Shake

Album: Live in Europe (1967)
Charted: 28 47
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Shake" was written and originally recorded by Sam Cooke. Cooke's version reached #7 on the US pop charts. Cooke was a huge influence on Otis Redding; along with "Shake," Redding also recorded covers of Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Chain Gang," "Cupid," "Nothing Can Change This Love," "Wonderful World," and "You Send Me."
  • In 1966, the live version of UK's pop music show Ready Steady Go! devoted a whole episode to a live performance by Redding. One of the highlights of the show was a rousing version of "Shake," which featured Redding playing with British artists Eric Burdon, lead singer of The Animals, and Chris Farlowe.
  • Redding's version was elected to the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?