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1959 single by Preston Epps From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Bongo Rock" is a rock and roll instrumental recorded by Preston Epps, written by Epps and Arthur Egnoian.[1] Released as a single in 1959, it charted #14 Pop in the United States,[2] and #4 in Canada.[3] It was included in Epps' 1960 album Bongo Bongo Bongo.[4]
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2015) |
"Bongo Rock" | |
---|---|
Single by Preston Epps | |
from the album Bongo Bongo Bongo | |
B-side | "Bongo Party" |
Released | April 1959 |
Genre | Instrumental rock |
Length | 2:00 |
Label | Original Sound 4 |
Songwriter(s) |
|
Incredible Bongo Band recorded a cover version of "Bongo Rock", which charted #57 in the United States.[5] It was included in the band's 1973 album Bongo Rock under the title "Bongo Rock '73".[6] DJ Kool Herc used it in his sets.[7] It gained significant popularity in early hip hop circles as a breakbeat.[7]
The song reached #20 on Canadian charts, partly because the producers registered it as Canadian content with MAPL certification.[8] This is despite the fact that the recording had been made in Los Angeles by an entirely American line-up of musicians (Ed Greene, Wilton Felder, Joe Sample, David T. Walker, Bobbye Hall, and Dean Parks). The song's MAPL certification helped push it up the charts in Canada.[9] It reached #25 on the Canadian AC charts.[10]
The Surfaris' 1963 hit single "Wipe Out" was based on this song.[11]
Chart (1959) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard Hot 100[12] | 14 |
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