For the first time, Lennon’s classic solo albums and other standout recordings have been digitally remastered from his original mixes.

Personnel include: John Lennon (vocals, guitar); Jesse Ed Davis (guitar); Jose Feliciano (acoustic guitar); Nino Tempo (saxophone); Bobby Keys (horns); Leon Russell (keyboards); Klaus Voormann (bass guitar); Jim Keltner (drums).

Recording information: The Record Plant, Los Angeles, California; The Record Plant, New York, New York; A&M Studios, Los Angeles, California.

In the five years following the break-up of the Beatles, John Lennon established himself as a critically and commercially successful solo artist in addition to dealing with a number of private and public tribulations. Lennon eventually released ROCK 'N' ROLL, a batch of covers ranging the gamut of early rock classics from the '50s and '60s. Lennon threw himself lovingly into this project that hearkened back to the simpler times of being a teenager smitten with the sounds of Chuck Berry and Little Richard (both of whom are represented on this record), light years away from any kind of political statements.

Dr. Winston O'Boogie was in full effect whether applying a slight reggae beat to "Stand By Me" and "Do You Want To Dance" or using a pounding piano and honking saxophone to fine effect on "Ain't That A Shame." Unbridled joy can be heard in Lennon's swinging reading of "Slippin' And Slidin'" and within the yelps punctuating Larry Williams' silly "Bony Moronie."

What the critics say...

Rolling Stone (p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "ROCK 'N' ROLL now plays exactly as it was intended to in the first place. It's a touching, heartfelt tribute to the music that made John Lennon who he was."
Entertainment Weekly (p.81) - "ROCK has aged well..." - Grade: B+
Q - Highly Recommended
Uncut (p.164) - 4 stars out of 5 - "ROCK'N'ROLL is Lennon belting out old numbers from his youth and simply having a ball."