originally posted on 3/23/2022
The Coasters: a late 1950s rhythm and blues group that prominently featured images of roller coasters on their album covers. Were these doo-wop musicians thrill-seeking enthusiasts at heart, or was their aura just a coincidence?
With huge hits including “Charlie Brown,” “Young Blood” and “Searchin’,” The Coasters clearly did not record songs intentionally about roller coasters. In fact, their name actually stems from the fact that their group members were from the West Coast of the United States — that is, (West) Coasters. That being said, we can only hope that these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers enjoyed a regular trip to their local theme park!
Video: Provided to YouTube by Rhino/Elektra
Video: Provided to YouTube by Rhino/Warner Records
Video: Provided to YouTube by Rhino/Warner Records
Don’t feel disappointed — The Coasters’ infusion of roller coasters with music during the early second half of the 20th century may have inspired other artists to hop on board. Another huge rock/pop hit came in 1962 with “Palisades Park,” written by Chuck Barris (later infamous as the host of the “Gong Show” on TV) and sung by Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon. The song achieved the third highest spot on the hit list, with ride-related lyrics including the following:
“I took a ride on a shoot-the-chute
That girl I sat beside was awful cute
After we stopped she was holdin' hands with me
My heart was flyin'”
and
“Up like a rocket ship
Down like a roller coaster
Back like a loop-the-loop
And around like a merry-go-round”
Video: Courtesy Brooklyn Joe
The track also incorporated amusement park sound effects, including the sounds of screaming riders on a roller coaster. Coincidentally, ACE member Frank Gordon, founder of the first-ever enthusiast club, Roller Coaster Buffs International (RCBI), and frontman for the late 60s group “Hickory Hollow,” was a friend of Cannon. Gordon remarked, “Freddy Cannon produced several recording sessions for us. He knew about my passion for roller coasters and always asked about the gems I was fortunate to ride, and of course my times at Palisades just across the river. He always mentioned the parks in the Philly area, where he was from, but never indicated he was more than a casual ride and park fan. Ironically, though, his biggest hit was ‘Palisades Park'!”
— Randy Geisler collaborating with Maddie Glenn
Help was offered by fellow coaster enthusiasts who know music: Frank Gordon, Frank Czuri, Gary Kyriazi and B. Derek Shaw.
Share your story about what songs with roller coaster lyrics you love in the comments.
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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