Bill Doggett's Honky Tonk Part 1 & 2, a number he co-wrote with guitarist Billy Butler, sold over three million copies in 1956, the appeal could have been it's seemingly effortless simplicity, which, in fact, masks a complex and well crafted tune. Originally released in the US on King 4950 in July 1956 and in the UK on Parlophone in October 1956, first issues were with gold print as above, subsequent issues came with silver print (see below).
Originally the name of a certain bar or road house that sold hard liquor and entertainments, the term 'Honky Tonk' latter became used for varying types of American music.
An enduring piece of music it has been performed countless times by live bands and covered on record by many, amongst who it was given the Funk treatment by James Brown in 1972 (see below.)
HONKY TONK PART 1 * PARLOPHONE R4321 * UK
HONKY TONK PART 1 & 11 * THE JAMES BROWN SOUL TRAIN * POLYDOR 2066-216 * UK