Lightnin' Strikes
| "Lightnin' Strikes" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Lou Christie | |
| from the album Lightnin' Strikes | |
| B-side | "Cryin' In The Streets" |
| Released | December 1965 |
| Format | 7" Vinyl |
| Recorded | September 3, 1965, Olmstead Studios, New York City, New York |
| Genre | Pop |
| Length | 3:05 |
| Label | MGM |
| Writer(s) |
|
| Certification | Gold |
"Lightnin' Strikes" is a song written by Lou Christie and Twyla Herbert, and recorded by Christie on the MGM label. It was a hit in 1966, making it first to No. 1 in Canada in January 1966 on the RPM Top Singles chart, then to No. 1 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February and No. 11 on the UK Record Retailer chart. RIAA certification on March 3, 1966, garnering gold status for selling over one million copies.
The song was arranged, conducted, and produced by Charles Calello and was recorded on September 3, 1965. The backup singers were Peggy Santiglia, Bernadette Carroll, and Denise Ferri. Session personnel included Joe Farrell and George Young on baritone sax; Ray DeSio on trombone; Stan Free on piano; Lou Mauro on bass; Charlie Macy, Ralph Casale, and Vinnie Bell on guitar; and Buddy Saltzman on drums. Ralph Casale's "stuttering" guitar solo was originally an overdub.
This song was covered by Jan & Dean for their record Filet of Soul in 1966.
The song was also covered years later by the New York underground artist Klaus Nomi, appearing on his 1981 debut album Klaus Nomi, and was the A-side of a 1982 single accompanied by a video. The political satire group Capitol Steps spoofed it as The Right Wing's Striking Again.
- In 1983, Mike Love of The Beach Boys covered the song on Love's and Dean Torrence album Rock 'N' Roll City.[1]
| Preceded by "My Love" by Petula Clark |
Canadian RPM number-one single January 21, 1966 (one week) |
Succeeded by "Michelle" by David and Jonathan |
| Preceded by "My Love" by Petula Clark |
US Billboard Hot 100 number one single February 19, 1966 (one week) |
Succeeded by "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra |