B-side "Honky Tonk (Part 2)" Format 7" Label King
5573 | Released 1956 (1956) Genre Rhythm and blues | |
Length 3:05 (Part 1)
2:32 (Part 2) | ||
"Honky Tonk" is a rhythm and blues instrumental written by Billy Butler, Bill Doggett, Clifford Scott and Shep Shepherd. Doggett recorded it as a two-part single in 1956. It peaked at number two for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the biggest R&B hit of the year, spending thirteen non-consecutive weeks at the top of the charts. "Honky Tonk" became Doggett's signature piece and an R&B standard recorded by many other performers.
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James Brown version
In 1972, James Brown recorded "Honky Tonk" with his band The J.B.'s, who were credited as "The James Brown Soul Train". The song was released as a two-part single which reached number seven on the R&B charts and number 44 on the pop charts.
Other recordings
Cornell Hurd Band on "Boonville – Live in Mendocino County" (2015)