Major Lance - Monkey Time

[bonnierusso]

Great Song, Great moves. AHHHHHH Great memorys!

[TJCATLOVER]

Good song!!!!!!!

[Isotec1]

This is the reason why I love the old classics.They are better than the new stuff today.

[edge78a]

Major Lance came over here to England and legend has it that his is the dance style that was emulated and immitated and then mutated into what today is northern soul dancing. Along with his wonderful music thats not a bad legacy to have left. Got an album and most of his Okeh releases. RIP brother KTF

[LauraAmiga]

@edge78a I appreciate very much your comment.

[clarkewi]

@edge78a He was a treasure - the perfect vocalist for Curtis Mayfield songs.

[broadwaypfb]

used to go to certain bars at Jacksonville N.C. and watch the Black

Marines dance to this music . Never will forget their beautiful smiles

as they did their dance. this was in '64 or '65

[LauraAmiga]

@broadwaypfb Thank you for sharing your memories.

[LiLT36]

teach me how to dougie

[windjammer777]

Major Lance can sing and move....this is great to watch - almost made me want to get up and jam!

[gropegrape]

curtis mayfield wrote this song him and lance went to high school together

[reecolor]

something about this song it's just pure joy (makes me wanna cry!)

[SWOTBWOT]

The first CD boxed set I ever bought was Major Lance's music. Everyone probably thought I was weird but I knew what I was doing.

[tumsabai1]

It's Major Lance!!!

You get yours cause I got mine!!!

[poppalarge68]

I'm so glad that i wasn't born in that era, because everybody's knows that those white people just shouldn't be behind him while he's doing his thing.. But, that's how is was back then.

[tyler1820]

I'm 13 years old and I really love this music, I have no idea how everything went high-tech but I would kill to be a 50s, 60s, whatever kid as long as this music is on the radio.

[11xzxzxz]

This is a great dance song for people who really don't like to dance (me mainly). Pick of Major's Best of and you will not be dissappoointed. Song written by his friend Curtis Mayfield as was "Momma Didn't Lie" by Jan Bradley and so many other great songs penned by Curtis. Major Lance Um Um Um and Hey Little Girl are classic too.

[P1683]

Now this what you call a real video when people are dressed instead of being half naked

[haweye79]

This was an NBC show it came on Tuesday nights 8 or 9 pm....but in like 63'....Lol...I have a memory for tv shows ..

[MrWoglio]

I think michael jackson stole his moves lol

[peterzang]

this is the shit. Bruce used this as inspiration for The E Street Shuffle.

[MALTOMEEGE]

BEING A BOXER , MAJOR LANCE WOULD USE HIS FEET TECHNICS IN HIS LIVE PERFORMANCES....I'VE BEEN TOLD BY ALOT OF PEOPLE ....THIS MAN COULD BOX...RIP MR.LANCE

[GashisDX]

Major Lance died on Sept 3, 1994. Thats my Date of Birth. Ironically I like this music

[ThePopcorn1958]

Grand Monsieur !

[thegofdd]

nice dancing by Major, but the simple fact is every single move you see him doing is taken straight from Jackie Wilson...course Jackie didnt invent much of what he did either, but the way everything is put together is pure Jackie. But hey, if you are going to borrow, borrow from the best.

[11xzxzxz]

Major should have been more popular.. when you listen to all the songs on "Best of" you realize that Curtis Mayfield wrote a lot of good stuff for his friend.

Automatically on my way .. Just love to dance to this and I don't dance .

[blackprix]

Definitely a 'dance song' that gets you up and moving ... still sounds great and still makes me want to dance!

[1uptospeed]

i new he could SING but dance too talent not to often SEEN this beat brings a feel

[sammysteruk]

it was top in the 60/70s blackpool n wigan casino nites ;-)

[teacherB32]

Awesome song, but while watching the video I couldn't help but think of how oppressive the times were in America to African Americans. We've definitely come a long way.

[starhorizon1]

This song has always been my favorite one. Used to listen to it in early 80's and I was only 12-14 years old!!! At sixteen I was even impressing girls with it (yeah, no girl could stay still when hearing the monkey time!). Those were the days... And the funny side of it is that it happened in Northern France, best place that time for Northern Soul... I still have a 1963 45! Thx for the video Laura!

[LauraAmiga]

@starhorizon1 Thanks for sharing your nice memories.

[11xzxzxz]

My favorite dance song because it's got some things most dance songs don't have. I'm really not sure how to express it... sorry. But with Major Lance singing and Curtis Mayfield writing it .. always gonna be good. Listen to the best of Major Lance and you'll hear him so plenty of Mayfield songs.

[efsb]

Is it just me, or can't you just see the roots of Northern Soul dancing in his moves..?

[Bobjb999]

I was a preteen when this was a Top 40 hit.

I always loved it. I learned later Curtis Mayfield (famous for writing the Superfly soundtrack) wrote the song.

The only recorded version I ever owned was on an Al Kooper l.p. Al covered it.

The song's a first-rate example of what was great about '60s R&B music!

[spoonerfive]

An unsurpassed example of '60's R&B ...Something about this song...always fresh, always gets me dancing. As good as any single from the giants of that era. I "borrowed" the 45 from my sister and somehow forgot to give it back....I borrowed "Mama Didn't LIe" by Jan Bradley along with it, and didn't give that one back either, so those two brilliant performances are forever linked for me. Ha Ha, sorry Wendy, I still have 'em in a box somewhere in the attic!

[LauraAmiga]

Nice comment!

Regards, Laura.

[spoonerfive]

Thx, Laura! Great funny memories of that time in my youth...

[fosbury68]

both Monkey Time and Mama Didn't Lie were written and produced by Curtis Mayfield.

You probably already knew that.

[spoonerfive]

@fosbury68 --I didn't know that "Mama Didn't Lie" was written by Mayfield, too! I guess I'm an even bigger fan of his than before, if that's possible...what an underrated genius HE was...

[TerryMarineBMF]

Angie Angel > Supergirl!!!

u got yours an i got mine~~blessings in Christ!

All i no is i luv u

[teacherB32]

When I heard this song in the movie SHAG I feel in love with it. Great tune!

[brownfoxx76]

SHAG SOUNDTRACK!!!!!!

[naderchaser]

I wonder what type of guy Lance was away from the spotlite? I know there were drug problems later....but I imagine that was pretty much the norm for most musicians then....as it often is now. I would have loved to have known what this guy was actually like.

[kevantynesmusicfan]

The Mighty Majors used to be the band with Major Lance on the road and He was a very down to earth and classy guy that was also sober a true professional. The Beatles actually were carrying his record when they got off the plane in America in1964 .(see MIghty Majors/You can never go back.}

[naderchaser]

Kevantynesmusicfan: Thanks for the info, bro. Even though I've been a Major Lance fan since around '64...(when I was only 10) I had no idea about "The Mighty Majors"!! I wonder who and where those "cats" are now....are some of them still around and still playing somewhere??  joel in tucson

[kevantynesmusicfan]

Carlton Morales(Julian Lennon's Vallotte}went back to the Mighty Majors afterwards. Google THE MIGHTY MAJORS for more info.

[naderchaser]

Kevantynesmusicfan: Thanks for the reply. Not sure what you mean by Julian Lennon's Vallotte?

Speaking of Julian....I ALWAYS thought that he was a hell of a talent....regardless of who his dad was. And I've read reports from regular men and women who have seen his shows...and they all rave about how good he is live. I remember a song call "Jesse" or something like that in the late 70's or 80's...I thought it was damn good. But it seems he could never get any traction here in the U.S. Thx..joel

[kevantynesmusicfan]

Carlton Morales wrote Vallotte and played in Julian Lennons band and then went back to The Mighty Majors after he left Julian Lennon's band,{check the album cover.}

[tcorman]

Laura Nyro also did a great version of this tune, BTW

[tcorman]

From Wikipedia: The series house band, the Shin-diggers (later renamed the Shindogs), featured a young Glen Campbell, Joey Cooper, Chuck Blackwell (drums), Billy Preston, James Burton, Delaney Bramlett, Larry Knechtel (on bass) and pianist Leon Russell.

So there you have it, naderchaser - a pretty fierce band!

[LauraAmiga]

Thanks for your great contribution.

[naderchaser]

@tcorman Hey, thanks for the Wiki-ped Shigdog's lineup. Damn...no wonder they sounded so good backing up the Major. Guys like Campbell, Billy Preston, Delaney Bramlett...and Leon Russell....I had no idea! Did you know that actress Teri Garr was one of the dancers back there? Also, the fantastic Hal Blaine, who played drums on practically every damn hit-record that was cranked out from the 60's on, was in this band as well. What a joy to listen to! joel in tucson

[naderchaser]

Naderchaser here again. After posting an hour or so ago, I decided to return online and listen to this wonderful song about 10more times. I don't who the Shindig house musicians were, but at 1:25 these cats morph into something special. Crank it up a notch, and listen to how the bass guitar and the bass drum begin to loosen up and start "gettin' down" ....even tweaking the beat from the way it was on the original recording. Similar to the start of the sax solo on Pickett's "Funky Broadway".

[naderchaser]

Thanks to Shindig, a skinny little 11yr. old whiteboy from small (then) dusty 'ol off-the-beaten-path-musically Tucson, Arizona got turned on to "The Major". I'm now 55, and still love his stuff. I've got most all of his discs, and really wish he could'a stayed around a lot longer than he did. Major was my main man. I always kinda felt I was a bit weird loving his music, as he wasn't necessarily an "A" artist as far as the corporate recording world was concerned. RIP, Major. Joel in Tucson

[romell85]

i learned that major lance wasnt a strong singer so the impressions backed him up on the alot of songs at some of his weak points...interesting history..

[SandySummers]

Major Lance is one of the most under rated talents of his era.

[tastetecakes]

this wer that new group "The NewBoyz" got there dance from....."The Jerk"

[RSouler]

This is my favourite Video so far. It's what the site is for. Brilliant artist - and what dancing! Just like we used to dance in the late 60s & 70s at the Cats, Chateau, Torch etc. Saw him live three times (Plaza/Catacombs/Torch) including the famous Torch gig. He danced was best at the Plaza (Old Hill) when he did the back-drops et al. Was prompted to have a look here after hearing "Ain't no soul..." and "You don't want me no more" on Corrie of all places. This and

"Investigate" are his best.

[LauraAmiga]

Thank you very much for your great information.

[RSouler]

Thankyou Laura for a 'special' video. It really gave me goosebumps and a nostalgic 'lump in the throat'. I joined Youtube after seeing it, so I could leave my praise.

[tntselections]

theres a version on rocksteady, from a jamaican Progressions - Are you ready. boss rocksteady. check it

[MrNothingbutsoul]

I love this video its awesome. I hear you mooseydeucy. You must by from New York like me because I see you mentioned WABC and WWRL. Those two radio stations were the heart and soul of New York City.

[mooseydeucy]

Classic stuff...I remember Shindig and Hullabaloo...now at fifty-six...still the fresh golden oldies of our time. LOL WABC AM New York City...WWRL AM , NYC

[6motion6]

I'm 58 and Shindig and Hullabaloo (despite the fact that they were somewhat controlled by corporate interests, but nothing like today) and Shindig were the only shows that showcased the stellar artists of the day, plus they didn't care about race. Thanks to these shows, those of our generation came the closest but of higher quality than MTV. Oh yeah, WABC, KDKA in Pittsburgh and WLs in Chicago were also impt. sources of fine music

[mrsradish]

Fived & Faved crackin post..

skf,.

kaz,.

[hiller4]

slicked hair like Nat cole; moves like little richard, and a great song. Tx , Lauraamiga

[chess1458]

absolute killer video,thanks

[CosmicFork]

I wish that I could dance, like Major Lance... Ain't he cool?

[spiresoul]

i try to at the twisted wheel machester once a month

[Mobanc]

Hey me too : ) but no way near as cool x

[11xzxzxz]

Major lance was so good and in part thanks to the songs that Curtis Mayfield wrote for him - like this one. Great dance song too.

[leatha66]

Wow this song brings back memories of finding my aunts albums.Wow those were good times.

[mycroft3006]

Great song, one of my favorites. I liked the cutaway to the guitarist holding a Danelectro Guitarlin too - though he didn't seem to be playing it at the time :)

[metalheadthea]

I loved Major Lance! My older brother and I used to listen to his music back in the early 60"s. He was boss!

[misisipimike]

so so sweet I got a ear cavity!

[joehancock01]

wow

[kevantynesmusicfan]

My favorite musician KEVAN TYNES played drums for MAJOR LANCE with THE MIGHTY MAJORS band in the 1970's.

[adamtox]

Major lance maaan! he knows how to dance

KTF crew

(keep the faith krew)

hardcore hard to the bones muthafucka

[deadravekid]

Wow. I like this version.

The more I search "northern Soul"

the more I learn and dig!

[luvureally]

it is soul no "northern soul", non of this music was created in England.

[deadravekid]

Ah. Thank you for clearifying.

Knowing Major Lance was an american artist,

the "shin dig" version is slightly different

then the one I remember, and it came up when

I typed in "Northern Soul"

[JackMDT8888]

Some Northern Soul was created in England......and a lot of artists would have been forgotten if us NS boys hadn't kept their talent loved and appreciated in the UK.....we loved the music and didn't care the colour of who made it....unlike the US.

[mamamaat]

Long Live Major Lance!

[dbd1353]

Ekocentric, are you talking about Major Harris, who did the song "Love Won't Let Me Wait" in '75?

[peeterpoon]

Don't confuse Major Lance with Major Harris...Understandable mistake however.

[ekocentric]

Maybe he didn't have as strong a voice in the sixties, but he sure in the el debarge have one hell of a voice when he sang " Love wont let me wait in the 1970's!

[texflexmary]

Major Lance's singer career did not take off like it should have because his voice was not strong enough to sing this song. If you notice, he is not singing all of the song. There was a major group -- I can't remember their name now, but they would sing along with him, because he could not pull the notes.

I still love his songs.

[CooperKell]

Mary, If you hear the tune in album form rather than the TV venue you would appreciate his body of work better. This clip is not representative of his work. He was in the league of Sam and Otis is his time.

[texflexmary]

CooperKell, I love major lance and his music. His musical short comings does not bother me. I was just giving a piece of trivia.

[reajc50]

It sounds strange because he sounds like he is singing live, when most of these old performances, the artist is lipsynching???

[tygerstripe]

THE LANCE COULD DANCE!....KTF

[DansersSALSA]

Fantastisch popcornmuziek

[cookieboy56]

not hard to see where the northern scene got its dance moves from

[ImUnionjack]

Ta for the reminder I had to look for my vid copy and its on vhs and I just chucked my video grrrr  ;D

[blooooo11]

thats soul dancing (not northern soul copy)

60s wheeler

[TBItbi]

WOW ! This brings tears to my eyes it reminds me of my father when I was a baby boy

[Bobb9999]

I love this song.

I remember a different single of it though, with a higher pitched voice on some lines like "you'll get yours". Was that Curtis Mayfield's own version?

I recall Al Kooper covered this song on one of his albums.

[keepingthefaith72]

Ace sound from a Northern soul legend.....

thanks for postin... Laura ... KTF...

[LauraAmiga]

Thank you. We are keeping ...the soul.

[djdeitch]

Fantastic Major track,ktf.

[red777photo]

f@cking love this guy along with walter jackson my all time fav soul men

[razelma]

Excellento!!

[motown250]

brill

[wilubi]

This video captures all the joy of the sixties. Fabulous ! Muchas gracias, Laura !

[LauraAmiga]

You are wellcome, my friend.

[dogstoat]

Fast feet.....the Major would have held his own on any Northern Dancefloor!!!

[luvureally]

"Northen soul" dancing came about because of entertainers like Major Lance coming to England and Brits copying the steps.

[KevLoz]

this go real i listen to it all the time!

[boomboom48]

Love it, thanks much!!!!!!!!!!

[mikeaustin1]

If I'm not mistaken, "It's Monkey Time" was the flip side of a single the company (OKed) was trying to push. It wasn't "intended" to be the hit, but DJ's started playing that one, and the rest is history.

I love Shindig, a very underrated show. Almost everyone went on and sang live (music could be live or recorded) but it's a great look at these people, many of whom are sadly passed on. They really got to show their stuff in prime time. R.I.P. Major, you and Curtis were a great team!

[ClarkKent2024]

this song would never be accepted today

[LauraAmiga]

Why?

[idahovandal]

Nice live performance. WTG Lance and the Shindogs.

[MISSEDHERSIR]

This is Rock and Roll. I believe Curtis Mayfield wrote it, or

produced a lot of Major Lance's material. A real classic!

[gfhandel]

Absolutely has "Curtis Mayfield" Chicago sound written all over this..thanks.

[seventhvette]

One of my favorite songs of all time, really enjoyed seeing this clip. THANKS

[Breeslave]

Everybody knows I'm a Monkey.

[glimmer2158]

The Rolling Stones stole the riff off this song for Under My Thumb

[Tulin1818]

I meant 1:31 for the pup. This is quite beautiful. Please see Dusty Springfield in the "spotlight" doing "I Only Wanna Be With You" in 1964...

[Tulin1818]

Who's the dog at 1:35?

[salemst]

Major Lance was a boxer?? I'll be damned. Great voice with amazing energy--and one heck of a dancer.  That explains the moves. Really enjoy his music.

Bill

[cwalke3]

Major and Jackie Wilson, both former boxers were tops in person. Great Entertainers.

[terronjb]

major lance used to be a boxer so he incorporated all them moves from that he used on the stage from the boxing ring

[BooBooLane]

Makes it look easy

[peeterpoon]

Few singers conveyed happiness the way Major Lance did!

[marbleann]

Another great song. I use to love Shindig and Hallabuloo. Thanks for the video. God I remember doing the Monkey.

[dancingnature]

me too.... aint we getting old

[marbleann]

So old I can't do it anymore. lol

[DottyParker]

What a magnificent, all-around talent Major Lance was. I wish I could dance like that.

[mgtamla87]

thanks for that brill

[JET997u]

Major lance had the moves. And how 'bout those Shindig! go-go dancers!