl Hooker.  Jackie Bernston, 49, died of a heart attack on December 15, 1979.