Walking the Dog explained

Walking the Dog
Cover:WalkingTheDogCover.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Rufus Thomas
Album:Walking the Dog
B-Side:Fine and Mellow
Released:September 1963
Genre:R&B
Length:2:30
Label:Stax Records
Producer:Jim Stewart
Prev Title:The Dog
Prev Year:1963
Next Title:Can Your Monkey Do the Dog
Next Year:1964

"Walking the Dog" (or "Walkin' the Dog") is a song written and performed by Rufus Thomas.[1] It was released on his 1963 album Walking the Dog. It was his signature hit and also his biggest, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1963 and remaining on the Hot 100 for 14 weeks.[2]

Background

The Rufus Thomas version begins with the quoting of the first 14 notes of Mendelssohn's Wedding March from "Midsummer's Night's Dream". This version is noted for Rufus whistling and calling out for his dog, to go walking with him. The lyrics make references to children's nursery rhymes, especially Miss Mary Mack.

The Dennisons recording

The only hit version in the UK was by the Dennisons, whose recording reached number 36 on the UK Singles Chart in 1964.[3]

Releases

The song was recorded several months later by the Rolling Stones in 1964. Unlike most Stones' recordings, the song features harmony vocals on the chorus solely by Brian Jones (most early Stones songs feature Jones and Bill Wyman on backing vocals, with Keith Richards replacing the two not long after), which makes their recording of the song unique in their catalogue.Many other artists have recorded the song, including Aerosmith, Johnny Rivers, John Cale, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Roger Daltrey, Green Day, Hans Theessink, the Flamin' Groovies, The Kingsmen, The Sonics, The Lincolns, Ace Cannon, Jackie Shane, The Trashmen, Luv'd Ones, Bob Paisley and the Southern Grass, and Ratt. It was performed live occasionally by the Grateful Dead in 1966, 1970 and the mid-1980s.

Year ArtistAlbum
Rufus ThomasWalking the Dog
The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones
The Excels45 only
Johnny RiversAt the Whisky à Go Go
The KingsmenThe Kingsmen Volume II
The SonicsHere Are the Sonics
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit WheelsBreakout...!
The Everly BrothersBeat & Soul
Davy GrahamMidnight Man
Ace CannonMemphis Golden Hits
Sandie ShawReviewing the Situation
The Flamin' GrooviesTeenage Head
AerosmithAerosmith
Rick DerringerSpring Fever
Roger DaltreyRide a Rock Horse
Michel PagliaroPagliaro I (and Pagliaro, "Faire le trottoir" in French)
SpiritSpirit of '76
Dr. FeelgoodStupidity
HurriganesDomestic release: Tsugu Way (International: Use No Hooks)
The New Mickey Mouse ClubThe All New Mickey Mouse Club Original TV Cast Album
John CaleSabotage/Live
RattRatt
The Lincolns
Dave Stewart & Barbara GaskinSpin
Green DayDemos tape for Dookie
Run C&WInto the Twangy-First Century
KidsongsBoppin' with the Biggles
Jason & the ScorchersMidnight Roads & Stages Seen
The TrashmenBird Call!: The Twin City Stomp of the Trashmen
Tony Spinner Rollin' & Tumblin'
American Dog & FinDogatized (song's title changed to "Rocking the Dog")
Schizophrenic SpacersLive version from "Macumba: Live at Last"
Jackie ShaneAny Other Way

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rufus Thomas – Walking The Dog / You Said. Discogs.com. September 1963 . March 17, 2021.
  2. http://bullfrogspond.com/artists/t.htm Bullfrog's Pond
  3. Book: Betts, Graham. 2004. Complete UK Hit Singles 1952-2004. 1st. Collins. London. 0-00-717931-6. 211.