Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um: The Soul Classic by Major Lance
In the vibrant landscape of 1960s soul music, few tracks capture the era's infectious energy quite like "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um." Written by the legendary Curtis Mayfield and performed by Major Lance, this track stands as a testament to the sophisticated songwriting and production that defined the soul genre during its golden age.
Released in December 1963 under the Okeh label, the song was produced by Carl Davis, the president of Okeh at the time. With a runtime of 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the single featured "Sweet Music" as its B-side and quickly became a staple of the era's airwaves.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Songwriter: Written by the influential Curtis Mayfield.
- Artist: First recorded and released by Major Lance.
- Peak Position: Reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cash Box R&B chart.
- Release Date: December 1963.
- Producer: Carl Davis.
Chart Performance and Global Reach
"Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" marked a significant milestone in Major Lance's career, becoming his third release to enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song peaked at #5 on February 8, 1964. While Billboard did not operate an R&B chart between November 1963 and January 1965, the track dominated the Cash Box R&B chart, where it hit #1.
The song's appeal extended beyond the United States. In Canada, it climbed to #6, and it reached #40 in the United Kingdom, marking Major Lance's only appearance on the UK charts.
| Chart | Peak Position | Region/Category |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | #5 | USA (General) |
| Cash Box R&B | #1 | USA (R&B) |
| Canadian Charts | #6 | Canada |
| UK Official Charts | #40 | United Kingdom |
Notable Covers and Cultural Legacy
The song's catchy melody led to several high-profile reinterpretations. In the autumn of 1964, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders released a version that became a major hit in the UK, peaking at #5.
Years later, in 1977, Johnny Rivers covered the track for his album Outside Help. Rivers renamed his version "Curious Mind (Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um)" based on a lyric in the second verse. This version found significant success on easy-listening radio, reaching #4 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart in February 1978 and #41 on the Billboard Hot 100, serving as Rivers' final charting song.
The track's enduring popularity is further evidenced by its appearance in popular culture. In the second season of the medical drama E.R., specifically the episode "Hell And High Water," the character Dr. Doug Ross (played by George Clooney) is seen playing the song on his car stereo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the song "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um"?
The song was written by the renowned songwriter and musician Curtis Mayfield.
What was the highest chart position for Major Lance's version?
Major Lance's version peaked at #1 on the Cash Box R&B chart and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Did any other artists cover the song?
Yes, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders had a top 5 hit with it in the UK in 1964, and Johnny Rivers released a version titled "Curious Mind" in 1977.
Which TV show featured the song in a later episode?
The song appeared in the hospital drama E.R. during the episode "Hell And High Water," played by Dr. Doug Ross.
Who produced the original single?
The original single was produced by Carl Davis, who was the president of the Okeh label.