[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4024431_get0o/Bobby%20Day%20-%20Rockin%5C%27%20Robin.mp3] Bobby Day – Rockin’ Robin (1958)
“Rockin’ Robin,” composed by Jesse Thomas, was put out after Day’s original composition “Little Bitty Pretty One” was eclipsed by Thurston Harris’ cover version . This single finally put Day on the charts at #1 R&B and #2 Pop!
The flip side of the “RR” single was another hit,”Over and Over,” that charted #1 R&B and #41 Pop. This original, composed by Day (as Robert Byrd), is best remembered as the 1965 hit of the Dave Clark Five cover.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4024430_j1zvt/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20Rockin%5C%27%20Robin.mp3] Michael Jackson -Rockin’ Robin (1972)
The Hollies also covered “RR” on their first album in 1964 as did other artists.
Motown’s Michael Jackson released his hit cover version as his second single release from his first solo LP “Got To Be There” in 1971. Jackson took his single version to number two on both the Pop and R&B Charts in 1972 in the USA.
This video is of Jackson performing the song live on Britian’s “Top of the Pop” in 1972 with the entire Jackson 5 group. On Michael’s cover version it is Michael alone singing lead and Mike and Marlon doing background vocals.
Related posts:
- "Little Bitty Pretty One" (1957, 1958 & 1972)
- "My Girl" (1965 to 1967 & 1972)
- “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” Performed by Michael Jackson (1972)
- “That’s How Love Goes” Performed by Jermaine Jackson (1972)
- “Let’s Stay Together” (1972 original & 1983 cover)
Filed under: Bobby Day, Class Records, Jesse Thomas, Michael Jackson, Motown, Motown Covers Pop, One Hit Wonder, Pop/R&B, Seventies, Sixties
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome song! Both Michael’s and Bobby’s versions are pretty cool. Thanks for posting this.
You are quite welcome. I love sharing these great oldies versions. It *is* really hard to pick just one
Thanks for your input Rock and I hope to see more of you around here at OSML.