"
Maybellene" is a song recorded by
Chuck Berry, adapted from the traditional fiddle tune "
Ida Red", that tells the story of a
hot rod race and a broken romance. It was released in July 1955 as a
single on
Chess Records of
Chicago, Illinois. It was Berry's first single release and his first hit. "Maybellene" is considered one of the pioneering
rock and roll singles:
Rolling Stone magazine wrote, "Rock & roll guitar starts here." The record is an early instance of the complete rock and roll package: youthful subject matter, small guitar-driven combo, clear diction, and an atmosphere of unrelenting excitement. The lyrics describe a man driving a
V8 Ford chasing his unfaithful girlfriend in her
Cadillac Coupe DeVille.