Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
Encyclopedia
"Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" is a song written by George Harrison
from his 1970 album All Things Must Pass
, and a tribute to Frank Crisp
, a 19th century lawyer that had been a previous owner of Harrison's Victorian residence Friar Park
.
All Things Must Pass co-producer Phil Spector
suggested to Harrison that a change in the song's lyrics would prompt several cover versions by different recording artists. Harrison decided to keep the original lyrics as a tribute to Frank Crisp.
"Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" became the first of multiple tributes by Harrison to Crisp, followed by "Ding Dong, Ding Dong
" (from his 1974 album Dark Horse, and "The Answer's at the End" (from 1975's Extra Texture album).
The title of George Harrison's 2009 career-spanning best of album Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
was derived from "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)," which also appears on the compilation.
lead singer Jim James
(under the pseudonym Yim Yames) recorded a version of "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" for his EP of George Harrison cover songs, entitled Tribute To.
of the CBS
situation comedy How I Met Your Mother
. The song is again featured on How I Met Your Mother
in the closing scenes for the final episode
of season 6.
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
from his 1970 album All Things Must Pass
All Things Must Pass
All Things Must Pass is a triple album by George Harrison, recorded and released in 1970. The original vinyl release featured two LPs of rock songs as well as Apple Jam, a third LP of informal jams...
, and a tribute to Frank Crisp
Frank Crisp
Sir Frank Crisp, 1st Baronet was an English lawyer and microscopist.-Life:Crisp's mother died when he was three years old and as a result he was brought up by his grandfather, John Filby Childs. He resolved to take up the law and at 16 was articled to a firm of solicitors...
, a 19th century lawyer that had been a previous owner of Harrison's Victorian residence Friar Park
Friar Park
Friar Park is the 120-room Victorian neo-Gothic mansion previously owned by the eccentric Sir Frank Crisp in Henley-on-Thames and bought by the musician George Harrison in 1970, as he left his former home Kinfauns, in Esher.-History:...
.
All Things Must Pass co-producer Phil Spector
Phil Spector
Phillip Harvey "Phil" Spector is an American record producer and songwriter, later known for his conviction in the murder of actress Lana Clarkson....
suggested to Harrison that a change in the song's lyrics would prompt several cover versions by different recording artists. Harrison decided to keep the original lyrics as a tribute to Frank Crisp.
"Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" became the first of multiple tributes by Harrison to Crisp, followed by "Ding Dong, Ding Dong
Ding Dong, Ding Dong
"Ding Dong, Ding Dong" is a song by George Harrison, released 6 December 1974 on Apple Records.-Background:"Ding Dong, Ding Dong" was George Harrison's holiday song for New Year's Day...
" (from his 1974 album Dark Horse, and "The Answer's at the End" (from 1975's Extra Texture album).
The title of George Harrison's 2009 career-spanning best of album Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison is the third compilation of George Harrison's music, and the first to span his entire solo career after The Beatles era...
was derived from "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)," which also appears on the compilation.
Personnel
The musicians who performed on the original recording were as follows:- George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
– vocals, guitar - Pete DrakePete DrakePete Drake , born Roddis Franklin Drake, was a major Nashville, Tennessee-based record producer and pedal steel guitar player....
- pedal steel guitar - Bobby WhitlockBobby WhitlockRobert Stanley 'Bobby' Whitlock is a songwriter and performer, best known as a member of Derek and the Dominos.- Biography :...
– piano - Billy PrestonBilly PrestonWilliam Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
– organ - Gary WrightGary WrightGary Malcolm Wright is an American musician, best known for his song, "Dream Weaver". He was the piano player on Harry Nilsson's version of "Without You".-Early life:...
- electric piano - Klaus VoormannKlaus VoormannKlaus Voormann is a German Grammy Award-winning artist, noted musician, and record producer. He designed artwork for many bands including The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Wet Wet Wet and Turbonegro. His most notable work as a producer was his work with the band Trio, including their worldwide hit "Da Da...
- bass guitar - Alan WhiteAlan White (Yes drummer)Alan White is an English rock drummer known for his work with the progressive rock band Yes. White was also a member of the Plastic Ono Band, playing live in 1969 at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival, which was recorded and released three months later as Live Peace in Toronto 1969...
– drums
Cover versions
My Morning JacketMy Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky.The band consists of Jim James , Tom 'Two-Tone Tommy' Blankenship , Patrick Hallahan , Carl Broemel , and Bo Koster .-History:My Morning Jacket was...
lead singer Jim James
Jim James
James Edward Olliges Jr. , professionally known as Jim James or Yim Yames, is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of Louisville, Kentucky-based rock band My Morning Jacket. James grew up in the Hikes Point neighborhood of Louisville, attended St. Martha grade school and graduated...
(under the pseudonym Yim Yames) recorded a version of "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" for his EP of George Harrison cover songs, entitled Tribute To.
Appearance in television
Harrison's original version is featured in the opening and closing scenes of the season 6 premiereBig Days
"Big Days" is the first episode of the sixth season of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and the 113th episode overall. It originally aired on September 20, 2010.- Plot :...
of the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
situation comedy How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays.As a framing device, the main character, Ted Mosby with narration by Bob Saget, in the year 2030 recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting...
. The song is again featured on How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays.As a framing device, the main character, Ted Mosby with narration by Bob Saget, in the year 2030 recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting...
in the closing scenes for the final episode
Challenge Accepted
"Challenge Accepted" is the twenty fourth and final episode of the sixth season of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother and the 136th episode overall. It aired on May 16, 2011.-Plot:...
of season 6.