Johnny Rivers At The Whisky A Go-Go | Imperial LP-9264
updated 9/28/2026
Imperial records 1964 – LP-9264
Description
Johnny Rivers at the Whisky à Go Go captures the young
Louisiana-born singer, guitarist and songwriter in the energetic
atmosphere of the legendary Los Angeles nightclub.
Recorded live during Rivers' engagement at the Whisky
in January 1964, the album blends rock & roll, blues,
R&B and New Orleans-influenced material with his
distinctive guitar and vocal style.
The repertoire includes Chuck Berry's "Memphis" and
"Brown Eyed Handsome Man," Don Gibson's "Oh, Lonesome Me,"
Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," Rufus Thomas'
"Walking the Dog," and the Johnny Rivers original "Whisky A-Go-Go."
The album closes with a lively "La Bamba/Twist & Shout" medley.
The album became Rivers' debut LP and helped establish the
distinctive live sound associated with his early Whisky a Go Go
performances. His recording of "Memphis"
subsequently became a major hit.
Line-up
Johnny Rivers – vocals, guitar
Tay Uhler – guitar
Joe Osborn – bass
Eddie Rubin – drums
Joe Sample – piano
Some contemporary/archival discographic sources list the core live
trio as Rivers, Osborn and Rubin, while later credit sources also
identify Tay Uhler and Joe Sample.
Recording Date & Studio / Venue
The performances were recorded live at the Whisky a Go Go
in Los Angeles, California, in January 1964, during Rivers' opening
engagement at the newly established club.
The recording equipment was operated from a truck outside the club
by Wally Heider, with engineers including Bones Howe and Lanky Linstrot.
The album was subsequently given additional studio work.
tracklist:
A1 Memphis
Written-By – Berry*
2:35
A2 It Wouldn't Happen With Me
Written-By – Evans*
3:30
A3 Oh Lonesome Me
Written-By – Gibson*
2:45
A4 Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Written-By – Price*
3:00
A5 Whisky-À-Go-Go
Written-By – Rivers*
3:50
B1 Walkin' The Dog
Written-By – Thomas
3:45
B2 Brown Eyed Handsome Man
Written-By – Berry*
3:00
B3 You Can Have Her (I Don't Want Her)
Written-By – Cook*
3:10
B4 Multiplication
Written-By – Darin*
2:50
Medley 6:00
B5a La Bamba
Written-By [Public Domain] – Rivers*
B5b Twist And Shout
Written-By – Russell*, Medley*
