"Barefootin'" is a 1966 song written and performed by Robert Parker. "Barefootin'" was arranged and produced by Wardell Quezergue in 1965. Parker's record label, Nola Records, claimed that the record sold over one million copies.[1]

"Barefootin'"
Single by Robert Parker
B-side"Let's Go Baby (Where the Action Is)"
Released1966
GenreR&B
Length2:33
LabelNola Records (USA)
Island Records (UK)
EMI Columbia Records (France)
Polydor Records (Netherlands)
Songwriter(s)Robert Parker
Producer(s)Whurley Burley Productions, arranged by Wardell Quezergue
Audio
"Barefootin'" on YouTube

Chart performance

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The song reached No.2 on the U.S. Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2] It also peaked at No.11 on the Cash Box Top 100 in June 1966.[3] Outside the US, the track reached No.7 in Canada in June 1966[4] and No.24 in the UK Singles Chart in September 1966.[5][6]

Other versions

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In Canada, Larry Lee & the Leesures had a hit version in 1967. In 1977, Barefoot Jerry covered the song on the album of the same name. In 1987 a claymation music video was produced by Aardman Animations taking place in outer space with aliens singing. Aardman Animations were approached by Charly Records who owned the back catalog rights to many classic R&B tracks. In the late '80s, classic R&B charted at the lower 100 on the charts and sometimes the owner would spend some marketing money on a song hoping to kick it into the top 20.[7]

The song is included as a full-length performance by Walter "Wolfman" Washington and house band in the 2005 documentary film Make It Funky!, which presents a history of New Orleans music and its influence on rhythm and blues, rock and roll, funk and jazz.[8][9]

It was covered on the 1989 album Southern Star by the American country music band Alabama. Lead vocals were sung by the bands lead guitarist/fiddler Jeff Cook.

It was covered on Joanie Bartels' 1991 album, "Dancin' Magic".[10]

It was covered by the Kidsongs kids in their 1998 video, "I Can Dance!"

It was included on the soundtrack album of the 2006 film Hoot by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, on the MCA label.

References

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  1. ^ Murrells., Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie & Jenkins. p. 210. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  2. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 449.
  3. ^ "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles: Week ending JUNE 11, 1966". www.cashboxmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  4. ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - June 27, 1966" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Official [U.K.] Singles Chart Top 50: 1st-7th September 1966". Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  6. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 417. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  7. ^ "Episode 8: Music Videos", aardman.com. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  8. ^ "IAJE What's Going On". Jazz Education Journal. 37 (5). Manhattan, Kansas: International Association of Jazz Educators: 87. April 2005. ISSN 1540-2886. ProQuest 1370090.
  9. ^ Make It Funky! (DVD). Culver City, California: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 2005. ISBN 9781404991583. OCLC 61207781. 11952.
  10. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlIxcISDfzA