"Rockin' Robin" (originally released as "Rock-In Robin" on the Class Records 45 single) is a song written by Leon René under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas, and recorded by American singer Bobby Day in 1958. It was Day's biggest hit single, becoming a number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and spent one week at the top of the R&B sales chart. Michael Jackson recorded his own version of the song in 1972, which also achieved success.

Personnel Bobby Day – vocals Plas Johnson – piccolo Earl Palmer – drums Barney Kessel – guitar

Copyright status "Rockin' Robin" is in the public domain, as the owners never renewed the copyright.

Charts +Chart performance for "Rockin' Robin"Chart (1958)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)9Canada (CHUM Charts)3US Billboard Hot 1002US Billboard Rhythm & Blues Records1

Certifications

Michael Jackson version

In 1972, Michael Jackson released a cover of "Rockin' Robin". It was the second single from his debut solo album Got to Be There, after the title track. It was the most successful single from the album, hitting number one on the Cash Box singles chart, and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 (the same highest position as the original), behind "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. It also peaked at number two Billboard soul singles chart, behind "In the Rain" by the Dramatics.

Record World said that "little Michael rocks in with a revival of the big Bobby Day hit of the rockin' 1950s".

Track listing A. "Rockin' Robin" – 2:30 B. "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" – 2:51

Chart performance +Chart performance for "Rockin' Robin" by Michael JacksonChart (1972)PeakpositionAustralia (Go-Set National Top 40)23Australia (Kent Music Report)16New Zealand (Listener)16Swedish Singles Chart (Kvällstoppen)1US Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles2US Billboard Hot 1002US Cash Box Top 1001

Certifications and sales

Lolly version In 1999, English singer Lolly released a cover of "Rockin' Robin" as a double A-side single with "Big Boys Don't Cry". It was a top 10 hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 10 in December of that year and remaining on the chart for a total of 11 weeks.

See also List of 1950s one-hit wonders in the United States

References