“Land of 1000 Dances” or “Land Of A Thousand Dances” was written by Chris Kenner in 1962. The first hit version was by Cannibal & the Headhunters in ’65. The single reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The first time I heard the song was listening to KPUG-Bellingham in the mid-sixties. It was the latest hit by Wilson Pickett.
The late Wilson Pickett recorded his cover of “1000 Dances” at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “Wicked Pickett” was backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and the Memphis Horns. That single, released in 1966, became Pickett’s biggest hit. It went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues (soul) chart, and it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It rose to #22 on charts in the UK. In 1989, prolific rock ‘n’ roll music critic Dave Marsh put Pickett’s version of “Land Of 1000 Dances” at #152 on his list of The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made.
This video captured Pickett during a high octane live concert before his obviously awe struck and captivated fans. “Wicked” sure knew how to belt out a soul song. He put the “S” in screamer. Pickett will go down in the history books for his many memorable radio hits: “The Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” “634-5789,” “Funky Broadway,” “I Found a Love,” his take on “Hey Jude,” and several others.
The video is at ad free Vimeo, so click on the start button 2x – first to go to Vimeo and after you’re there to start your video.
September 30, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
I recall that one. It is good.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
“Put your hand on your hips, yeah…Let your backbone slip” These days, my backbone or sciatica, as it is called, will slip just getting up from a chair. Songs about dancing: there are hundreds of them, just guessing. And quite a few of them have used that line, about letting your backbone slip. Chiropractors, rejoice!
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
“I’m gonna dance with the dolly with the hole in her stocking while her knees keep a-knocking and her toes keep a-rocking, gonna dance by the light of the moon”
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Okay…I am a sucker. Are those real lyrics or made up by Dick. I mean with pop music you never can tell…like Patches and Laurie by Dickie Lee…another Dick.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
Live it up, young’un!
https://youtu.be/YdnZyE-jRYs
Or if you prefer, the rock and roll version
https://youtu.be/EgTbRAPazAc
I wish I had written it.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
Didn’t something like a hole in the stockings, as in nylons, signify a “loose lady” in those days? If so, that little ditty sounded innocent but would actually be risque.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Steven L. Smith says:
Dick….you really need to quit posting photos of your ex. She is gonna come after all of us.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
She came after me, Steve. With that memory in mind, I urge you to keep a look over your shoulder.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Steven L. Smith says:
Jason…if you keep whining about symptoms like that the girls will no longer fall for your story that you are 36 years old.
October 1, 2020 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
The truth is out of the bag!
June 22, 2021 at QZVX
Bernie says:
I am convinced that I saw Wilson Pickett perform in Seattle Washington in the late 1960s. I can find no reference for the show. Can you help me find out? Thank you!
June 22, 2021 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Bernie..I cannot guarantee it…but he was a big enough star that is likely. Even today often shows that play Seattle play Vancouver BC a day or two later. Wilson played Van in summer 1967.
https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/music-memorabilia/posters/wilson-pickett-1967-vancouver-bc-mustang-sally-concert-poster/a/7221-89135.s