Wild Thing (Chip Taylor song)

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"Wild Thing" is a hit song written by New York-born songwriter Chip Taylor and originally recorded by The Wild Ones in 1965 (United Artists 947) (see external link below).

The song is in the Key of F Major, and is based around the Chord Progression (I - IV - V - IV), which is the basis for the main riff, and the instrumental parts during the Chorus. The middle eight was originally someone whistling, but this was replaced by Reg Presley playing an ocarina.

[edit] Cover versions

The song is probably best known for its 1966 cover by the English band The Troggs, leading many to assume they are the original artist; however, the Troggs' version is one of several covers.

The song has remained extremely popular ever since The Troggs' hit single, and has been covered again many times — perhaps most notably by Jimi Hendrix, whose performance of the song was featured in the 1968 documentary Monterey Pop. However, Hendrix never recorded the song in the studio. The British group Fancy recorded a version of the song in 1974. Sam Kinison recorded a hit novelty version in 1988, and a cover by the Los Angeles-based punk band X was used in the 1989 film Major League. Comedian and Sam Kinison Tribute Artist Screamin' Sam performs this novelty version at live events and live on his internet TV show "The Screamin Sam Show". Even The Goodies recorded a version of the song, and performed it on stage during their episode "The Goodies – Almost Live".

In 2003, Aerosmith recorded a version of the song and a video, which was used for commercials and teasers advertising ABC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs.

Preceded by "Hanky Panky" by Tommy James And The Shondells

Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Wild Thing" by The Troggs July 30, 1966

Succeeded by "Summer In The City" by The Lovin' Spoonful

[edit] External links

• The Screamin Sam Show Tribute to Sam Kinison
• Cover history at Second Hand Songs
• Reel Reviews-Wild Thing
• Oracina
• Ocarina chords