Who's behind the notes? Discover Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul Music
Ray Charles' rendition of "Shake a Tail Feather" is a classic and has some interesting facts associated with it:
Origin of the Song: "Shake a Tail Feather" was originally written by Otha Hayes, Andre Williams, and Verlie Rice. It was first recorded by the Five Du-Tones in 1963.
Ray Charles' Version: Ray Charles covered the song in 1967 for the soundtrack of the movie "The Blues Brothers." His version is known for its energetic and lively performance.
Movie Soundtrack: Ray Charles' rendition of "Shake a Tail Feather" became one of the standout tracks on the soundtrack of "The Blues Brothers" (1980), a comedy film starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The film's soundtrack is famous for its collection of classic rhythm and blues songs.
Dance Sequence: In the movie "The Blues Brothers," there is a memorable and iconic dance sequence performed to this song. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, in their roles as Jake and Elwood Blues, dance to "Shake a Tail Feather" in the Ray Charles music store in the film.
Chart Success: Ray Charles' version of the song received positive acclaim and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It helped reintroduce the song to a new generation of listeners.
Influence: The song's lively and infectious rhythm has made it a popular choice for cover versions and has been used in various commercials, movies, and television shows over the years.
Legacy: "Shake a Tail Feather" is considered a classic rhythm and blues and soul track, and Ray Charles' rendition is often celebrated as one of the best interpretations of the song.
Ray Charles' version of "Shake a Tail Feather" is not only a musical gem but also an integral part of the iconic soundtrack of "The Blues Brothers." It continues to be enjoyed by music enthusiasts and fans of the film to this day.