Uploaded June 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
"Rock 'n' Roll Is King", by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), is a tribute reflecting a return to their rock roots. A track from their Secret Messages album, it was released as a single in 1983 and reached the 19th spot on the U.S. Billboard chart. According to the band, the song was originally called "Motor Factory" with a completely different set of lyrics that was something about working at Austin Longbridge, an industrial complex situated in the Longbridge area of Birmingham, England. However, band leader Jeff Lynne wiped the slate clean and came up with the current title and lyrics that includes a reference to Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven".
"Rock 'n' Roll Is King", by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), is a tribute reflecting a return to their rock roots. A track from their Secret Messages album, it was released as a single in 1983 and reached the 19th spot on the U.S. Billboard chart. According to the band, the song was originally called "Motor Factory" with a completely different set of lyrics that was something about working at Austin Longbridge, an industrial complex situated in the Longbridge area of Birmingham, England. However, band leader Jeff Lynne wiped the slate clean and came up with the current title and lyrics that includes a reference to Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven".
