Covers – Walking The Dog

The 45 was released in 1963 on Stax Records and produced by Jim Stewart. The song achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 10. It also reached number 5 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Rufus Thomas (1917-2001) was a pioneering American rhythm and blues, funk, and soul singer, songwriter, and entertainer whose career spanned over six decades.

Born in Mississippi, Thomas moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became a key figure in the city’s vibrant music scene. He gained widespread recognition with hits like “Bear Cat” and “Walking the Dog” in the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing his energetic stage presence and distinctive vocal style.

Thomas was not only a successful solo artist but also collaborated with his daughter Carla Thomas on the iconic Stax Records label. Additionally, he made significant contributions to the development of Memphis soul and funk, earning the title of the “Memphis Ambassador of Soul.”

His infectious, danceable tunes and charismatic performances left an indelible mark on the music landscape, and Rufus Thomas remains a celebrated figure in the history of American popular music.

The only hit version in the UK was by the Dennisons, whose recording reached number 36 on the UK Singles Chart in 1964. The Dennisons were a Merseybeat band from Liverpool, United Kingdom, active during the 1960s. Formed in 1962, the group gained local popularity with their energetic live performances and covers of popular rock and roll songs.

Their lineup included musicians like Clive Hornby, Frank Wibberley, Neil Aspinall, and Pete Best, the latter being the original drummer for The Beatles. The Dennisons’ association with Pete Best and their shared Liverpool roots contributed to their connections within the vibrant Merseybeat scene.

Despite their local success, the Dennisons did not achieve significant national or international recognition, and their time together was relatively short-lived. The band dissolved in 1965, leaving behind a small but notable footprint in the history of the Liverpool music scene.

Also in 1964 “Walking the Dog” was covered by The Rolling Stones on their depot studio album, Johnny Rivers on his At the Whisky à Go Go LP, and The Excels. The Kingsmen and The Sonics came out with their versions in 1966. Ace Cannon (1967), Sandie Shaw (1099), The Flamin’ Groovies (1971) on their Teenage Head album followed.

The first cover I owned was by Aerosmith, released on their 1973 debut LP. In 1975 Rick Derringer, Roger Daltrey and Spirit released their covers. Other covers were by Dr. Feelgood (1976), Michel Pagliaro (1976 French), Hurriganes (1977), John Cale (1979), Ratt (1983), The Lincolns (1983), Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin (1991),

Green Day (1993), Kidsongs (1994), Jason & the Scorchers (1998), The Trashmen (1998), Tony Spinner (2009), American Dog & Fin (2013), Schizophrenic Spacers (2015), and Jackie Shane (2017).