Written by Charlie Ryan and first released in 1955, Commander Cody grabbed hold of this song in 1971 and rode it to the top of the charts. It captures the manic energy of the Commander and his mates mixing country swing, rockabilly and a punk-like energy.
Commander (Aka George Frayne) and his bandmates started out in Ann Arbor, Mi9chiagan in 1967 before moving to Berkely in 1969 and capturing some drive coming out of the Bay area. Their record company wanted them to sound more like the Eagles with a mellow country sound, but the Commander could not abide.
They did not last long as a band, though the Commander kept playing. Caught him in a bar once with my friend Rat, who had encountered the Commander before, next thing I know, we’re doing shots at the bar and Rat is ready to the join the band.
Guitarist Bill Kirchen would make regular stops at the Rodeo Bar in Manhattan when that offered some of the best live country infused music north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Anyway, “Hot Rod Lincoln” offers great fun and will have you smiling.
#Songoftheday #spreadinghappiness #CommanderCody #HotRodLIncoln
YouTube: https://youtu.be/aIoxlShsE4o?si=uDq2MGMKbNYEOQkM
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2sZjmnS1BSoc1svOu5P8LM?si=cf5b0f6f5f6140a1