Old Time Rock & Roll by Bob Seger

By Ron Powers

In 1979, Bob Seger unleashed one of the most enduring feel-good anthems in rock history with “Old Time Rock & Roll,” a track that would become a cultural fixture far beyond its initial release. Written by George Jackson and Thomas Jones and reshaped by Seger’s unmistakable vocal grit, the song found its way onto the album Stranger in Town and quickly became a fan favorite. Though Seger initially saw it as a simple, straight-ahead rocker, audiences connected instantly with its nostalgic message and unfiltered energy. Driven by its pounding piano riff, no-nonsense groove, and Seger’s soulful, sandpaper-rough delivery, “Old Time Rock & Roll” captured a timeless spirit that still electrifies crowds decades later, securing its status as one of the most iconic tracks in American rock music.

Bob and the boys get things rolling with felt covered hammers pounding down on the strings of Randy McCormick's grand piano. This is quickly followed by Seger’s slap-back-echo soaked voice belting out the line, “Just take those old records off the shelf". Midway through this first line, the full band starts bopping along with a straight forward drum beat and (you guessed it) an old time rock and roll bass line and guitar lick. Seger's raspy and powerful vocal performance mixes with the rock solid performance of his band to generate a groove that digs in like no other song I’ve heard. It’s a rare tune indeed that can hook the listener so deeply before the first chorus even starts.

For the chorus, background singers accompanied Seger adding depth and width to the song's central hook. This gives the song a touch of gospel church power without the fire and brimstone. Meanwhile, the piano dances around the mix with a boogie-woogie feel reminiscent of Fats Domino. Additionally, we hear touches of Kieth Richards inspired guitar licks adding swagger and attitude to every inch of the mix.

“Old Time Rock & Roll” features two solos. The first is centered around the smooth lead guitar playing of session musician, Howie McDonald. Interestingly, McDonald wasn’t scheduled to play on the track. He just happened to be at Muscle Shoals studio one day and he was offered to add some six-string flavor. The result: a classic guitar solo on one of the most iconic rock and roll songs of all time. The second solo features saxophone by Alto Reed who was a core member of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band. The tight slap echo along with the ripping performance of Reed is like a party in the ears and makes you feel like you’re wearing the coolest pair of sunglasses ever created.

Bob Seger ended his music career in 2019 due to health issues and the loss of his long time saxophone player, Alto Reed. His time in the music business lasted almost sixty years and left behind some of the greatest songs in rock and roll history. Seger has also been immortalized by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, securing his place in music history.

If you would like to listen to “Old Time Rock & Roll” or any of Bob’s other fine music, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you want to learn more about Bob Seger you can find more information on Wikipedia, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.Ron Powers