About the song

In the golden age of doo-wop harmony groups, Little Anthony & The Imperials stood out for their smooth vocals and infectious energy. Their 1959 hit, “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop,” perfectly captures the playful spirit and danceable rhythms of the genre.

The song opens with a call to action – “Come on, everybody, let’s do the rock.” With a driving backbeat and handclaps, the mood is instantly set for a party. Little Anthony’s smooth tenor vocals lead the way, backed by the group’s signature tight harmonies that effortlessly weave through the catchy melody. The playful call-and-response lyrics, punctuated by the now-iconic “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop,” are pure joy, guaranteed to get your feet moving.

“Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop” wasn’t just a party anthem; it was a cultural touchstone. The song topped the Billboard R&B chart and crossed over to pop audiences, becoming a million-seller and propelling the group to national stardom. It has been featured in countless movies and television shows, a testament to its enduring popularity.

More than just a catchy tune, “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop” is a reminder of a simpler time in music. It’s a song that celebrates the joy of dancing and having fun, a spirit that transcends generations. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and let Little Anthony & The Imperials transport you back to a time when all you needed was a catchy beat and some good company to have a blast.

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Lyric

Oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh – ahOh, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh – ah
Shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bop (ahh)Shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bop (ahh)
Sittin’ in a native hutAll alone and blueSittin’ in a native hutWonderin’ what to doAlong came a native girlDid a native danceIt was like in paradisePut me in a trance
Goin’ shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bop
Joined her in her dancin’ spreeFelt my spine a-tingleHeld her tight and close to meMan, I’m glad I’m single
Heaven, she showed me what to doFirst I was amazedSoon I learned a step or twoPut me in a daze
Goin’ shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopYou can do the ko-ko bopNow’s no time to stop
Left foot forwardRight one backBring them side by sideSyncopate your last two stepsNow you’re gonna glideKeep along the rhythm trackGirls please show ’em howNow you start to arch your backMan, you got it now
Goin’ shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bop, ohShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bop
Shimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy bopShimmy, shimmy ko-ko-bopShimmy, shimmy ah