About the song
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” stands tall as a timeless classic in the annals of rock and roll history. Penned by Dave “Curlee” Williams, with disputed credits also going to James Faye “Roy” Hall, the song’s origins reflect a blend of Southern colloquialism and musical innovation. The genesis of the song is traced back to a colorful anecdote from Roy Hall about life in Pahokee, Florida, where the phrase “whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on” emerged amidst everyday activities like fishing and snake milking.
The song first saw the light in March 1955 through Big Maybelle’s rendition under Okeh Records, arranged by none other than Quincy Jones. However, it was Jerry Lee Lewis who propelled the track into the stratosphere of fame with his electrifying 1957 version. Lewis, known for his frenetic piano playing and bold stage persona, transformed the original into a boogie-woogie masterpiece. Accompanied by J.M. Van Eaton’s vigorous drumming and Roland Janes’ subdued guitar, Lewis’s rendition was marked by provocative spoken interludes, adding an audacious edge that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Released by Sun Records, Lewis’s version skyrocketed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and clinched the top spot on the R&B charts, cementing his status as a rock & roll icon. The song’s success not only marked Lewis’s ascent to stardom but also underscored the burgeoning dominance of rock & roll in the 1950s music scene. Its impact was felt far beyond the charts; it became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its irrepressible energy and Lewis’s charismatic delivery.
Recognized as a “rock & roll classic” by critics and enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” continues to resonate decades after its release. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it among the greatest songs of all time, highlighting its enduring influence and Lewis’s pioneering role in shaping the rockabilly genre. In 2005, the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, affirming its cultural significance for future generations.
With its infectious rhythm and Lewis’s uninhibited performance, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” remains a testament to the power of rock & roll to transcend boundaries and ignite the spirit of rebellion and joy in listeners worldwide. Its legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans, ensuring its place in the pantheon of rock music’s most iconic moments.
Video
Lyrics
Come on over, baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yes I said come on over, baby, baby, you can’t go wrong
We ain’t fakin’ a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Come on over, baby, babe, I got the bull by the horns
We ain’t fakin’, a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, shake, baby, shake
I said shake, baby, shake
I said shake it, baby, shake it
Well shake, baby, shake
Come on over, whole lot of shakin goin’ on
Ah let’s go
Well, come over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over, baby, better got your bull by the horn
We ain’t fakin’, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Easy now
Shake it, oh, shake it, baby
Yeah, you can shake one time for me
Well, I said on come over, baby, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s get real low one time now
Shake, baby, shake
All you gotta, honey, is kinda stand in one spot
Wiggle around just a little bit
That’s what you gotta do, yeah
Ooh, babe, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s go one time
Shake it, babe, shake it
Shake it, babe, shake
Shake it, babe, come on, babe
Shake it, babe, shake it
Come on over, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on