I Love Rock N Roll, a tribute to Alan Merrill

Today, we’re paying tribute to Alan Merrill, one of the artists who have died after contracting the coronavirus, someone who devoted almost all of his 69 years in this world to make us fall in love with rock n roll, and in the process he came up with one of the most covered songs in music history. Merrill's song has evolved so much throughout the years that it’s become a favorite of female pop singers, and barely anyone remembers the original version was sung by a man.

There are more than 250 identified covers of this song, including the only number one hit for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and the 2002 version from Britney Spears. We'll also be exploring the relevant connection between Merrill, Jett and Miley Cyrus, and how Merrill became one of the biggest teen pop idols in Japan back in the 70s.

Welcome to Uncovering the Cover, the podcast where we tell the stories of the songs that have captured our imagination… throughout several generations. I’m your host Diego Pinzón… and today we’re paying tribute to Alan Merrill, a music icon in Japan, England and the U.S. Born in New York City, Merrill had a prolific career ranging from glam rock, to pop and to heavy metal, who died at 69 years old last March 29, due to coronavirus complications.

This is Uncovering the Cover: I Love Rock N Roll, a tribute to Alan Merrill. Follow us on Instagram @UncoveringTheCover and Twitter @UncoveringCover.