I believe I first heard this by Eric Clapton in the late seventies when I was a kid. I always liked the song but this version is great as well. It’s the cool rhythm that draws me in. One of the best and most copied rhythms in rock.
In some circles, Otis was known as “the godfather of rhythm and blues.” He was a multi-talented musician, known primarily as a drummer, vibraphonist, pianist, singer, and composer. He led his own band, the Johnny Otis Orchestra, which played a significant role in the development of West Coast rhythm and blues.
He earned that title. He helped in discovering and promoting such musicians as Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, and Jackie Wilson. Otis was a white musician who immersed himself in black music and culture. He was accepted in that community and became an advocate for racial integration and civil rights. Otis was also a popular radio DJ, hosting shows that showcased rhythm and blues music and spreading the word of that genre.
Johnny wrote this song and released it in 1958. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard R&B Charts and #9 on the Billboard 100. It’s one of the most catchy rhythms in rock and roll next to the Bo Diddley rhythm or Who Do You Love…it very well could be called a variation of Bo Diddley.
When he played this live his audience would mimic a dance and clap they had to the song. Some had said that the song was about masturbation…something that Johnny Otis denied until he passed away in 2012 at the age of 90. I think some people spend their lives trying to find something controversial in everything. I guess I’m guilty of it at times.
According to secondhandsongs.com there are 69 versions of this song. Artists that covered the song include Cliff Richard, The Crickets, Sonny Burgess, The Gentrys, The Tremeloes, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, George Thorogood, and I’ve heard The Grateful Dead do it live on a few clips I’ve seen.
Willie and the Hand Jive
I know a cat named Way-Out WillieHe got a cool little chick named Rockin’ BillieDo you walk and stroll with Susie QAnd do that crazy hand jive too?
Papa told Willie “you’ll ruin my homeYou and that hand jive has got to go”Willie said “papa, don’t put me downBeen doin’ that hand jive all over town”
Hand jive, hand jiveHand jive, doin’ that crazy hand jive
Mama, mama, look at uncle Joe, look at himHe’s doin’ that hand jive with sister FloEven gave baby sister a dime, hey, heySaid “do that hand jive one more time”
Well, a doctor and a lawyer and a indian chiefThey all dig that crazy beatWay-Out Willie gave them all a treat, yeahWhen he did the hand jive with his feet
Hand jive, hand jiveHand jive, doin’ that crazy hand jive, hey, heyCome on, sugar, yeah!
Well, Willie and Billie got married last fallThey had a little Willie Junior and that ain’t allYou know that baby got greatness and it’s plain to see, hey, heyDoin’ that hand jive on T.V., come on
Hand jive, hand jive(Why don’t you) hand jive, doin’ that crazy hand jive
Hey, hey, wellYeah, yeah
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