The Story of ‘Harlem Shuffle’
The Rolling Stones’ 1986 hit “Harlem Shuffle” was first recorded by Bob & Earl, an R&B duo whose version rose to number 44 on the charts in 1963. The song’s roots are not uptown in New York City; instead, the dance was born 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles.
The story begins in the late 1950s, when Bobby Day and Earl Nelson were members of the doo wop group the Hollywood Flames. Nelson sang lead on the Flames’ 1958 hit, “Buzz Buzz Buzz”; that same year, Day had solo success with “Rockin’ Robin.”
In 1960, Day and Nelson began to record as Bob & Earl. In 1962, meeting little success, Day decided to again pursue a solo career. Nelson recruited Bobby Relf of the Laurels to replace Day. Relf and Nelson co-wrote the duo’s biggest hit, “Harlem Shuffle.”
The Harlem Shuffle draws from the line dances that originated in ballrooms during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s; it is also done individually with a shake of the hips and shoulders.
“Harlem Shuffle” was also the first success for Barry White, who co-arranged the track with Gene Page.
