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Oh, What a Night (The Dells song)

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Wikipedia article




"'Oh, What a Night'" is a song first recorded by the doo-wop group the Dells and released in 1956, originally under the title "'Oh What a Nite'". It is said to have been inspired by a party, which had been held in the Dells' honor by some female friends of the group.

Reception



The Dells' original recording on the Vee Jay label peaked at #4 on the R&B singles chart. In 1969, they refashioned it as a soul song on the Cadet label. The August 2, 1969 edition of 'Record World' gave it a "Four Star Pick" review, stating: "This old, old, old, oldie sounds newer than tomorrow, via the Dells chartbreaker express. All will dig." The new "Oh, What a Night" was notably different from its original counterpart with an altered arrangement and tempo, and included a spoken recitation, in the introduction, from bass singer Chuck Barksdale. This new version reached #10 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 singles chart and #1 on the Best Selling Soul singles chart.

The 1969 version was ranked #260 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

"Oh, What a Night" was subsequently recorded by Sly Stone & the Biscaynes (1978), Tracey Ullman (1983), Lester Bowie (1986), the Moonlighters (1988), Nick Kamen (1988), Barbara Jones (1995), Donnie & the Del Chords (1999), and Unisoghn (2001).

Personnel



1950s version

*Lead vocals by Johnny Funches and Marvin Junior

*Background vocals by Johnny Funches, Marvin Junior, Michael McGill, Chuck Barksdale and Verne Allison

1960s version

*Lead vocals by Junior Marvin (Marvin Junior) and Johnny Carter

*Background vocals by Johnny Carter, Michael McGill, Chuck Barksdale and Verne Allison

*Spoken intro by Chuck Barksdale

*Produced by Bobby Miller

References




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