"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]
The Surfaris' 1963 hit single "Wipe Out" was based on this song.[5]
Track listing
7-inch single
- Side A
- "Bongo Rock" (Preston Epps, Arthur Egnoian) – 2:00
- Side B
- "Bongo Party" (Egnoian) – 2:02
Charts
| Chart (1959) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[6] | 14 |
Incredible Bongo Band version
Incredible Bongo Band recorded a cover version of "Bongo Rock", which charted #57 in the United States.[7] It was included in the band's 1973 album Bongo Rock under the title "Bongo Rock '73".[8] DJ Kool Herc used it in his sets.[9] It gained significant popularity in early hip hop circles as a breakbeat.[9]
The song reached #20 on Canadian charts, partly because the producers registered it as Canadian content with MAPL certification.[10] 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.[11] It reached #25 on the Canadian AC charts.[12]
Track listing
7-inch single
- Side A
- "Bongo Rock" (Preston Epps, Arthur Egnoian) – 2:36
- Side B
- "Bongolia" (Perry Botkin Jr.) – 2:14
Charts
| Chart (1973) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 57 |
References
- ^ Hamilton, Andrew. "Preston Epps". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ Koda, Cub (1994). Rock Instrumental Classics Volume 1: The Fifties (p. 14) [CD booklet]. Los Angeles: Rhino Records.
- ^ "CHUM Hit Parade - June 29, 1959". CHUM Tribute Site.
- ^ Wilds, Tony. "Bongo Bongo Bongo - Preston Epps". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ Doerschuk, Andy; Schnale, Wally (January 16, 2013). "A Look Back At The Heyday Of Rock Drum Solos". Drum Magazine. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100 (Week of June 29, 1959)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Billboard Hot 100 (Week of August 25, 1973)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ "Release: Bongo Rock - Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band / Incredible Bongo Band (CD - Toshiba EMI #TOCP-64196)". AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Laurence, Rebecca (August 11, 2023). "Hip-hop 50: The party that started hip-hop". BBC. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - September 1, 1973" (PDF). Collections Canada.
- ^ Sample This (2012 film), directed by Dan Forrer, GoDigital.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 AC - September 15, 1973" (PDF). Collections Canada.
External links
- "Bongo Rock" at Discogs (list of releases) [Preston Epps version]
- "Bongo Rock" at Discogs (list of releases) [Incredible Bongo Band version]