Harlem Shuffle
"Harlem Shuffle" is an R&B song written by Bobby Relf and Earl Nelson, and first recorded by the duo Bob & Earl (their recording alias) in 1963.[1] The track describes a lively partner dance of the same name that originated in Harlem ballrooms and gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, referencing other contemporary dances like the Monkey and the Twist.[2] Released on Marc Records, it achieved modest success, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 on the Hot R&B Singles chart.[3][4] The song was produced by Fred Smith and arranged by Gene Page, featuring a driving rhythm section and call-and-response vocals that captured the energetic spirit of early 1960s soul music.[5] Bob & Earl, consisting of Relf (lead vocals) and Nelson (baritone, also known as Jackie Lee), were based in Los Angeles and part of the local R&B scene.[6] 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.[7] "Harlem Shuffle" has been widely covered and sampled, cementing its place in music history. The most notable version came from The Rolling Stones in 1986, featured on their album Dirty Work and featuring guest vocals by Bobby Womack; it reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and revitalized interest in the original.[8] Other artists, including Booker T. & the M.G.'s (recorded in 1966), recorded interpretations that highlighted its versatility across genres.[9] 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.[10]Original version
Writing and composition
"Harlem Shuffle" was written by Bob Relf and Earl Nelson, performing as the duo Bob & Earl, in 1963.[11] 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 soul.[6] The song references other contemporary dances, such as the Monkey, to evoke the era's dance craze culture.[6] Musically, the track draws its foundation from the 1962 instrumental "Slauson Shuffletime" by Los Angeles singer Round Robin, adapting its shuffling groove into an R&B framework. This results in an upbeat rhythm 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 Gene Page with co-arrangement by Barry White, highlights the shuffling rhythm through a tight rhythm section and prominent horn stabs that punctuate the verses and chorus, adding a punchy, celebratory texture typical of early 1960s R&B.[5][12][13]Recording and release
The original version of "Harlem Shuffle" was recorded in 1963 at Marc Records in Los Angeles by the vocal duo consisting of Bob Relf and Earl Nelson.[12] The production team included producers Bob Relf, Earl Nelson, and Fred Smith, with arrangements handled by Gene Page and Barry White.[5][12][14] The session incorporated a horn section and rhythm section typical of early 1960s R&B recordings, providing the track's energetic drive.[15] 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.[16] A UK reissue in 1969 on Island Records (WIP-6053) introduced the song to a broader international audience.[5]Commercial performance
Upon its initial release in late 1963, "Harlem Shuffle" by Bob & Earl achieved modest success in the United States, peaking at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spending nine weeks in the top 100.[3] It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart, No. 36 on the Cash Box chart, reflecting limited commercial breakthrough despite its energetic R&B appeal.[17][18] No formal sales certifications were awarded for the original single, underscoring its status as a regional rather than national hit.[5] The track experienced a significant revival in the United Kingdom upon its 1969 reissue, climbing to No. 7 on the Official Singles Chart and charting for 13 weeks.[7] This contrasted sharply with its underwhelming U.S. performance, as the reissue capitalized on growing enthusiasm within the UK's Northern soul scene, where American R&B imports like this one fueled dancefloor popularity among enthusiasts.[19] 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 Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, during the sessions for their 1986 album Dirty Work, spanning the spring and summer of 1985.[20] The track was produced by Steve Lillywhite alongside The Glimmer Twins—Mick Jagger and Keith Richards—with an emphasis on amplifying the song's inherent shuffling rhythm into a more pronounced funk groove through contemporary studio techniques.[21] Jagger delivered the lead vocals and played harmonica, while Richards contributed guitar, piano, and backing vocals, shaping the core rock foundation of the arrangement.[22] Key stylistic choices included the addition of synthesizers and keyboards by Ivan Neville and Chuck Leavell to modernize the sound, alongside brass accents from session musicians including Dan Collette on trumpet, creating an R&B revival vibe.[23][22] Guest backing vocals from Bobby Womack, Don Covay, and Neville further enriched the soulful texture, distinguishing the cover's extended 5:37 runtime from the original's concise 2:55 length.[22]Release and commercial performance
"Harlem Shuffle" was released as the lead single from the Rolling Stones' album Dirty Work on February 28, 1986, by Rolling Stones Records in the United States, with the album following on March 24, 1986.[24][25] 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 1980s. In the United Kingdom, it reached number 13 on the Official Singles Chart.[26] The song topped the New Zealand Top 40 Singles chart at number 1.[27] It performed strongly in other markets as well, peaking at number 6 on Australia's Kent Music Report and number 5 on Canada's RPM 100 Singles chart.[18][18]| Chart (1986) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 5 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 13 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | 1 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 6 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 5 |