Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha

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"Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha"

Single by Sam Cooke

B-side

"Little Things You Do"

Released

January 1959

Recorded

January 7, 1959

Studio

Radio Recorders (Hollywood, California)

Genre

R&B, cha-cha-cha

Length

2:35

Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke singles chronology

"I Need You Now"
(1959)

"Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha"
(1959)

"Only Sixteen"
(1959)

"Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha" (originally released as "Everybody Likes to Cha Cha Cha") is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, released in January 1959. The song was one of Cooke's biggest successes on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart, peaking at number two; the song also charted at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song references the cha-cha-cha, a dance of Cuban origin that became popular in the United States in the late 1950s.

Background

The song originated from a Christmas 1958 party at Lou Rawls' stepfather's house. During the celebration, all began doing the cha-cha-cha, including Cooke's daughter, Linda.^[1] When one of the kids called out, "Everybody, cha-cha-cha!", Cooke grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote down the lyrics while everyone else danced. The song was recorded the week after New Year's 1959.^[1]

The song concerns Cooke and his girlfriend going to a dance in which all are doing the cha-cha-cha, a dance which his significant other doesn't know how to do. Cooke teaches his guest but by the end of the evening, she is "doing [the cha-cha-cha]" better than he is.^[2]

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes to the 2003 compilation Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964.^[1]

Sam Cooke – vocals
Adolphus Asbrook – bass guitar
Charles Blackwell – drums
Jack Costanza – bongos
Rene Hall – guitar
Mike Pacheco – congas
Clifton White – guitar
Backing vocals are provided by Darlene Love and The Blossoms^[3]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (1959)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100^[4]	31
US Hot R&B Sides (Billboard)^[4]	2

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964 (liner notes). Sam Cooke. US: ABKCO Records. 2003. 92642.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^ Guralnick, Peter (2005). Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke. New York: Back Bay Books, p. 268-69. First edition, 2005.
^ Guralnick, Peter, Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke, Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2005 p. 269-270
^ ^a ^b "Sam Cooke – Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved February 28, 2014.

v t e Sam Cooke
Studio albums	Sam Cooke Encore Tribute to the Lady Cooke's Tour Hits of the 50's Swing Low My Kind of Blues Twistin' the Night Away Mr. Soul Night Beat Ain't That Good News Shake Try a Little Love
Live albums	Sam Cooke at the Copa Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963
Collaboration albums	3 Great Guys
Compilations	Hit Kit I Thank God The Wonderful World of Sam Cooke The Best of Sam Cooke The Man and His Music Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964
Singles	"You Send Me" / "Summertime" "I'll Come Running Back to You" "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" "You Were Made for Me" / "Lonely Island" "Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha" "Only Sixteen" "There! I've Said It Again" "Wonderful World" "Chain Gang" "Sad Mood" "That's It, I Quit, I'm Movin' On" "Cupid" "Twistin' the Night Away" "Bring It On Home to Me" / "Having a Party" "Somebody Have Mercy" / "Nothing Can Change This Love" "Send Me Some Lovin'" "Another Saturday Night" "Frankie and Johnny" "Little Red Rooster" "Ain't That Good News" "Good Times" / "Tennessee Waltz" "That's Where It's At" "Shake" / "A Change Is Gonna Come"
Related articles	Discography The Soul Stirrers René Hall Linda Womack We Remember Sam Cooke
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