Honky Tonk (instrumental)

"Honky Tonk" is a rhythm and blues instrumental written by Billy Butler, Bill Doggett, Clifford Scott and Shep Shepherd. Doggett recorded it as a two-part single in 1956.^[1] It peaked at number two for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100,^[2] and was the biggest R&B hit of the year, spending thirteen non-consecutive weeks at the top of the charts.^[3][4] "Honky Tonk" became Doggett's signature piece and an R&B standard recorded by many other performers.

James Brown version

In 1972, James Brown recorded "Honky Tonk" with his band The J.B.'s, who were credited as "The James Brown Soul Train". The song was released as a two-part single which reached number seven on the R&B charts and number 44 on the pop charts.^[5][6]

Other recordings

• The Beach Boys on their album Surfin' U.S.A. (1963)
• Billy Butler on his album Soul Guitar! (Prestige, 1969)
• Dave Lewis on A&M 735 (1964)
• Ace Cannon
• Bill Black's Combo 1960
• Bill Haley And His Comets 1961
• Buddy Holly 1964
• Dennis Coffey 1976
• Earl Grant 1958
• Ernie Fields And His Orchestra 1960
• George Chisholm (musician) And The Bluenotes 1957
• Harvey Mandel 1969
• The Ventures 1960
• The Vikings (band) 1998
• Vincent Lopez And His Orch. 1956
• Willie Mitchell (musician) 1977
• Joey Dee and the Starliters 1962
• Bobby Keys 1975
• Ray Anthony and his orchestra 1968
• Scat Man Crothers
• Jerry McCain 1966
• Bobby Wayne 1965
• Gene Martin (musician) And The Renegades (band)
• The Dave Bevan Quartet 1963
• Ernie Englund And His Orchestra 1958
• Fats and His Cats 1964
• Het Cocktail Trio 1960
• J.A.L.N. Band 1977
• Lawson-Haggart Rockin' Band 1959
• Les Welch 1958
• Lew Raymond Orchestra 1956
• Paul Würges 1961
• The Prom Orchestra
• Sam and The Quin Tikis 1965
• Studio B Seven 1956

References