The Monkey Time: Major Lance's R&B Classic
In the vibrant landscape of 1960s soul and rhythm and blues, few tracks capture the energy of the era quite like "The Monkey Time." Performed by Major Lance and written by the legendary Curtis Mayfield, this track became a defining sound of 1963, blending infectious rhythms with a polished production style that resonated across multiple music charts.
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The Origins and Production of a Hit
Released on June 7, 1963, through the Okeh label, "The Monkey Time" served as both a standout single and the title track of Major Lance's album. The song was a collaborative effort of musical talent: it was written by Curtis Mayfield, produced by Carl Davis, and featured arrangements by Johnny Pate.
Clocking in at 2 minutes and 46 seconds, the song is a prime example of R&B (Rhythm and Blues), a genre characterized by its soulful vocals and driving beats. The single's B-side featured the track "Mama Didn't Know." In the chronology of Major Lance's early singles, "The Monkey Time" sat between "Delilah" and "Hey Little Girl," all released within the same year.
Chart Performance and Critical Success
The song was a commercial triumph, proving its broad appeal by crossing over from specialized R&B audiences to the mainstream pop market. In the United States, it climbed to No. 2 on the R&B chart and reached No. 8 on the pop chart. Its popularity extended to Canada, where it peaked at No. 32.
Beyond its peak positions, the track's overall impact was recognized by Billboard magazine, which ranked "The Monkey Time" as the No. 49 single of 1963 in its Top 100 year-end list.
Key Facts
- Artist: Major Lance
- Songwriter: Curtis Mayfield
- Release Date: June 7, 1963
- Label: Okeh
- Peak Positions: No. 2 (U.S. R&B), No. 8 (U.S. Pop), No. 32 (Canada)
- Producer: Carl Davis
- Arranger: Johnny Pate
Legacy and Notable Cover Versions
The enduring appeal of "The Monkey Time" is evident in the numerous artists who have recorded their own versions over the decades. One of the most commercially successful covers came in 1983 from The Tubes. Their version reached No. 16 on the U.S. rock chart and No. 68 on the U.S. pop chart, appearing on their album Outside Inside.
Many other artists across various genres have paid tribute to the song, including:
- The Miracles (1963) on The Miracles Doin' Mickey's Monkey
- Georgie Fame (1964) on Fame at Last
- Gene Barge (1965) on Dance with Daddy "G"
- Archie Bell & the Drells (1968) on I Can't Stop Dancing
- The Mad Lads (1969) as "Monkey Time '69" on The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
- Laura Nyro and Labelle (1971) as a medley with "Dancing in the Street" on Gonna Take a Miracle
- Al Kooper (1972) on A Possible Projection of the Future / Childhood's End
- Johnny Rivers (1977) on Outside Help
- Jimmy Burns (1999) on Night Time Again
- The Action (2004) on Uptight and Outasight
- The Velvelettes (2004) on The Velvelettes: The Motown Anthology
Summary of "The Monkey Time"
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | R&B |
| Release Date | June 7, 1963 |
| Songwriter | Curtis Mayfield |
| Producer | Carl Davis |
| Length | 2:46 |
| Billboard 1963 Rank | No. 49 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the song "The Monkey Time"?
The song was written by the influential musician and songwriter Curtis Mayfield.
How well did Major Lance's version perform on the charts?
It was a significant hit, reaching No. 2 on the U.S. R&B chart, No. 8 on the U.S. pop chart, and No. 32 in Canada.
Which other artist had a charting cover of the song?
The Tubes released a version in 1983 that reached No. 16 on the U.S. rock chart and No. 68 on the U.S. pop chart.
What album was the original single featured on?
The single was featured on the 1963 album also titled The Monkey Time.
Who produced and arranged the track?
The track was produced by Carl Davis and arranged by Johnny Pate.