Ike Turner, who died yesterday at the age of 76, played the intro and wrote the first verse of what is widely regarded as the first rock and roll record, Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88", which was released in 1951.
On the way to the session Turner's band, the Kings of Rhythm, were involved in a minor traffic accident which meant that the instruments stored on the roof of their car were dislodged and Willie Kizart's guitar amplifier was damaged. At the studio Ike repaired it by jamming some paper in the woofer, thereby accidentally discovering fuzztone guitar.
The record is also notable for being one of the few songs that is openly dedicated to drinking and driving, the chorus referring to the joys of taking the fastest car on the road and "boozing and cruising along". (When Bill Haley covered it he sang "ooozing and cruising".)
It was produced by Sam Phillips in Memphis, a few years before he allegedly discovered rock and roll with Elvis Presley.