Lovey Dovey
"Lovey Dovey" is a popular American rhythm and blues song originating in the 1950s and written by Eddie Curtis and Ahmet Ertegun, with the latter usually credited using his songwriter's pseudonym "Nugetre" (Ertegun spelled backwards). The song's initial recording by The Clovers remains the best known version, reaching No. 2 for five weeks on the R&B charts in 1954.[1]
"Lovey Dovey" | |
---|---|
Single by The Clovers | |
A-side | "Little Mama" |
Released | 1954 |
Genre | R&B |
Length | 2:54 |
Label | Atlantic Records 45-1022 |
Songwriter(s) | Memphis Edward Curtis, Ahmet Ertegun |
Background
The song deals with the singer's relationship with his sweetheart and is performed in a light-hearted style.[2]
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have recorded the song. Cover versions have been recorded by:
- Clyde McPhatter (1959) reached No. 12 (R&B) and No. 49 (Pop)
- Buddy Knox in 1961, reached No. 25 pop
- Dick Dale (1962)
- The Coasters (1964)
- Bunny Sigler (1967) ("Lovey Dovey"/"You're So Fine"), reached No. 86 pop
- Otis Redding and Carla Thomas (1967) (released as a single in 1968, following Redding's death), reached No. 21 R&B and No. 60 pop
- Delbert McClinton (1976) on the album Genuine Cowhide
- Monkee Peter Tork also performs the song with his blues band Blue Suede Shoes.
Legacy
Lyrics from "Lovey Dovey" (particularly "You're the cutest thing, That I ever did see, I really love your peaches, Wanna shake your tree"), were used by Steve Miller in his 1974 chart-topping single "The Joker". "The Joker" in turn was later sampled on another number one hit, "Angel" by Shaggy, giving Ahmet Ertegun credit as a songwriter on the latter.[3]
References
- Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 124.
- Propes, Steve (1973). Those Oldies But Goodies: A Guide to 50's Record Collecting. The Macmillan Company, New York. p. 33.
- Bronson, Fred (March 31, 2001). "US Pop Stars Go 'Over' The Top". Chart Beat. Google Books: Billboard magazine. p. 94. Retrieved July 12, 2015.