John Marascalco

John Marascalco (born John S. Marascalso, 27 March 1931^[1]) is an American songwriter, who is most noted for the songs he wrote for Little Richard.^[1] He was born in Grenada, Mississippi.

Career

He co-wrote several of the most seminal songs in 1950s rock and roll. Together with Robert Blackwell, he wrote the songs "Good Golly Miss Molly", "Ready Teddy", and "Rip It Up" made famous by Little Richard. Also for Little Richard, Marascalco co-wrote "Heeby Jeebies", "She's Got It", and "Groovy Little Suzy". He co-wrote the song "Goodnight My Love" with George Motola made famous by Jesse Belvin and Paul Anka. Marascalco also collaborated with Harry Nilsson and co-wrote "Be My Guest" with Fats Domino.^[1]

Marascalco co-composed "Send Me Some Lovin'" with Leo Price, and this was recorded by Little Richard. The Crickets for their 1957 debut album, The "Chirping" Crickets, Sam Cooke, and John Lennon also recorded the song. He also penned "Wouldn't You Know", which was recorded by Billy Lee Riley.^[1]

"Rip It Up" has been recorded by Bill Haley and His Comets, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Wanda Jackson, Buddy Holly, The Shadows, John O'Keefe, Jerry and the Pacemakers, The Beatles, Scotty Moore, Cliff Richard, The Zombies, The Million Dollar Quartet, Ral Donner, Shaun Cassidy, Billy "Crash" Craddock, and Los Lobos.^[2][3]

Harry Nilsson Songs

Marascalco and Scott Turner collaborated on songs for Harry Nilsson, such as "I Just Ain't Right" and "Building Me Up," both of which appear on the albums Nilsson '62: The Debut Sessions and Early Tymes. Marascalco and Nilsson also wrote songs together, including "Baby Baby" and "Born in Grenada.

References

External links

• John Marascalco biography by Dik de Heer, archived at Shakin' Stacks Library, retrieved February 23, 2012