Shake a Hand

"Shake a Hand" is a 1953 song written by the trumpeter and bandleader Joe Morris and originally recorded by Faye Adams,^[2] whose version stayed number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart for nine weeks.^[3]

"Shake a Hand"
Song by Faye Adams
B-side	"I've Got to Leave You"
Recorded	1953
Genre	Blues[1] gospel[1]
Label	Herald Records
Songwriter(s)	Joe Morris
Faye Adams singles chronology
"Shake a Hand" "I'll Be True"

Background

The song, which has a strong gospel feel throughout, depicts a reassuring new lover making promises: "Just give me a chance, I'll take care of everything.^[4]

Cover versions

• Red Foley (number 6 country, 1953)^[5]
• Johnnie Ray (1956)^[6]
• Pat Boone (on the 1957 album Pat)^[7]
• The Mike Pedicin Quintet (number 71 pop, 1958)^[8]
• Little Richard (on the 1959 album The Fabulous Little Richard)^[9]
• LaVern Baker (number 13 R&B, 1960)^[10]
• Jackie Wilson and Linda Hopkins (number 21 R&B, number 42 pop, 1963) ^[11][12]
• Freddie Scott (on the 1967 album Are You Lonely for Me?)^[13]
• Magic Sam (1968, on the posthumous 1993 album Give Me Time)^[14]
• Elvis Presley (on the 1975 album Today)^[15]
• Ike & Tina Turner (on the 1985 album Golden Empire)^[16]
• Lou Ann Barton (on the 1989 album Read My Lips)^[17]
• Paul McCartney (on the 1999 album Run Devil Run)^[18]