Introduction
Get ready to do the Loco-Motion!
“The Loco-Motion,” a bouncy and infectious dance tune, took the world by storm in 1962. But the story behind the song goes beyond its catchy chorus. Here’s a glimpse into its history:
Songwriting Duo and Missed Opportunity: The energetic lyrics and playful melody were crafted by songwriting power couple Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Originally, they envisioned the song for R&B artist Dee Dee Sharp. However, Sharp declined, unknowingly passing on a future chart-topper.
Little Eva Takes the Stage: The opportunity landed in the hands of a young singer named Eva Boyd, who would soon become known as Little Eva. With her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Little Eva brought the song to life. Released in 1962, “The Loco-Motion” became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.
A Dance Craze is Born: The song wasn’t just catchy, it was also incredibly danceable. The lyrics themselves describe the dance moves, a loose and energetic style that became known as the “Loco-Motion.” Teenagers across the country were soon mimicking the dance, solidifying the song’s place in pop culture history.
A Legacy of Remakes: “The Loco-Motion” has proven to be timeless. It’s been covered by numerous artists over the years, most notably by Grand Funk Railroad in 1974 and Kylie Minogue in 1988. Interestingly, both covers also reached the top of the US charts, making “The Loco-Motion” one of the few songs to achieve this feat with three different recordings.
So, put on your dancing shoes and crank up the volume! Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion” is a classic that continues to inspire people to get up and move, even over six decades later.