Walking The Dog

by

Rufus Thomas

Album: Walking The Dog

Released: 1963

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Thomas was a Mississippi Soul singer who recorded several popular songs about dancing - including this one. Other dance/novelty songs he recorded include "Funky Chicken" and "Do the Penguin." He recorded for Stax Records and is the father of Carla Thomas, who also became a successful R&B singer.

Some of the many artists to record this song include The Who and Aerosmith (it was the last song they recorded for their first album). The Rolling Stones recorded it on their first album, thanks to their guitarist Brian Jones, who was the leader of the band at the time. He was a big fan of American Soul music and wanted them to record the song. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2)

The only time this song has charted in the UK was a version by the Merseybeat group The Dennisons, which peaked at #36 in 1964. This proved to be the band's biggest hit, but their drummer Clive Hornby found success in another field. After turning to acting, Hornby played the popular character Jack Sugden in the ITV soap Emmerdale for 28 years until his death in July 2008.

According to Mojo magazine, September 2002, Rufus Thomas was king of the dog songs. He also recorded "Can Your Monkey Do The Dog," "The Dog," "Somebody Stole My Dog," "Can't Get Away From This Dog" and "Stop Kicking My Dog Around." (thanks, olli - Hankasalmi, Finland)

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Comments (5):

The Stones version was not that good compared to the rest.

- Joe, eldon, MO

I have the Rufus Thomas version at two speeds! On the History of R&B Vol VI (Atlantic) vinyl, it's pitched higher and doesn't last as long as the version on Atlantic Gold - 100 Soul Classics CD. Anyone know which is the right one?

- Robin, Bolton, United Kingdom

Aerosmith's version was better in my opinion

- Homer, Springfield, KY

I think Aerosmith covered this song on one of their early albums. I like their version; haven't heard the Stones'.

- Steve, Hermitage, TN

Lyrics, music, and original recording were by Rufus Thomas in 1963. The song made the U.S. Top Ten and was included in his album of the same title on Stax records. Rufus was born and died in Mississippi and Tennesee, respectively. The Rolling Stones covered it. So did the Grateful Dead in 1966 and then a couple of times in 1970. They continued to play it with revisions briefly in 1984/1985. A fun and lively interpretation of this song was performed by John Warren and his band in 1999. They played this song live at The Palms in Davis, California less than one month before passing away in from pancreatic cancer.

- Billie, Stuttgart, Germany

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