Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha

"Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha" (originally released as "Everybody Likes to Cha Cha Cha") is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, released in January 1959. The song was one of Cooke's biggest successes on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart, peaking at number two; the song also charted at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha"
Single by Sam Cooke
B-side"Little Things You Do"
ReleasedJanuary 1959
RecordedJanuary 7, 1959
Radio Recorders
(Hollywood, California)
GenreR&B, cha-cha-cha
Length2:35
LabelKeen
Songwriter(s)Sam Cooke
Producer(s)Bumps Blackwell
Sam Cooke singles chronology
"I Need You Now"
(1959)		 "Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha"
(1959)		 "Only Sixteen"
(1959)

The song references the cha-cha-cha, a dance of Cuban origin that became popular in the United States in the late 1950s.

Background

The song originated from a Christmas 1958 party at Lou Rawls' stepfather's house. During the celebration, all began doing the cha-cha-cha, including Cooke's daughter, Linda.[1] When one of the kids called out, "Everybody, cha-cha-cha!", Cooke grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote down the lyrics while everyone else danced. The song was recorded the week after New Year's 1959.[1]

The song concerns Cooke and his girlfriend going to a dance in which all are doing the cha-cha-cha, a dance which his significant other doesn't know how to do. Cooke teaches his guest but by the end of the evening, she is "doing [the cha-cha-cha]" better than he is.[2]

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes to the 2003 compilation Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964.[1]

  • Sam Cooke – vocals
  • Adolphus Asbrook – bass guitar
  • Charles Blackwell – drums
  • Jack Costanza – bongos
  • Rene Hall – guitar
  • Mike Pacheco – congas
  • Clifton White – guitar
  • The back-up vocals are provided by Darlene Love and The Blossoms[3]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts
Chart (1959) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[4] 31
US Hot R&B Sides (Billboard)[4] 2
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References
  1. Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964 (liner notes). Sam Cooke. US: ABKCO Records. 2003. 92642.CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. Guralnick, Peter (2005). Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke. New York: Back Bay Books, p. 268-69. First edition, 2005.
  3. Guralnick, Peter, Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke, Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2005 p. 269-270
  4. "Sam Cooke – Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
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