Rocket 88 (band)

Rocket 88 was a British boogie-woogie band formed in 1978 by Ian Stewart and Alexis Korner. The band is notable for featuring a lineup of prominent British musicians, including Charlie Watts on drums (of the Rolling Stones), Jack Bruce on bass (of Cream), and Dick Morrissey on saxophone.

The band's name came from the 1951 Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm song "Rocket 88," often cited as one of the earliest rock and roll recordings. Rocket 88 aimed to recreate and celebrate the sound of 1940s and 1950s rhythm and blues, jump blues, and boogie-woogie.

Rocket 88 released one studio album, titled "Rocket 88," in 1981. It featured guest appearances from vocalist Linda Lewis and trumpeter Colin Smith. The album was well-received and helped to spark a renewed interest in boogie-woogie music in the UK.

Despite the success of the album, Rocket 88 remained primarily a live performance band. They toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, playing at clubs and festivals. Their performances were known for their energetic and improvisational style, showcasing the individual talents of each band member.

The band's activities gradually decreased following Ian Stewart's death in 1985. While there have been occasional reunion performances featuring some of the original members, Rocket 88 is largely remembered as a significant force in the British blues and rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and for its role in popularizing boogie-woogie music to a new generation of listeners.