Great Balls of Fire: TBB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0002316
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Goodness, gracious, this one is hot! It's classic rock and roll, full of excitement and fun times. Don't miss this quick-learn arrangement.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002316
More about this title
About the Composer: Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell (1916–2002) was a prolific songwriter and performer who helped define the sound of early rock and roll. Writing and recording across multiple genres, Blackwell crafted hits for some of the era's biggest stars, including Elvis Presley, who recorded several of his compositions. His ability to capture infectious energy and raw emotion in a three-minute song made him one of the most recorded songwriters of his generation.
For music educators, Blackwell's catalog represents an essential bridge between pop songwriting craft and the rock and roll repertoire students actually want to sing. His melodies are memorable without being simplistic, and his rhythmic sensibility translates naturally to choral arrangements that engage singers and audiences alike.
Why we love this
Greg Gilpin's arrangement channels the raw exuberance of the original into a voicing that male singers can own completely. The energy never flags, the part-writing sits naturally in the tenor and bass ranges, and the quick-learn factor means rehearsal time goes toward building excitement rather than parsing complex harmonies.
What to expect
Pure velocity and joy. The arrangement captures that signature 1950s rock and roll swagger: a song that knows exactly what it is and isn't apologizing for any of it. Singers feel the infectious rhythmic confidence the moment they open their folders.
Who it's for
Male and mixed choral ensembles looking for contemporary pop repertoire that swings with authentic rock and roll character. The accessible voicing and familiar source material make it ideal for middle school through community choirs seeking material that energizes singers and audiences in equal measure.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythmic drive relentless from start to finish. The infectious quality of this piece depends on a steady, propulsive pulse; lock the rhythm section early and let the voices sit on top of that foundation.
- Shape phrases by understanding that rock and roll energy doesn't mean singing loud the whole time. Contrast matters; pull back slightly on interior phrases and let climactic moments breathe.
- Lean into the text delivery with the same attitude as the original recording. Conversational, confident, unbothered. This piece lives in attitude as much as melody.
How to use it
Program this as an audience igniter in concert pops sets or end-of-year celebrations where you want unmistakable fun. It pairs well alongside other rock and secular repertoire from the Alfred Pop Choral Series, and its brevity makes it perfect for opening a program or filling a concert slot when scheduling permits.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in rock/pop contexts with syncopated rhythms
- Blending voices across the two-part and three-part voicings within the same arrangement
- Performing with stylistic authenticity in a contemporary popular genre
- Quick-learn strategies for memorization and performance-ready preparation