‘Maybellene’ was one of the first rock and roll songs. It was written and recorded in 1955 by Chuck Berry, adapted in part from the Western swing fiddle tune ‘Ida Red’. It was released in July 1955 as a single by Chess Records, of Chicago, Illinois. Berry's first single and his first hit, ‘Maybellene’ is considered a pioneering rock & roll song. Rolling Stone magazine wrote of it, "Rock & roll guitar starts here." The record was an early instance of the complete rock & roll package: youthful subject matter; a small, guitar-driven combo; clear diction; and an atmosphere of unrelenting excitement. The song is ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greates Songs of All Time.