Rockin' Robin (song)
| "Rockin' Robin" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Rockin' Robin" (originally released as "Rock-In Robin" on the Class Records 45 single) is a song written by Leon René under the pseudonym of Jimmie Thomas and recorded by Bobby Day in 1958. It was Day's biggest hit single, becoming a number-two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent one week at the top of the charts (number one hit) in R&B sales.[2]
Personnel
- The piccolo solo is played by Plas Johnson.[3]
- Earl Palmer is the drummer on the track.[4]
Charts
| Chart (1958) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[5] | 9 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[6] | 2 |
| US Billboard Rhythm & Blues Records[6] | 1 |
Michael Jackson version
| "Rockin' Robin" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| B-side | "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" |
Michael Jackson recorded his own version of "Rockin' Robin" in 1972, which was released as a single from his gold-certified solo album titled Got to Be There. It was the biggest hit from the album, hitting no. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart and peaking at no. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.
Track listing
- A. "Rockin' Robin" – 2:30
- B. "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" – 2:51
Chart performance
| Chart (1972) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Go-Set National Top 40)[7] | 23 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] | 16 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[9] | 13 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[10] | 16 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 3 |
| US Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles[12] | 2 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[12] | 2 |
Other versions and samples
- The song was recorded in 1965 by Australian band The Henchmen. Their version reached the Australian top 10.[citation needed]
- Checkmates, Ltd. released a version of the song as part of a medley on their 1967 debut album, Live! At Caesar's Palace.[13]
- UK singer Lolly recorded it in 1999, as a double A-side with "Big Boys Don't Cry". The single peaked at number ten in the UK Singles Chart, in December of that year.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Bush, John. "Rockin' Robin – Song Review". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 148.
- ^ de Heer, Dik (September 2015). "Plas Johnson". Rockabilly.nl. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ Scherman, Tony (1999). Backbeat: The Earl Palmer Story. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institute Press. p. 174.
- ^ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Chart Positions Pre 1989 Part 3". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ a b "Bobby Day – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ "Go-Set Australian charts – 22 July 1972". Go-Set. Poparchives.com.au. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- ^ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – CHART POSITIONS PRE 1989, part 2". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 7632." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Rockin' Robin". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- ^ a b "Got to Be There – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ Williams, Richard (2003). Phil Spector: Out of His Head. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-7119-9864-3.
