THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

102-Ramones-Sheena Is a Punk Rocker.

1977-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. ‘1-2-3-4!’

The Sheena referred to in the songs title is in fact the comic book character ‘Sheena, Queen of the Jungle,’ who is a fictional American comic book jungle girl heroine who was created by Will Eisner, (1917-2005) and Jerry Iger, (1903-1990) and first published in the comic book ‘Sheena Queen of the Jungle’ in 1938. ‘Sheena’ also has another claim to fame, as Ike Turner (1931-2007) (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) credited Sheena as one of his inspirations for creating Tina Turner’s stage persona. He chose the name Tina because it rhymed with Sheena.

The Ramones (see also best songs 707) were formed in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, United States, in 1974, and remained active through until 1996, in total there have been eight band members come and go, and all of the four who played on this song, and who are considered the classic line up have all now died. The discography of the Ramones includes 14 studio Albums released between 1976-1995, and 71 singles issued between 1976-1996. Amazingly, considering that the Ramones are one of the most influential groups of all time, they never achieved a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in America, with ‘Rockaway Beach’ (1977 Number 66 single) being their highest charting of just three Hot 100 entries. In the UK they fared better with four of their singles reaching the top 40, with their cover of the Ronettes ‘Baby I Love You’ charting highest when making Number 8 in 1980.

The Ramones were probably the most influential artists in the development of what was to become known as ‘Punk Rock’ music, taking influences themselves from the ‘Surf’ music of the late 1950’s, and the ‘Garage’ bands of the early 1960’s. They rebelled against ‘Rock’ bands of the early to mid 1970’s who could make a ‘guitar riff’ play out endlessly, by going back to the roots of ‘Pop Music,’ where the 1950’s, and 1960’s singles would only last around two minutes each. As well as leading the American ‘Punk’ explosion, the Ramones were also a great influence in England, especially when they played live there, with pre fame acts including the ‘Sex Pistols,'(see also best songs 576-92 and 27) and The ‘Clash’ (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) in attendance at their shows.

‘Sheena Is a Punk Rocker’ was the first of three singles released from the Ramones third studio Album ‘Rocket to Russia’ from 1977, it was written by Joey Ramone, and co-produced by Tommy Ramone, and Tony Bongiovi, who is the cousin of Jon Bon Jovi. Joey Ramone has recollected his thoughts on the song,’To me ‘Sheena’ was the first Surf/Punk Rock/teenage rebellion song. I combined Sheena, Queen of the Jungle with the primalness of Punk Rock. Then Sheena is brought into the modern day, but she just couldn’t stay, she had to break away, well New York City really has it all. It was funny because all the girls in New York seemed to change their name to Sheena after that, everybody was a Sheena.’

‘Well the kids are all hopped up and ready to go, they’re ready to go now. They got their surfboards and they’re going to the discotheque Au Go Go. But she just couldn’t stay she had to break away, well New York City really has is all oh yeah, oh yeah.’