Mess Around Explained

Mess Around
Type:single
Artist:Ray Charles
Released:June 19, 1953
Recorded:May 17, 1953
Genre:R&B, stride, blues
Label:Atlantic 999
Prev Title:Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand
Prev Year:1951
Next Title:It Should Have Been Me
Next Year:1954

The "Mess Around" is a song written by Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder and then-vice-president of Atlantic Records,[1] under the pseudonym of A. Nugetre,[2] or "Nuggy".[3] It was performed by Ray Charles, and was one of Charles's first hits.

Origins and composition

Ertegun claimed his inspiration for writing "Mess Around" was stride pianist Pete Johnson. Earlier versions of the tune's New Orleans boogie piano riff can be heard in songs from the early 1930s and 1940s, with perhaps the earliest example being Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport's "Cow Cow Blues" from 1928. Dr. John also spoke about the origin of this tune on his Dr John Teaches New Orleans Piano series of DVDs.

The song's lyrics urge listeners to dance ("everybody do the Mess Around"), along with a few other key phrases, notably "see that girl with the red dress on", harkening back to "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie", Pinetop Smith's early boogie-woogie classic.

Release

"Mess Around" became a big R&B charted hit when released as a single in early 1953. It was later included on Charles's 1957 compilation album Ray Charles.

Cover versions

In popular culture

Notes and References

  1. https://americanbusinesshistory.org/ahmet-ertegun-americas-greatest-music-man/
  2. http://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/ray_charles/mess_around___funny__but_i_still_love_you_/ Mess Around / Funny (But I Still Love You) by Ray Charles (Single, Rhythm & Blues): Reviews, Ratings, Credits, Song list - Rate Your Music
  3. Web site: Photograph of record label . Popsike.eu . 2014-05-22.