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"Ring My Bell"
Red side-A label variant of the US 7-inch single
Single by Anita Ward
from the album Songs of Love
B-side"If I Could Feel That Old Feeling Again"
Released1979
Genre
Length
  • 3:30 (7" single)
  • 8:11 (12"/ album)
LabelJuana Records (through TK)
SongwriterFrederick Knight
ProducerFrederick Knight
Anita Ward singles chronology
"Ring My Bell"
(1979) 		"Make Believe Lovers"
(1979)
Music video
"Ring My Bell": TopPop on YouTube

Ring My Bell is a 1979 disco song written by Frederick Knight and performed by Anita Ward.[4]

"Ring My Bell" went to number one in June 1979 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Disco Top 80 chart and the Soul Singles chart.[5] It also reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.[6][7] The song's popularity lead to Ward's nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1980 Grammy Awards.[8]

The song was originally written for eleven-year-old Stacy Lattisaw as a teenybopper song about children talking on the telephone.[9] When Lattisaw signed with a different label, American singer and musician Anita Ward was asked to sing it instead, and it became her only major hit.[10]

Composition

[edit]

The song is noted for its innovative use of the Synare electronic drum, playing a decaying high-pitched tom tone on the first beat of every bar. It also uses chimes. The lyrics concern a woman encouraging her partner to relax with her after a hard day at work.[11]

The lyric "You can ring my bell" was seen as sexually suggestive according to 1984 book The Slanguage of Sex, "'You can ring my bell any time you want to' would be regarded as a 'come-on' phrase in the US if used by a female," and "Songs like 'Ring My Bell' by Anita Ward caused scarcely a raised eyebrow in the '70s."[12] Songwriter Frederick Knight, however, said that he deliberately avoided any overly suggestive lyrics, wanting to project a clean-cut image for Ward.[13]

Legacy

[edit]

In October 2000, VH1 ranked "Ring My Bell" No. 53 in their list of "100 Greatest Dance Songs".[14] In 2010, Billboard magazine included it in their list of "The 50 Sexiest Songs of All Time".[11] In 2020, Slant Magazine ranked "Ring My Bell" No. 80 in their "The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time" list.[15] The significance of the song to the history of disco music is discussed in Episode 3 of the 2024 PBS series Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.[16] Same year, Forbes ranked it No. 12 in their list of "The 30 Greatest Disco Songs of All Time".[17]

In March 2025, Billboard ranked it No. 33 in their list of "The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time", writing, "Anita Ward was working as a substitute teacher in Memphis when she recorded "Ring My Bell", a disco song that became her only major hit.

The track was written by Frederick Knight, who had minor success in the early 1970s with the famed soul outfit Stax Records. Knight initially penned "Ring My Bell" for the young singer Stacy Lattisaw, envisioning a song about teenagers chatting on the phone. This origin story is often disputed, as the opening lyric was often interpreted as an entendre: You can ring my bell, anytime, anywhere. The instrumentation is pleasingly plush, with a "whoop"-ing sound accenting the first beat, guitars pawing around the edges of the drums, and a chiming motif that pairs perfectly with Ward's flirty hook."[18]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[59] Platinum 150,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[60] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Collette version

[edit]
"Ring My Bell"
Single by Collette
from the album Raze the Roof
B-side"Save Yourself"
ReleasedFebruary 27, 1989[61]
RecordedStudios 301, Sydney
Length3:22
LabelCBS
SongwriterFrederick Knight
Producers
  • Kirke Godfrey
  • Peewee Ferris
Collette singles chronology
"Ring My Bell"
(1989) 		"All I Wanna Do Is Dance"
(1989)

"Ring My Bell" was covered by New Zealand-born Australian pop singer Collette and released in 1989 as her debut single. The song peaked at number five on the Australian ARIA Charts and was certified gold by ARIA.[62]

Track listing

[edit]
  • 7" (CBS 654631)
A. "Ring My Bell" – 3:22
B. "Save Yourself" – 4:06
  • 12"
A1. "Ring My Bell" (Ring-a-Ling Mix) – 6:12
A2. "Ring My Bell" (Ding-Dong Mix) – 5:41
B1. "Save Yourself" (Survival Mix) – 5:53
B2. "Save Yourself" (Pow Wow Mix) – 6:39

Charts

[edit]

Certification

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[62] Gold 35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ring My Bell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Ring My Bell" is a 1979 disco song written and produced by Frederick Knight and performed by American singer . Originally composed as a track about children talking on the for 11-year-old singer , the song was reassigned to Ward after Lattisaw signed with a different label, prompting Knight to revise the lyrics with suggestive, adult-oriented innuendos about intimacy. Released in May 1979 on the independent Juana Records label as the lead single from Ward's debut album Songs of Love, it quickly rose to prominence amid the waning disco era. The track achieved massive commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in July 1979, while also topping the Hot Soul Singles and National Disco Action Top 40 charts; it spent 21 weeks on the Hot 100 overall. Internationally, "Ring My Bell" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for one week in June 1979 and topped charts in several other countries, including , , and . Certified gold in the United States, the single sold over one million copies and earned Ward a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1980. Its upbeat rhythm, catchy hook, and playful yet risqué lyrics made it a staple of late-1970s dance floors, coinciding with the infamous that symbolized 's commercial backlash, though the song's enduring appeal has led to numerous covers, samples, and revivals in pop and hip-hop genres.

Background

Songwriting

"Ring My Bell" was written solely by Frederick Knight in 1978, who also served as its initial producer. Knight, a Memphis-based songwriter and founder of Juana Records, crafted the track amid the booming scene, aiming to capture a lighthearted yet engaging vibe. The song was originally intended for 11-year-old R&B singer , envisioned as a tune about kids chatting on the . However, Lattisaw signed with instead, prompting Knight to revise the lyrics with suggestive, adult-oriented innuendos about intimacy. Knight's inspiration drew from commonplace experiences, such as phoning a lover to return home, reimagined in a seductive, disco-flavored that evoked the era's telephone bells as a metaphor for connection and desire. He developed the demo in Memphis studios, personally overseeing production to blend infectious rhythms with the song's cheeky charm.

Anita Ward's Selection

Anita Ward, born December 20, 1956, in , began her musical journey as a singer, performing in church choirs and with the Choir during her studies there, where she earned a degree in ; she had no prior secular hits at the time. In 1978, while auditioning for the college production of the musical , she was discovered by Chuck Holmes, a school administrator and aspiring songwriter, who became her manager and encouraged her to pursue a recording career outside . Holmes connected Ward with producer Frederick Knight, a former artist who ran Juana Records, leading to her signing with the label in late 1978. The song "Ring My Bell," originally written by Knight as a lighthearted tune about children chatting on the phone for 11-year-old singer —who ultimately signed with instead—was repurposed for Ward, marking her debut single. This selection aligned with Knight's intent to feature a younger artist but shifted to Ward, a 21-year-old transitioning from to . Despite her enthusiasm for R&B ballads rooted in her background, Ward was initially reluctant to record "Ring My Bell" due to its sensual undertones and style, which clashed with her preferences and clean-cut image; however, convinced her by emphasizing the song's and commercial appeal, leading her to accept the arrangement.

Recording and Production

Studio Process

The recording sessions for Anita Ward's "Ring My Bell" took place in at Malaco Studios in , under the direction of producer Frederick Knight. These sessions formed part of the production for Ward's debut album Songs of Love, with engineering by James Griffin, and reflected the efficient workflow typical of late-1970s disco productions. Ward's vocals showcased her energetic delivery and playful ad-libs, including vocal imitations of bell-ringing sound effects that added to the track's flirtatious vibe. Drawing briefly from her roots, this performance infused the song with a jubilant, high-pitched breathiness that contrasted her preference for ballads. The emphasized a vibrant groove, built around scratchy guitar riffs, a hard-popping bass line, synthetic , extensive percussion (including prominent ), handclaps, and an actual bell for the signature hook, with overdubs layered to create a fuller, dancefloor-ready sound. The entire track was finalized in just a few days, underscoring the era's rapid production pace amid the booming scene.

Production Credits

The original recording of "Ring My Bell" was written, produced, and arranged by Frederick Knight, who also contributed backing vocals and signed to his Juana Records label for the project. Knight's multifaceted role shaped the track's sound, drawing from his experience as a Memphis-based songwriter and producer. Key session musicians included guitarists Dino Zimmerman, Fred Knoblock, and Michael Ward; bassist Don Wood; and drummer Roger Parker, with horns and strings arranged by Mike Lewis using local session players. Backing vocals were provided by Chryl Bundy, Rhodes Chalmers, Frederick Knight, and Valerie Williams. Engineering was handled by James Griffin at Sound Studios in , with additional engineering by Robert Jackson, Steve Kleim, and William Brown. The single was released via Juana Records and distributed by in May 1979, marking a key release under the Florida-based label's umbrella.

Composition

Musical Elements

"Ring My Bell" is written in the key of . The song maintains a of approximately 127 beats per minute, embodying the energetic pulse of late-1970s . It employs a classic four-on-the-floor beat pattern, with the striking on every beat to drive the rhythm forward in quintessential fashion. The track follows a straightforward verse-chorus form, opening with distinctive bell chimes that establish an inviting before transitioning into verses and a repeating chorus. This structure builds progressively, incorporating swelling orchestral strings and a that heighten the danceable momentum. The arrangement spans 4:28 in its album version, allowing space for instrumental flourishes amid the vocal sections. Instrumentation centers on synthesizer bells for the titular motif, complemented by electric piano chords and sharp brass stabs that punctuate the rhythm. Anita Ward delivers soulful lead vocals, layered with call-and-response backing to create an interactive, communal feel. Overall, the song fuses core elements with R&B-inflected vocal phrasing, highlighting Ward's expressive delivery against the genre's synthetic and orchestral backdrop.

Lyrical Themes

"Ring My Bell" was written by Frederick Knight, who crafted the lyrics as a for summoning a lover home after a night out, with the central phrase "ring my bell" subtly implying and pleasure. This revision maintained a simple structure, with the repetitive chorus—"You can ring my bell, ring my bell"—designed for easy sing-alongs on the dancefloor, emphasizing accessibility and rhythmic appeal. The song's themes center on desire, playfulness, and domestic , depicting a scenario where the narrator urges a partner to return and embrace the night's possibilities, free from inhibitions. Lines like "Lay back, relax, get comfortable" evoke a urgency, blending everyday domesticity with sensual longing. Though devoid of explicit language, the ' innuendo was widely perceived as erotic, aligning with the era's embrace of sexual liberation in , when such playful euphemisms resonated in club culture. Knight described the content as an "everyday situation," underscoring its grounded yet flirtatious intent. Anita Ward's vocal delivery adds a layer of innocence to the suggestive themes, honed from a upbringing in Memphis church choirs during her childhood, contrasting the lyrics' sensuality and lending a wholesome charm. This juxtaposition heightens the song's playful allure, as Ward's earnest, uplifting tone evokes joy rather than overt . She has emphasized its purity, stating, "Whatever you want it to mean. But it was just a simple . Totally innocent." The repetitive lyrical hooks, amplified by the track's infectious musical elements, further embed the invitation in listeners' minds.

Release and Promotion

Single Formats

"Ring My Bell" was initially released as a 7-inch single in May 1979 by Records, a subsidiary of , with the catalog number Juana 3422. The A-side featured the 3:30 of the , backed by "If I Could Feel That Old Feeling Again" on the B-side, a slower written by David Camon. The single's artwork showcased a vibrant aesthetic, with prominently featured, and the US pressing notably included a distinctive red label on the A-side to evoke the energetic vibe of the era. For club play, an extended 12-inch version was issued simultaneously under TK Disco with catalog number 124, running at 45 RPM and featuring an elongated introduction and instrumental breaks to suit DJ sets, clocking in at approximately 8:08. This format also paired "Ring My Bell" with "Make Believe Lovers" as the B-side, emphasizing its dancefloor appeal within ' prominent lineup. Later, the track appeared in CD reissues within various compilation albums, such as retrospectives from the 1990s onward, preserving the original mixes for digital audiences. Internationally, the single saw variants distributed through ' partnerships, including in the and . The 7-inch release bore catalog number S TKR 7543 and substituted "If I Could Feel That Old Feeling Again" as the B-side, a slower contrasting the upbeat A-side. European pressings, such as the French edition under Juana 3422, mirrored the master but adapted labeling for local markets, maintaining the core track while varying artwork slightly to align with regional preferences. The 12-inch extended version also received European distribution under T.K. Disco TKR 12.7543, catering to the continent's thriving club scene.

Promotional Efforts

TK Records spearheaded the promotion of "Ring My Bell" by targeting radio play on R&B and stations, capitalizing on the peak of the summer 1979 craze to drive airplay and build momentum. The track's vibrant rhythm quickly resonated in club settings, enhancing its appeal through DJ rotations and dance floor play. Ward bolstered the campaign with high-profile television appearances, including a live performance on American Bandstand on June 2, 1979, where she showcased the song's energetic choreography to a studio audience. A modest promotional video featuring Ward dancing to the single was also produced and aired on limited outlets, aligning with the era's nascent music video landscape. Internationally, promotion extended to Europe via Ward's extensive tour across the United States and the continent, which amplified the song's visibility and propelled its chart-topping run in the UK.

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

"Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward achieved significant commercial success upon its release, topping several prominent music charts in 1979. In the United States, the single peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks on the charts dated July 7 and 14. It also peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart for five weeks starting June 16 and on the Dance Club Songs chart. The track spent a total of 21 weeks on the Hot 100. Internationally, "Ring My Bell" topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in June 1979 and remained on the chart for 11 weeks overall. It also reached number one on the RPM Top Singles chart in . The song peaked at number three on Australia's and number one on the French chart. It additionally topped the chart in .
Chart (1979)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
Australia (Kent Music Report)3—
Canada Top Singles (RPM)1—
France (SNEP)112
New Zealand (RIANZ)1—
UK Singles (OCC)111
US Billboard Hot 100121
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs120
US Dance Club Songs116
On the Hot 100 singles of 1979, "Ring My Bell" ranked at number nine. The song's strong performance on dance-oriented charts underscored its lasting appeal in that genre.

Certifications and Sales

In the United States, "Ring My Bell" received a certification from the (RIAA) on July 17, 1979, for exceeding 1 million units. The single's success led to the album Songs of Love also achieving status by the RIAA later that year, reflecting the track's central role in driving overall sales. In the , sales surpassed 500,000 copies by the early 1980s. The song earned Gold certifications in several other markets, including from for 75,000 units and from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for 500,000 units. Long-term reissues, digital releases, and streaming have contributed to updated equivalent units; as of 2025, the RIAA recognizes ongoing digital consumption toward multi-platinum thresholds, though specific recertifications remain pending.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in May 1979, "Ring My Bell" garnered enthusiastic praise from music publications and radio programmers for its upbeat disco rhythm and Anita Ward's spirited vocal performance, positioning it as a prime dance track amid the genre's peak popularity. The U.S. radio tip sheet Fred designated it "SMASH OF THE WEEK," calling it "a five-alarm fire, burning down phones at top 40 and r&b stations across the country" due to its immediate airplay momentum and crossover appeal. In the UK, hailed the single as "the most obvious smash hit of the entire 140," emphasizing its rapid rise as "a monster as an import on the disco circuit" with a "little-girl-voiced" delivery over "a dance beat that's as snappy as a fresh cream cracker" and a repetitive synthesized bell hook destined to captivate listeners. The track's club traction was evident early, with DJs acclaiming its remix-friendly structure and infectious groove for extended play on floors. Ward's performance on that summer further boosted its visibility, as host spotlighted the song's energetic vibe during her appearance, aligning it with the show's focus on R&B and hits. Critics in R&B-focused outlets observed the song's departure from Ward's prior gospel-influenced work, with some expressing mixed views on its playful, less introspective lyrics compared to her roots, though the overall consensus celebrated it as a quintessential summer in a saturated landscape. Village Voice critic included it among his consumer guide runners-up, framing it as "yet another girl-group extension" that extended 's pop-soul lineage effectively.

Retrospective Assessments

In the 2000s, "Ring My Bell" earned recognition in several retrospective lists celebrating and classics. placed the song at number 53 on its "100 Greatest Dance Songs" in 2000, highlighting its infectious and enduring appeal on dance floors. Similarly, music compilations like Dave's Music Database ranked it number 42 among the top 100 songs of all time in 2015, praising its bubbly synths and playful energy as emblematic of late-1970s exuberance. Critics often noted the track's role in bridging 's orchestral excesses to the stripped-down grooves of emerging , with its repetitive bassline and patterns influencing early and New York club scenes. The song's status as Anita Ward's signature has drawn consistent praise for her vocal delivery, described as powerful and seductive, capable of elevating simple into a commanding . Reviewers have lauded Ward's light, airy voice, which floats over the production. However, some assessments critique the production's dated quality, pointing to its reliance on shimmering synths and echo effects as artifacts of disco's commercial peak that can feel formulaic or overly synthetic in modern listening contexts. Despite these reservations, the song's chart-topping success in 1979—reaching number one on the for two weeks—continues to underscore its commercial potency. The track's endurance in queer dance culture has also been celebrated, with its sultry vibe and communal beat making it a sexually charged hit. Academic discussions in disco history often cite "Ring My Bell" as a major hit for amid its 1981 bankruptcy following a string of hits that defined Miami's sound. Books on the genre, such as those chronicling the rise and fall of independent imprints, portray the track as one of TK's top-selling singles, encapsulating the label's blend of R&B grooves and electronic experimentation before the shift.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

"Ring My Bell" stands as an enduring icon of the late-1970s era, encapsulating the genre's infectious energy and dance-floor dominance during its peak popularity. Released in , the track became a summer that exemplified the upbeat, escapist vibe of , with its shimmering production and sultry vocals resonating across clubs and radio stations worldwide. The song's cultural footprint extended into visual media, appearing in films such as (1998), (2010), and (2019), where it underscored scenes of revelry and nostalgia for the period. The track's suggestive lyrics, often interpreted as a metaphor for sexual pleasure, positioned it as a symbol of the era's sexual liberation, aligning with broader cultural discussions around female empowerment and sensuality in the post-sexual revolution landscape. This provocative undertone contributed to its use in advertising and television, including a 1990 Burger King commercial that leveraged its catchy hook to promote fast-food appeal, and episodes of shows like Lost Girl (2010–2015) and the Netflix series The Brothers Sun (2024), evoking 1980s sitcom-style humor and 2020s nostalgia in contemporary programming. For , a Memphis native and former , "Ring My Bell" provided a dramatic boost, propelling her from local obscurity to international stardom and highlighting the city's vibrant and R&B music scene as a hub for unexpected breakthroughs. However, the song's overwhelming success led to as a , limiting her opportunities in the industry despite follow-up releases, and she later returned to everyday life in Memphis, working retail while occasionally performing. In the 2020s, the song's modern endurance is evident in its inclusion on popular streaming playlists dedicated to classics and its resurgence through dance challenges, where users recreate its groovy moves in viral videos, keeping its spirit alive for new generations. Samples and covers have further extended its reach across genres.

Covers and Remixes

One of the earliest cover versions of "Ring My Bell" was released in 1979 by the Blood Sisters, who reinterpreted the original as a and dub track on their single for Ballistic Records. This rendition, produced in the UK, featured a laid-back that contrasted with the upbeat original while retaining the song's catchy . In 1981, the British pop group included a cover on their 20 Disco Greats, transforming it into a more straightforward pop- arrangement with their signature harmonies. Released via Warwick Records, this version emphasized vocal layering over the instrumental drive of Anita Ward's hit. The track appeared amid the group's series of medley-style covering classics. The 1980s saw a prominent hi-NRG cover by Australian singer Collette in 1989, which became a top-five hit on the Singles and served as a benchmark for the song's enduring dance appeal. Shifting to a high-energy style, it was produced by Buzz Bidstrup and featured on her Raze the Roof. Entering the 1990s, delivered a live piano-driven cover in 1992 for the charity compilation Ruby Trax: The NME's Roaring Forty, infusing the track with her introspective alt-pop sensibility during an early era. Brazilian rock band Pato Fu followed in 1995 with a playful pop-rock rendition on their album Gol de Quem?, preserving the melodic structure. The late brought an R&B update by American singer on her 1999 album , released via So So Def/Columbia, which incorporated smooth vocals and contemporary production elements like bass-heavy beats. This version highlighted the song's versatility in urban music contexts. In 2025, Australian ensemble The Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) released a soulful cover featuring vocalist Kat Jade, blending and contemporary harmonies in a high-fidelity available on platforms like and . Official remixes of the original have sustained its club presence, notably the 1990 Mega Remix produced by Sanny X for Freestyle Records, which infused rhythms and extended the track to over six minutes for dance floors. This re-release charted at number 99 on the UK Singles Chart and included a 12-inch version emphasizing percussive builds. Further club-oriented edits appeared in the 1998 Remix '98 package, updating the sound with euro- elements for European markets.

Samples in Hip-Hop and Dance

"Anita Ward's 1979 disco hit 'Ring My Bell' has been extensively sampled in hip-hop and dance music, with over 60 documented instances across various tracks. These samples often draw from the song's infectious hook, chorus vocals, and rhythmic beat, adapting its upbeat energy to new genres. One early hip-hop adaptation is DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince's 1991 single 'Ring My Bell,' which samples the original hook while overlaying fresh rap lyrics by Will Smith to create a playful, party-oriented track. In the mid-1990s, the West Coast rap duo Luniz incorporated the chorus and beat into their 1996 song 'Ring My Bell,' blending the disco elements with G-funk production for a laid-back, cannabis-themed narrative featured on the I Got the Hook Up soundtrack. Later hip-hop examples include 50 Cent's 2008 mixtape track 'My Name Ring Bells,' which interpolates the melody to underscore themes of street credibility and bravado in a gritty East Coast style. More recently, and sampled the hook and riff in their 2022 collaboration 'Pineapple Slice,' infusing the vibe into a modern dance context on 's album . In dance music, the track's influence extends to house and eurodance productions, such as The Underdog Project's 2000 hit 'Summer Jam,' which repurposes multiple elements including the bassline and percussion for an energetic summer anthem that topped charts in several European countries. The original song's disco bassline has served as a foundational source in the evolution from disco to house music, facilitating smoother genre transitions in club tracks during the 1980s and beyond."

Collette Version

Background and Recording

Collette Roberts, born in 1968 in , , emerged as a New Zealand-born Australian pop singer specializing in teen-oriented during the late 1980s. Her cover of "Ring My Bell"—originally a 1979 disco hit by —was produced by Peewee Ferris and Kirke Godfrey as the from her debut album Raze the Roof. Executive-produced by , the track was developed to fit the vibrant late-1980s Australian dance scene. The recording sessions took place at CBS Studios in East Sydney, with mixing engineered at Studios 301 in Sydney. This version adopts a synth-heavy style, emphasizing electronic production and a faster compared to the original's arrangement, while featuring Collette's bright, higher-pitched vocals to appeal to club and youth audiences. The single was released on 27 February 1989 through Records, targeting markets in and .

Track Listing

The 7-inch single release of Collette's "Ring My Bell," issued by in on February 27, 1989, featured the edited version of the title track on the A-side and the original song "Save Yourself" on the B-side.
SideTitleDurationWriter(s)
ARing My Bell3:22Frederick Knight
BSave Yourself4:06Collette Roberts, Peewee Ferris
The 12-inch extended version, released in the UK by CBS, included club-oriented remixes of "Ring My Bell" with added breakdowns and instrumental extensions, alongside a remixed "Save Yourself," emphasizing the track's hi-NRG dance style through layered 1980s synthesizers and percussive builds produced by Kirke Godfrey and Peewee Ferris.
SideTitleDuration
ARing My Bell (Ring-a-Ling Mix)6:12
B1Ring My Bell (Ding-Dong Mix)5:41
B2Save Yourself (Survival Mix)5:53
A CD single followed in the UK, compiling the standard edit with select remixes for broader accessibility.
TrackTitleDuration
1Ring My Bell3:22
2Ring My Bell (Ring-a-Ling Mix)6:12
3Save Yourself (Survival Mix)5:53
The song appeared as the second track on Collette's debut album Raze the Roof (CBS, 1989), with a duration of 3:30 in its album version; international editions of the album and single varied slightly in mix selections, such as the UK 12-inch incorporating the Ding-Dong Mix not found on Australian pressings.

Commercial Performance

Collette's cover of "Ring My Bell," released in February , achieved significant commercial success primarily in and , marking her debut single and breakthrough hit. In , the track peaked at number 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart on May 8, 1989, and spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart. It also ranked at number 29 on the ARIA End of Year Singles Chart for 1989, reflecting its sustained popularity throughout the year. The song's upbeat style contributed to strong club play, enhancing its airplay and sales in dance-oriented markets. In , "Ring My Bell" performed robustly, reaching a peak of number 4 on the chart for one week and maintaining a presence for 10 weeks overall. The single's success extended modestly to the , where it debuted and peaked at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart, spending just one week in the top 200. While it garnered some attention in European dance circuits due to its energetic production, detailed chart data from broader European markets remains limited, with no significant top-40 entries reported beyond the . The track's regional chart performance is summarized below:
CountryPeak PositionWeeks on ChartSource
(ARIA)520australian-charts.com
New Zealand (RMNZ)410charts.nz
United Kingdom (OCC)931officialcharts.com

Certifications

Collette's cover of "Ring My Bell" received its primary certification in , where the Australian Recording Industry Association () awarded it gold status in 1989 for shipments exceeding 35,000 units. This accolade reflected the single's strong domestic performance, peaking at number five on the Singles Chart. Internationally, the track did not achieve major certifications. In the , despite entering the Official Singles Chart at number 93, it failed to meet the British Phonographic Industry () threshold for silver certification (200,000 units), due to its modest sales. No other significant awards were issued by bodies such as the RIAA or . As of 2025, has not updated the certification to include streaming equivalents, unlike some modern re-certifications for older tracks. In comparison, Anita Ward's original 1979 version garnered higher honors, including gold certification from the RIAA in the United States for 1,000,000 units.

References

  1. https://www.stereogum.com/2072917/the-number-ones-anita-wards-ring-my-bell/columns/the-number-ones/
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/anita-ward/ring-my-bell
  3. https://www.billboard.com/artist/anita-ward/
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/anita-ward-ring-my-bell/
  5. https://www.grammy.com/artists/anita-ward/7269
  6. https://staxrecords.com/songwriter/frederick-knight/
  7. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/songs-of-the-summer-1979/
  8. https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/fabulous-flip-sides/fabulous-flip-sides-interview-with-anita-ward/
  9. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/anita-ward-1956/
  10. https://uwfvoyager.com/1756/features/revisiting-ring-my-bell-with-anita-ward/
  11. https://theseconddisc.com/2013/04/22/ring-their-bells-anita-ward-stephanie-mills-fern-kinney-donna-washington-reissued/
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/666981-Anita-Ward-Songs-Of-Love
  13. https://genius.com/albums/Anita-ward/Ring-my-bell-single
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/5376542-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell
  15. http://www.disco-disco.com/labels/tkdisco.shtml
  16. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1979-05-12/
  17. https://tunebat.com/Info/Ring-My-Bell-Anita-Ward/7GK2KVYH8FrTC9zehmjVMd
  18. https://musescore.com/user/2030386/scores/12665932
  19. https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-disco-music-2456254
  20. https://www.scribd.com/document/299864634/Ring-My-Bell
  21. https://www.quora.com/What-instrument-created-this-sound-in-1979s-Ring-My-Bell
  22. https://www.allmusic.com/song/ring-my-bell-mt0010665559
  23. https://genius.com/Anita-ward-ring-my-bell-lyrics
  24. https://wreg.com/news/bright-spot/anita-ward-trades-in-bell-bottoms-and-disco-balls-for-quiet-life-in-memphis/
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/3288685-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/1604596-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell-Make-Believe-Lovers
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/42232-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell
  28. https://henrystonemusic.com/history-of-henry-stone-music/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0511587/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33354236/
  31. https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/5607/anita-ward
  32. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1979-07-07/
  33. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2024/01/11/ring-my-bell-anita-ward/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/purpleradioathenscom/posts/on-this-day-june-30-1979-anita-wards-ring-my-bell-hit-the-1-spot-on-the-billboar/1292723369525991/
  35. https://www.actionnews5.com/story/30136521/anita-ring-my-bell-ward-talks-about-life-after-one-big-hit/
  36. https://ardentstudios.com/gold-platinum/
  37. https://www.facebook.com/groups/408902916375965/posts/1881873012412274/
  38. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Tip-Sheets/Fred/Fred-1979-05-28.pdf
  39. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Smash-Hits/1979/Smash-Hits-1979-05-31.pdf
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADBYC08iyD0
  41. https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv5-79.php
  42. http://www.disco-disco.com/other/vh1.shtml
  43. https://davesmusicdatabase.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-top-50-disco-songs-of-all-time.html
  44. https://consequence.net/2016/09/the-100-best-one-hit-wonder-songs/9/
  45. https://toptunetales.com/top-100-rb-songs-of-the-70s/
  46. https://www.ajadedgay.com/blog/disco-fever-a-celebration-of-queerness-and-cultural-resilience/
  47. https://www.what-song.com/Artist/4536/Anita-Ward
  48. https://www.retrojunk.com/c/wmWjMSLRTF/burger-king-anita-wards-ring-my-bell
  49. https://dailymemphian.com/article/8832/ring-my-bell-how-a-memphis-teacher-brought-the
  50. https://open.spotify.com/track/7GK2KVYH8FrTC9zehmjVMd
  51. https://www.discogs.com/master/86140-Blood-Sisters-Ring-My-Bell
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/5081632-Brotherhood-Of-Man-20-Disco-Greats
  53. https://www.discogs.com/release/343572-Collette-Ring-My-Bell
  54. https://www.discogs.com/master/122852-Inoj-Ring-My-Bell
  55. https://open.spotify.com/track/5eYmuxX0UdmEZ4VEJx4SpE
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/515014-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell-1990-Mega-Remix
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYeYYD8FfI
  58. https://www.discogs.com/master/106575-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell
  59. https://www.whosampled.com/Anita-Ward/Ring-My-Bell/sampled/
  60. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/2025/DJ-Jazzy-Jeff-%2526-the-Fresh-Prince-Ring-My-Bell-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell/
  61. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/142286/Luniz-Ring-My-Bell-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell/
  62. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/345882/50-Cent-My-Name-Ring-Bells-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell/
  63. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/992871/Tove-Lo-SG-Lewis-Pineapple-Slice-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell/
  64. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/482198/The-Underdog-Project-Summer-Jam-Anita-Ward-Ring-My-Bell/
  65. https://www.discogs.com/artist/23748-Collette
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/10121005-Collette-Ring-My-Bell
  67. https://www.discogs.com/release/1378361-Collette-Ring-My-Bell
  68. https://www.discogs.com/master/119619-Collette-Ring-My-Bell
  69. https://www.discogs.com/release/2208399-Collette-Ring-My-Bell
  70. https://www.discogs.com/release/14436297-Collette-Raze-The-Roof
  71. https://www.discogs.com/master/119620-Collette-Raze-The-Roof
  72. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Collette&titel=Ring+My+Bell&cat=s
  73. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1989/singles-chart
  74. https://medium.com/the-riff/ring-my-bell-from-disco-balls-to-bike-pants-47cfb151794a
  75. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Collette&titel=Ring+My+Bell&cat=s
  76. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2727/colette/
  77. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/103082-ring-my-bell-12-single-signed-collette
  78. https://www.aria.com.au/accreditations
  79. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19890423/7501/
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