Eddie Kendricks was one of the premier soul singers of the ‘60s and ‘70s. He brought his velvet-smooth falsetto to Temptations classics such as “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Get Ready,” “You’re My Everything” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” And he enjoyed a highly successful solo career after leaving the Temptations in 1971, landing a string of top-10 hits on the R&B charts and a couple on the pop charts as well. Dance-floor filler “Boogie Down” is one of Kendricks’ biggest solo hits. This smoldering dance groove boasts an incredible arrangement, with dynamic strings, poppin’ congas, driving bass and supertight horn charts. And Kendricks delivers a soulful, high-energy vocal performance. “Boogie Down” was blasted everywhere back in the day–clubs, parties, car stereos, etc.
The song was released in December of 1973. It was the lead single from Kendricks’ fourth studio album Boogie Down! (Feb. 1974), released on Motown Records’ Tamla label. It was written by Anita Poree, Frank Wilson and Leonard Caston. The song topped Billboard’s R&B singles chart for three straight weeks. It was his second consecutive single to reach the summit of the R&B charts. It also performed extremely well on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart, rising all the way to #2. Additionally, it saw some solid chart action overseas, reaching #39 on the UK singles chart. “Boogie Down” was Kendricks' second biggest hit as a solo artist. His biggest hit was “Keep On Truckin’”, which topped Billboard's pop and R&B singles chart and reached #18 on the UK charts.
“Boogie Down” was sampled on Slick Rick’s 1991 track “It’s a Boy.” Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony released an instrumental cover of the song in 1974.
The musicians who played on this Eddie Kendricks dance smash were Ed Greene (drums), James Jamerson (bass), King Errisson (congas), Jerry Peters (organ), Gary Coleman (percussions, vibes), Leonard Caston (piano, clavinet) and Dean Parks (guitar). The song was produced and arranged by Frank Wilson and Leonard Caston.
Extended album version of "Boogie Down"
Eddie Kendricks performing "Boogie Down" live
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