Listen: Jungle Rock / Hank Mizell 2-18 Jungle Rock.mp3
Twenty years. That’s how long it took for this one to become a hit. Originally released in 1956, then again in ’57 on King Records. According to myth, this was heard on a bootleg compilation by someone at Charly Records in the UK. They decided to license the master properly, and release the song as a single. As a result, it got some BBC airplay, started selling and eventually peaked at #3 in England during March ’76. A primal rockabilly blueprint, much like many Ersel Hickey singles, it was suddenly in tune with the times. At 53, Hank became a chart success. Great record.