Mother-in-Law (song)

Summary

"Mother-in-Law" is a 1961 song recorded by Ernie K-Doe. It was a number-one hit in the U.S. on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard R&B chart.[2] The song was written and produced by Allen Toussaint, who also played the piano solo. It was issued by Minit Records.

"Mother-in-Law"
Single by Ernie K-Doe
from the album Mother-In-Law
B-side"Wanted, $10,000.00 Reward"
Released1961
GenreNew Orleans R&B[1]
Length2:25
LabelMinit
Songwriter(s)Allen Toussaint
Producer(s)Allen Toussaint
Ernie K-Doe singles chronology
"Mother-in-Law"
(1961)
"Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta"
(1961)

After several unsuccessful takes, Toussaint balled up the composition and threw it away as he was leaving the room. One of the backup singers, Willie Harper, thought that it was such a good song that he convinced K-Doe to give it one more try.[3]

A cover version by The Newbeats was also included on their 1965 album Big Beat Sounds By The Newbeats.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Breihan, Tom (March 26, 2018). "The Number Ones: Ernie K-Doe's "Mother-In-Law"". Stereogum. Retrieved June 9, 2023. "Mother-In-Law" is a perfectly lovely New Orleans R&B jam masquerading as a novelty song.
  2. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. p. 316.
  3. ^ "The Rise, Fall And Redemption Of New Orleans' 'R&B Emperor'". NPR.org.