Released June 1965 (1965-06) Genre Rock Label Mustang, Liberty | Format 7" single Length 2:34 | |
B-side "Another Sad and Lonely Night" | ||
"Let Her Dance" is a song by The Bobby Fuller Four. It was the group's fourth single under Del-Fi Records, and the first to achieve success.
Contents
"Let Her Dance" is actually a modified version of an earlier Bobby Fuller song, "Keep on Dancing." The modifications came as a result of Bob Keane, who slowed it down and added a bottle-tapping rhythm to it (inspired by Randy Fuller tapping to the song with a beer bottle). In addition, Randy was also responsible for remaking the bass line. Bobby, however, hated the song once it was finished, preferring the Tex-Mex sound of the original.
The single was first released in June 1965 on Mustang Records, backed with "Another Sad and Lonely Night." While becoming a local hit on the Los Angeles charts, it underperformed on the national charts, missing the Top 100 at #133. It was re-released multiple times afterwards (including a release by Liberty Records), but it did little to change its chart status. Despite this, it remained a popular song for the group, and was performed live on Shivaree and Where the Action Is. It was also released on the LP KRLA King of the Wheels in 1965, and later I Fought the Law in 1966.
Legacy
Since the song was a local hit, the Bobby Fuller Four made a jingle for a Gallenkamp Shoes advertisement, singing to the tune of "Let Her Dance."
The song was covered by Marshall Crenshaw on his 1989 album Good Evening, by Phil Seymour on his 1981 album Phil Seymour and by Bobby Fuller Drive (featuring Randy Fuller of the original Bobby Fuller Four).
"Let Her Dance" was also featured on the soundtrack of Fantastic Mr. Fox, as well as many greatest hits albums of the Bobby Fuller Four. The song served as the theme music of the Channel 4 sketch comedy program Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights.