Chuck Berry,
1955
Originally called "Ida Red," this song was on the homemade demo tape Berry brought to
Chess Records co-founder
Leonard Chess, and Chess signed him up after hearing it. During the May 21, 1955 recording session, the title was changed. Though it only made it to the mid 20s on the singles chart, the influence of this song cannot be overstated. It shouldn’t be a mystery why this song is so important. "Maybellene" is the prototypal
rock and roll song. It has all the essential elements of rock: women, cars, breaking the rules, and a fantastic
guitar solo.