Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie

"Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie"
Single by Jay & the Techniques
from the album Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie
B-side	"Stronger Than Dirt"
Released	March 1967
Recorded	January 1967
Studio	Bell Sound (New York City)
Genre	Soul
Length	2:24
Label	Smash
Songwriter(s)	Maurice Irby, Jr.
Producer(s)	Jerry Ross
Jay & the Techniques singles chronology
"Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" (1967) "Keep the Ball Rollin'" (1967)

"Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" is a 1967 song written by Maurice Irby, Jr. and first released by Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs in November 1966 as "Ready or Not". ^[1] It was a hit in a version produced by Jerry Ross, arranged by Joe Renzetti and performed by Jay & the Techniques on their 1968 album of the same name. ^{[2] [3]}

Background

Bobby Hebb was originally offered "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie", but rejected it due to its novelty sound. Jerry Ross then offered it to Jay & the Techniques. ^[4] The song was originally recorded in January 1967 at Bell Sound Studios in New York with Ross producing and Joe Renzetti arranging and conducting. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson provided backing vocals, accompanying the lead singer Jay Proctor; Ross used session musicians for the instrumental backing in place of the Techniques. This process would continue for all of the band's singles recorded after this. ^[5]

Chart performance

"Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" reached #6 on the Billboard chart and #8 on the U.S. R&B chart ^[6] Outside the United States, it peaked at #6 on the Canadian R&B chart, ^[7] and #61 on the Canadian pop chart. ^[8]

Other versions

• Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, using the title "Ready or Not", on their 1967 The Best of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs album on MGM Records (#SE-4422.) ^[9]
• Truman Thomas, on his 1967 album Groovin' on the United Artists side label Veep (#VPS 16517). ^[10]
• The Fourmost, a single in November 1968. ^[11]
• Mary Wells, on her 1968 album, Servin' Up Some Soul . ^{[12] [13]}
• Foster Sylvers, on his 1974 album, Foster Sylvers Featuring Pat & Angie Sylvers . ^[14]
• Brave Combo, on their 1999 album, Polkasonic . ^[15]

References

1. "Apples, Peaches Pumkin Pie." Second Hand Soongs. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
2. Jay & the Techniques, Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie Retrieved January 4, 2014
3. Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Single Release Retrieved January 4, 2014
4. Mary Wells, "My Guy" Review Retrieved January 4, 2014
5. "Jay And The Techniques - Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie". 45cat.com. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
6. Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" U.S. Chart Positions Retrieved January 4, 2014
7. Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Canadian R&B Chart Position Retrieved February 28, 2015
8. Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Canadian Pop Chart Position Retrieved February 28, 2015
9. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, The Best Of Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs Retrieved February 6, 2015
10. Truman Thomas, Groovin Retrieved February 6, 2015
11. The Fourmost, "Apples, Peaches And Pumpkin Pie" Single Release Retrieved January 4, 2014
12. Mary Wells, Servin' Up Some Soul Retrieved January 4, 2014
13. Jubilee Album Discography, Part 4 (1966-1969): 8000 Series Retrieved May 18, 2015
14. Foster Sylvers, Foster Sylvers Featuring Pat & Angie Sylvers Retrieved January 4, 2014
15. Brave Combo, Polkasonic Retrieved January 4, 2014