The Clapping Song

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"The Clapping Song" is an American song, written by Lincoln Chase, originally arranged by Charles Calello and recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965.[ citation needed ]

Contents

The single sold over a million copies, and peaked at number eight in the United States [1] and number six in the UK. [2]

Background

The song was released shortly after Ellis had released "The Name Game". "The Clapping Song" incorporates lyrics from the song "Little Rubber Dolly", [3] a 1930s song recorded by the Light Crust Doughboys, and also features instructions for a clapping game.

Chart performance

Chart (1965)Peak
position
Canada RPM [4] 10
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)6
US Billboard Hot 100 8
US Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles [5] 16

Cover versions

In media

"The Clapping Song" has been featured in the soundtracks of the movies Scratch, Because of Winn-Dixie, Private Life, Stuber, Poms, All Together Now, Ghostbusters: Afterlife . and Maestro .

In Flatliners , the song is sung by children on the playground.

On television, it was featured in Round Six of the 2009 season of Dancing With the Stars .

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References

  1. "Shirley Ellis The Clapping Song (Clap Pat Clap Slap) Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  2. 1 2 "The Clapping Song Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  3. "Shirley Ellis's The Clapping Song". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 23 May 2012. ("Little Rubber Dolly" available at YouTube)
  4. "RPM Play Sheet - April 12, 1965" (PDF).
  5. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 186.
  6. "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  7. "Kent Music Report – National Top 100 Singles for 1983". Kent Music Report . Retrieved 22 January 2023 via Imgur.com.
  8. "Pia Zadora The Clapping Song Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 8 February 2018.

The Clapping Song Lyrics