Land of a Thousand Dances

Thee Midniters

About Land of a Thousand Dances

"Land of a Thousand Dances" (or "Land of 1000 Dances") is a song written and first recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962. The song is famous for its "na na na na na" hook, which Cannibal & the Headhunters added in their 1965 version, which reached number 30 on the Billboard chart. Thee Midniters, an American group out of East Los Angeles, was one of the first Chicano rock bands to cover "Land of a Thousand Dances", scoring a local hit in 1965. The song was also covered by Danny & the Memories, British group The Action, Ted Nugent, the J. Geils Band, and the stars of the 1980s-era World Wrestling Federation. Ike & Tina Turner often performed this song live and it was released on their 1971 album Live In Paris. The song's best-known version was Wilson Pickett's 1966 recording, which became a Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs No. 1 and his biggest ever pop hit. Some releases of the song credit Antoine "Fats" Domino as a co-author of the song with Kenner. Domino agreed to record the song in exchange for half of the song's royalties. One of the earliest covers of the song is on Major Lance's debut album on Okeh, The Monkey Time (1963).  


Year:
2003
2:24
52 
#1

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One, two, three!
One, two, three!
You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie
Mashed Potato, do the Alligator
Put your hands on your hips, let your back-bone slip
Do the Watusi, like my little Lucy
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
You know I feel alright.
Feel pretty good y'all.

Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally
Twistin' with Lucy, doin the Watusi
Gotta hold of your back, I like it like that
Do the Jerk, watch me work
Ah, do it!

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Thee Midniters

Thee Midniters were an American group, amongst the first Chicano rock bands to have a major hit in the United States. Also they were and one of the best known acts to come out of East Los Angeles in the 1960s, with a cover of "Land of a Thousand Dances", and the instrumental track, "Whittier Boulevard" in 1965. They were amongst the first rock acts to openly sing about Chicano themes in songs such as "Chicano Power" and "The Ballad of César Chávez" in the late 1960s. more »

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Written by: Christopher Kenner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Cannibal & the Headhunters
"Land of a Thousand Dances" was their major hit and reached no. 30 on the Billboard charts in 1965. - The band is often known for its Chicano rock genre and the hit song gave the subgenre of American music mainstream recognition.
Ike & Tina Turner
Ike & Tina Turner released their version of the song in 1973. It was recorded for their album "Nutbush City Limits". - Their version was performed with an energetic funk style that further elevated the song's popularity.
J. Geils Band
The J. Geils Band recorded their version of "Land of a Thousand Dances" for their 1970 debut album, "The J. Geils Band". - Their cover of the song is a prime example of their unique blend of rock and roll and rhythm and blues.
Major Lance
Major Lance's version of the song was more of soul style and it became a Northern Soul classic in the UK. - Lance's recording of the song peaked at no. 26 in the UK in 1970.
Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent's cover of "Land of a Thousand Dances" is featured on his 1980 album "Scream Dream". - This American rock musician's version leans more towards the genre of hard rock and heavy metal.
Thee Midniters
The Chicano rock band Thee Midniters covered "Land of a Thousand Dances" in 1965. Their version became a hit on the West Coast of the U.S. - This band was one of the first Chicano rock bands to cover the song and help it gain popularity among a diverse group of audiences.
Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett's version is probably the most famous, peaking at no. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1966. - Pickett actually recorded two versions of the song. The second version had an introduction stating the names of dances which have since been associated with the song. - His version inspired numerous other artists to cover the tune and helped the song gain iconic status in American music history.

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