Come Back Where You Belong

Willie Kizart & The Kings of Rhythm—The Sound of Rock’s First B-Side

The track “Come Back Where You Belong” holds a unique place in history: it is the B-side to “Rocket 88” and was captured in the same monumental session at Sam Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service in March 1951. While the A-side is an up-tempo boogie, this slow blues track provides a crucial second example of Willie Kizart’s pioneering sound.

Unlike the driving riff of “Rocket 88,” this song features a slower, more deliberate blues feel, allowing Kizart’s contributions to shine through in the sustained chords and simple fills. Crucially, the same damaged amplifier was used, meaning the track features that same, unmistakable accidental fuzz/distortion that launched a genre.

The performance demonstrates Kizart’s ability to transition from a relentless rhythm machine to a deeply expressive electric blues player, using his groundbreaking tone to inject raw emotion into the slower tempo. This track confirms the unique tonal character of the Kings of Rhythm’s guitar was not just a one-off gimmick, but a sustained, influential sound.

Techniques to Explore

Kizart’s electric blues performance highlights how his unique tone worked in a slower, more emotional context, emphasizing sustained notes and touch.

• Sustained Distorted Chords — Using the overdriven amp for long, resonant chord voicings
• Heavy Attack Dynamics — Forceful right-hand attack
• Blues Turnaround Riffing — Classic IV-V-I phrasing adapted for the electric guitar

Recording Notes

💬 How does the pioneering tone impact the blues?

Which is more effective: the raw emotional quality of the distorted chords, or the restrained, classic blues phrasing that Willie Kizart employs on “Come Back Where You Belong?” Drop your thoughts below.