Brick House (song)

"Brick House" is a funk/disco song from Commodores' 1977 album Commodores and is one of their most popular songs. It peaked at #5 in the U.S. and #32 in the U.K.

In 1977, the Commodores were in the studio, recording when there was a problem with the equipment. While the tapes were being repaired/replaced, the group took a break. Ronald LaPread, the Commodores bass player, began jamming with his guitar and came up with the now famous bass line that runs through the song. The other band members began to fill in. James Carmichael, the producer heard this, recognized a hit when he heard one and told everyone to "sleep on it" and see if anyone could come up with lyrics and a melody for this great track. William King (singer) went to sleep but his wife, Shirley Hanna-King was inspired and wrote down her ideas. William King (singer) loved it and played for the group. The Commodores liked it too and assumed William was the writer. It was a few years before the Commodores discovered that indeed it was Shirley Hanna- King, who had written and coined the now famous term "Brick House". Walter "Clyde" Orange had the funky voice to sing lead vocals and added his touches to the lyrics as he recorded. "Brick House" went on the new album and sold millions of copies around the world.

A "Brick House" is slang for a voluptuous woman. The original expression was/is "She's built like a Brick Sh*t House". It dates back to the time when few people had indoor plumbing. Most "outhouses" were made of wood, flimsy and frequently knocked down with strong winds or harsh weather. It would be unusual, rare and impressive to find an outhouse made of brick. Hence, if a woman were "stacked" or had a figure you likely only saw in your dreams (before breast augmentations), she would be described as being built like a "Brick Sh*t House" - impressive, solid, awe inspiring!

For obvious reasons, Shirley Hanna- King (lyricist) modified the expression for the song and the rest is history. When the Commodores recorded "Brick House", little did they know that their modified version of the word would become part of American slang and take on a meaning of its own. Thirty years after it's original recording, "Brick House" is still being played in night clubs and on radio stations all over the world.

Personnel

• Record Label - Motown (USA)
• Recorded - 1977, Los Angeles, CA "MoWest Studios"
• Cal Harris- Engineering, Mixing
• James Anthony Carmichael and Commodores - Producer, Mixing
• Ronald LaPread, - Bass Guitar
• Walter "Clyde" Orange] - Lead Vocalist
• Thomas McClary - Lead Guitar
• Walter "Clyde" Orange - Drums
• Milan Williams - Keyboards
• William King (singer) - Trumpet, Background Vocals
  
• Writer(s) = William King (singer), Shirley Hanna-King, Ronald LaPread, Thomas McClary, Walter Orange, Lionel Richie

Cover

"Brick House"
Song

"Brick House" was remade in 2003 by Rob Zombie off the House of 1000 Corpses Soundtrack which was released as a promo single in 2003. The song can also be found on Rob Zombie's Past, Present & Future. For the song, Zombie collaborates with Lionel Richie (who did not sing on the original version) and Trina on vocals.

Personnel

• Tom Baker - Mastering
• Frank Gyner- Engineering, Mixing
• Scott Humphrey - Producer, Mixing
• Blasko - Bass
• Lionel Richie - Vocalist
• Riggs - Guitar
• Tempesta - Drums
• Trina - Vocalist