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Harlem Shuffle
Harlem Shuffle
Harlem Shuffle
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"Harlem Shuffle"
Single by Bob & Earl
from the album Harlem Shuffle
B-side"I'll Keep Running Back"
Released1963
Genre
Length2:35
LabelMarc Records 104[2]
SongwriterBob Relf/Earl Nelson
ProducerFred Smith
Bob & Earl singles chronology
"Harlem Shuffle"
(1963) 		"My Woman"
(1964)

"Harlem Shuffle" is an R&B song written and originally recorded by the duo Bob & Earl in 1963. The song describes a dance called the “Harlem Shuffle”, and mentions several other contemporary dances of the early 1960s, including the Monkey Shine, the Limbo, the Hitch hike, the Slide, and the Pony.

In 1986, it was covered by the British rock band the Rolling Stones on their album Dirty Work.

Bob & Earl

[edit]

There was no pre-existing dance called the "Harlem Shuffle".[3] The song was based on an instrumental number called "Slauson Shuffletime" (named after a boulevard in Los Angeles) by another Los Angeles singer, Round Robin.[4] Bob & Earl's original single, arranged by Gene Page, peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 36 on the Cash Box chart. The record was a commercial failure when first released in the UK in 1963, but on reissue in 1969 peaked at No. 7 on the UK singles chart.[5] It was released on Marc Records, a subsidiary of Titan Records. Barry White stated in a 1995 interview with the Boston Herald that, despite many claims to the contrary, he had no involvement with "Harlem Shuffle", though Page and White later worked extensively together.[6][7]

In 2003, the original Bob & Earl version of the song was ranked No. 23 by the music critics of The Daily Telegraph on their list of the "50 Best Duets Ever".[8] The song was used in the 1989 comedy-drama film Shag and the 2017 Edgar Wright-directed film Baby Driver and also appeared on its soundtrack.[9]

Charts

[edit]

The Rolling Stones version

[edit]
"Harlem Shuffle"
Single by The Rolling Stones
from the album Dirty Work
B-side"Had It with You"
Released3 March 1986[16]
RecordedApril – October 1985
GenrePop rock, dance-rock[17]
Length3:23 (7" single)
6:19 (12" "London Mix")
6:35 (12" "New York Mix")
LabelRolling Stones
SongwritersBob Relf, Earl Nelson
ProducersSteve Lillywhite and The Glimmer Twins
The Rolling Stones singles chronology
"She Was Hot"
(1983) 		"Harlem Shuffle"
(1986) 		"One Hit (To the Body)"
(1986)

The Rolling Stones' cover version appeared on their 1986 album Dirty Work. It went to No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, No. 13 in the United Kingdom, and No. 1 in New Zealand. Keith Richards had been looking for songs to possibly include on the album and had been working up songs with Ronnie Wood and Bobby Womack while waiting for Mick Jagger to return to the studio in Paris after doing promo work on his solo album She's the Boss. To Richards' surprise, Jagger liked the feel and cut the vocals quickly. It became the first cover song the Stones had released as an opening single off a new studio album since 1965.

In 1986, a 12" extended single mix of the song was released. One side contained the "London Mix" and ran 6:19. The other side had a "New York Mix" and ran 6:35. Both mixes were variations of the 7" mix. The "New York Mix" is available on the CD, Rarities 1971–2003, although it has been edited to 5:48. Both full-length 12" versions can be found on Disc 25 of Singles 1971–2006.

Music video

[edit]

The Rolling Stones produced an accompanying four-minute music video, which combined with live-action and animation.[18] The live-action was directed by animation director Ralph Bakshi and the animation was directed by future The Ren & Stimpy Show creator John Kricfalusi.[19] Other animators who worked on the video included Lynne Naylor, Jim Smith, Bob Jaques, Vicky Jenson, Pat Ventura and two other unknown animators.[20] Adrienne Eggleston Cary was the lead dancer in the video.[21]

Personnel

[edit]

The Rolling Stones

Additional personnel

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[49] Gold 50,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

[edit]

A version by The Traits from the fall of 1966 reached number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 91 on Cash Box. Wayne Cochran released a version in 1965 that reached 127 on the Billboard charts.[50] The Action recorded the song in 1968 and released it as a single in Germany. The Belle Stars released their version in 1983.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Harlem Shuffle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Harlem Shuffle" is an R&B written by Bobby Relf and , and first recorded by the duo (their recording alias) in 1963. The track describes a lively of the same name that originated in ballrooms and gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, referencing other contemporary dances like and the Twist. Released on Marc Records, it achieved modest success, peaking at number 44 on the chart and number 3 on the Hot R&B Singles chart. The song was produced by Fred Smith and arranged by , featuring a driving rhythm section and call-and-response vocals that captured the energetic spirit of early . , consisting of Relf (lead vocals) and Nelson (baritone, also known as Jackie Lee), were based in and part of the local R&B scene. Although it did not initially become a major hit, the track's infectious groove and danceable beat laid the foundation for its enduring appeal, with reissues in later years boosting its chart performance, including a number 7 peak on the UK Singles Chart in 1969. "Harlem Shuffle" has been widely covered and sampled, cementing its place in music history. The most notable version came from in 1986, featured on their album Dirty Work and featuring guest vocals by ; it reached number 5 on the and revitalized interest in the original. Other artists, including Booker T. & the M.G.'s (recorded in 1966), recorded interpretations that highlighted its versatility across genres. The song's influence extends to modern media, appearing in films like Baby Driver (2017) and inspiring samples in hip-hop tracks, underscoring its lasting impact on popular culture.

Original version

Writing and composition

"Harlem Shuffle" was written by Bob Relf and , performing as the duo , in 1963. The lyrics center on a fictional dance called the "Harlem Shuffle," portrayed as a lively, seductive movement performed in a dimly lit venue, with instructions like moving side to side slowly with . The song references other contemporary dances, such as , to evoke the era's culture. Musically, the track draws its foundation from the 1962 instrumental "Slauson Shuffletime" by singer Round Robin, adapting its groove into an R&B framework. This results in an upbeat driven by a shuffling beat, complemented by call-and-response vocals between Relf and Nelson that heighten the song's energetic, participatory feel. The arrangement, credited to with co-arrangement by , highlights the shuffling through a tight and prominent horn stabs that punctuate the verses and chorus, adding a punchy, celebratory texture typical of early R&B.

Recording and release

The original version of "Harlem Shuffle" was recorded in 1963 at Marc Records in by the vocal duo consisting of Bob Relf and . The production team included producers Bob Relf, , and Fred Smith, with arrangements handled by and . The session incorporated a and typical of early R&B recordings, providing the track's energetic drive. It was first released as a single in October 1963 on Marc Records (catalogue number 104), backed with "I'll Keep Running Back" on the B-side. A UK reissue in 1969 on (WIP-6053) introduced the song to a broader international audience.

Commercial performance

Upon its initial release in late 1963, "Harlem Shuffle" by achieved modest success in the United States, peaking at No. 44 on the and spending nine weeks in the top 100. It also reached No. 3 on the , No. 36 on the Cash Box , reflecting limited commercial breakthrough despite its energetic R&B appeal. No formal certifications were awarded for the original single, underscoring its status as a regional rather than national hit. The track experienced a significant revival in the upon its 1969 reissue, climbing to No. 7 on the Official Singles Chart and charting for 13 weeks. This contrasted sharply with its underwhelming U.S. performance, as the reissue capitalized on growing enthusiasm within the UK's scene, where American R&B imports like this one fueled dancefloor popularity among enthusiasts. The renewed interest helped solidify Bob & Earl's enduring legacy as a soul duo in international markets.

The Rolling Stones version

Recording and production

The Rolling Stones recorded their version of "Harlem Shuffle" at Pathé Marconi Studios in , , during the sessions for their 1986 album Dirty Work, spanning the spring and summer of 1985. The track was produced by alongside The Glimmer Twins— and —with an emphasis on amplifying the song's inherent shuffling rhythm into a more pronounced groove through contemporary studio techniques. Jagger delivered the lead vocals and played harmonica, while Richards contributed guitar, piano, and backing vocals, shaping the core rock foundation of the arrangement. Key stylistic choices included the addition of synthesizers and keyboards by and to modernize the sound, alongside brass accents from session musicians including Dan Collette on trumpet, creating an R&B revival vibe. Guest backing vocals from , , and Neville further enriched the soulful texture, distinguishing the cover's extended 5:37 runtime from the original's concise 2:55 length.

Release and commercial performance

"Harlem Shuffle" was released as the from the Rolling Stones' album Dirty Work on February 28, 1986, by in the United States, with the album following on March 24, 1986. The track achieved significant commercial success internationally. It peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the band's highest-charting single of the . In the , it reached number 13 on the Official Singles Chart. The song topped the Top 40 Singles chart at number 1. It performed strongly in other markets as well, peaking at number 6 on Australia's and number 5 on Canada's RPM 100 Singles chart.
Chart (1986)Peak Position
US Billboard Hot 1005
UK Singles (OCC)13
(RMNZ)1
(Kent Music Report)6
Top Singles (RPM)5
On the year-end Billboard Hot 100 chart for 1986, "Harlem Shuffle" ranked at number 40, reflecting its enduring popularity throughout the year. In terms of certifications, the single earned gold status in from for shipments of 50,000 units in 1986. It received no formal certifications in the United States or for the single itself, though its release boosted sales of the Dirty Work album, which achieved platinum certification in multiple territories.

Music video

The music video for ' version of "Harlem Shuffle" was released in 1986 to promote the single from their album Dirty Work. It was directed by , known for his animated films, who handled the live-action segments, while served as the animation director for the cartoon portions. The video blends live-action footage of the band performing in a neon-lit, abstract urban cityscape with surreal animated sequences depicting Harlem-inspired street scenes. These include cartoonish cats engaging in dances and pursuing an animated woman, evoking the song's dance theme through funky, exaggerated movements and nostalgic urban imagery. The video became a staple on , earning a nomination for Best Group Video at the , where it was praised for its innovative fusion of live-action and animation—one of the earliest examples of such a technique in music videos. However, it also faced criticism for racial stereotyping in Bakshi's animated style, which some viewed as perpetuating caricatures despite his intent to satirize urban culture.

Personnel

The Rolling Stones' version of "Harlem Shuffle" featured the band's core lineup: on lead vocals, on guitars and backing vocals, on guitars, on bass guitar, on drums, and on keyboards. Guest contributors included on backing vocals and guitar, on backing vocals, on backing vocals, on backing vocals, and on backing vocals; additional backing vocalists were Dolette McDonald, , and . The horn section was provided by Dan Collette and additional musicians. Production credits went to as producer and engineer, with The Glimmer Twins ( and ) as executive producers; engineering assistance was by , Steve Parker, and Tim Crich. These contributions, especially the layered backing vocals and horns, amplified the track's funky, R&B-infused groove.

Cover versions

1960s covers

In the 1960s, "Harlem Shuffle" inspired several reinterpretations that adapted its R&B dance origins to emerging rock and styles, reflecting the era's garage and mod scenes. These covers achieved modest commercial traction in the and UK, introducing the song to broader audiences amid the and soul explosion. One early cover came from and the C.C. Riders in October 1965, delivering a high-energy, rendition characterized by Cochran's raw, gospel-inflected vocals and a tight that amplified the track's rhythmic drive. Released on , it bubbled under the charts at No. 127 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, marking Cochran's only entry there and showcasing his ability to infuse white soul with fervent performance flair. The Traits followed with their version in October 1966 on Scepter Records, a garage rock-infused take featuring driving guitars and energetic vocals that captured the raw edge of mid-1960s while nodding to the song's danceable roots. It peaked at No. 94 on the and No. 91 on Cash Box, providing a brief but notable presence on national charts during a year dominated by pop and soul hits. Other notable 1960s covers included an instrumental by Booker T. & the M.G.'s recorded in 1966 (released 2003 on the compilation ), emphasizing the song's groove in style; John and His Playboy Band's 1966 pop-soul version; and The ' 1967 release on , featuring their signature harmonies. Vigon released a French vocal version in 1967, blending it with local pop elements. The delivered a live recording in 1968 on their album Rocking the Foundations, capturing their upbeat energy. Across the Atlantic, the British mod band The Action recorded a soul-oriented cover in 1968, released as a single in Germany in May 1969 on Hansa Records, blending sharp harmonies and punchy rhythms that aligned with the group's reputation for Motown-inspired energy within London's mod subculture. Though it did not chart significantly, the track underscored The Action's influence on the UK soul scene, where they were revered for elevating American R&B covers to cult status among mod enthusiasts.

Later covers

In the 1980s, following the renewed interest sparked by ' 1986 revival, several artists reinterpreted "Harlem Shuffle" in diverse styles, though few achieved significant commercial success. , a and ska-influenced band, released a lively cover in 1983 that blended upbeat rhythms with their signature pop-ska sound, receiving minor radio airplay in the UK but failing to chart. Similarly, The Riff Burglars offered a rock-oriented take the same year, capturing the song's energetic shuffle in a vein. performed a live version in 1976, showcasing blues-rock . The 1990s and early 2000s saw a proliferation of covers in niche genres, often as album tracks or live performances, reflecting the song's enduring appeal for tribute and fusion acts. For instance, Los Pericos, an Argentine reggae band, incorporated reggae elements into their 1993 version, adapting the R&B classic to Latin American audiences. , a Japanese all-female group, delivered a raw, surf-tinged rendition in 2002 that highlighted the song's danceable groove. Other notable interpretations included instrumental versions. Reissues of earlier covers sustained its visibility in soul revival collections. In recent years, from the 2010s to 2025, covers have trended toward indie, live, and utility formats, underscoring the song's role in tributes and casual performances rather than mainstream releases. Party Tyme's 2023 backing track version catered to karaoke enthusiasts, providing an instrumental base faithful to the original's rhythm section. John Santee's 2024 indie cover, a straightforward vocal rendition, was shared via online platforms as a personal homage. Most recently, the 20/20 Band performed a live version in Spain in June 2025, infusing it with high-energy rock-blues during a concert in Jalón. This shift illustrates how "Harlem Shuffle" has evolved into a staple for genre-blending tributes and informal settings, bolstered by digital distribution.

Legacy

Samples and interpolations

One of the most influential samples from Bob & Earl's 1963 recording of "Harlem Shuffle" is the horn riff, which has been incorporated into numerous hip-hop tracks. House of Pain's "Jump Around," released in 1992, prominently features this horn section in its hook, contributing to the song's breakthrough success as a major hip-hop anthem that peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable samples include MC Hammer's 1986 track "I Can Make It Better," which draws on the from the original recording. In 2014, featuring used the horns in "Calm Down," evoking the energetic vibe of earlier hip-hop samples. More recently, ' 2019 song "Be Yourself" (featuring Ecca Vandal and Nyassa) interpolates elements of the track, blending them into a modern Australian hip-hop context. No major samples of "Harlem Shuffle" have emerged between 2020 and 2025, though its rhythmic hook continues to influence hip-hop and electronic music production. Most derivatives source directly from the 1963 Bob & Earl version.

Use in media and culture

The original version of "Harlem Shuffle" by has appeared in several films, often to evoke the energy of dance and retro aesthetics. In the 1989 comedy-drama Shag, the song underscores a scene where the protagonists evade family pressures through carefree dancing at a . Similarly, in Edgar Wright's 2017 action film Baby Driver, 's recording plays during the opening credits sequence, where the protagonist's coffee run is synchronized to the track, with lyrics subtly illustrated through urban and character movements to heighten the rhythmic getaway vibe. In music journalism rankings, the Bob & Earl rendition ranked No. 23 on The Daily Telegraph's 2003 list of the 50 Best Duets Ever, praised for its dynamic interplay and enduring appeal as a vocal partnership. The song stands as a key symbol of the 1960s R&B revival, capturing the era's upbeat soul sound that resonated beyond its initial release. In the United Kingdom, the track has been reissued on labels associated with the Northern soul scene. While it did not spawn a widespread dance craze like the Twist, the track's shuffling rhythm has inspired depictions of loose, improvisational moves in various media portrayals of mid-century Black American culture. More recently, the song's title inspired Colson Whitehead's 2021 crime novel Shuffle, a fictional exploration of Harlem life that borrows the name to evoke the neighborhood's vibrant, shadowy undercurrents.

References

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  60. https://genius.com/Mc-hammer-i-can-make-it-better-sample
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  69. https://www.the-tls.com/literature/fiction/harlem-shuffle-colson-whitehead-book-review-nat-segnit
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