Rockin' Robin (song)

"Rockin' Robin"
Single by Bobby Day
Released	1958
Format	7" single
Recorded	1958
Genre	Rock and roll[1] bubblegum[2]
Length	2:31 (Single version)
Label	Class
Writer(s)	Leon René
Producer(s)	Jimmie Thomas
Bobby Day singles chronology
"Rockin' Robin" (1958) "Over and Over" (1958)

"Rockin' Robin" is a song written by Leon René under the pseudonym of Jimmie Thomas and recorded by Bobby Day in 1958. It was Day's only hit single, becoming a number-two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent one week at the top of the charts (number one hit) in R&B sales.^[3] The 45 single release by Bobby Day showed "Rock-in Robin"

Charts

Chart (1958)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[4]	9
US Billboard Hot 100[5]	2
US Billboard Rhythm & Blues Records[5]	1

Michael Jackson version

"Rockin' Robin"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Got to Be There
B-side	"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone"
Released	February 17, 1972
Format	7" single
Recorded	October 1971
Genre	Rock and roll pop rhythm and blues
Length	2:31
Label	Motown
Producer(s)	Mel Larson Jerry Marcellino
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"Got to Be There" (1971) "Rockin' Robin" (1972) "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (1972)

Michael Jackson recorded and released a cover version of "Rockin' Robin" in 1972, which was taken from his gold-certified solo album titled Got to Be There. It was the biggest hit from the album, hitting no. 1 on the Cash Box singles chart and peaking at no. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

Track listing

• A. "Rockin' Robin" – 2:30
• B. "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" – 2:51

Chart performance

Chart (1972)	Peak position
Australia (Go-Set National Top 40)[6]	23
Australia (Kent Music Report)[7]	16
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[8]	13
Ireland (IRMA)[9]	16
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[10]	3
US Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles[11]	2
US Billboard Hot 100[11]	2

Cover versions and samples

• The Hollies included a cover of the song on their 1964 album Stay with The Hollies.
• The Rivieras included a cover of the song on their 1964 album Let's Have A Party and also released it as a single.
• In 1965 by Australian band The Henchmen. The song made its way into the Australian top 10.
• Checkmates, Ltd. released a version of the song as part of a medley on their 1967 debut album, Live! At Caesar's Palace.^[12]
• In 1981, Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem led by Janice performed this song on an episode of The Muppet Show.
• UK singer Lolly covered this song in 1999, as a double A-side with "Big Boys Don't Cry". The single peaked at number ten in the UK Singles Chart, in December of that year.
• The song was covered by Paul Anka on the album Rock Swings (2005).
• The Boys performed this song seen on a Kidsongs video and DVD: A Day with the Animals. When this MP3 version of this song was first heard in the Kidsongs' website, an extended version is heard which means the repeat of the bridge and third verse comes.
• Hasil Adkins recorded a version of this song, which was included on the 1986 compilation Out to Hunch.
• The Miami Showband have performed this, with lead singer Gerry covering the Michael Jackson version, voice and all.
• The UK band McFly have often covered this song, especially at Christmas time.
• Season 8 American Idol contestant Megan Joy sang "Rockin' Robin" during Michael Jackson Week.
• Michelle Creber recorded a version of "Rockin' Robin" for her cover album Timeless: Songs of a Century.
• The song was sung on an episode of Full House.
• The song was also covered by The Rivieras of South Bend, Indiana on their 1964 album, "Let's Have a Party". They are famous for the hit "California Sun", also on the "Let's Have a Party" recording.
• Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy had the song chosen for their Instant Jive on the finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 16.
• Joanie Bartels covered the song on her album Dancin' Magic.

References

1. Bush, John. "Rockin' Robin – Song Review". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
2. Theakston, Rob. "Michael Jackson – Got to Be There". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
3. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 148.
4. "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Chart Positions Pre 1989 Part 3". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
5. "Bobby Day – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
6. "Go-Set Australian charts – 22 July 1972". Go-Set. Poparchives.com.au. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
7. "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – CHART POSITIONS PRE 1989, part 2". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
8. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 7632." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
9. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Rockin' Robin". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
10. "Archive Chart: 1972-06-24" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
11. "Got to Be There – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
12. Williams, Richard (2003). Phil Spector: Out of His Head. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-7119-9864-3.