"Don't Mess with Bill" is a song recorded by the Marvelettes for Motown Records' Tamla label.The Complete Motown Singles Vol 5: 1965 [CD liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal Records. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, "Don't Mess with Bill" features a lead vocal by Wanda Young. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966, and at number three on Billboard's R&B singles chart. "Don't Mess with Bill" was the Marvelettes' final top 10 single.[ Don't Mess with Bill at Allmusic]
Background The titular "Bill" referenced is not an allusion to the song's author, Bill "Smokey" Robinson. Robinson reports that he chose the name because it fit the lyrics, not because it was his.
Cash Box described it as a "funky medium-paced pop-blues shuffler about love-struck gal who serves notice on one and all to leave her fella alone."
Personnel Lead vocals by Wanda Young Rogers Background vocals by the Andantes: Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps Instrumentation by the Funk BrothersLiner notes. The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 5: 1965, Hip-O Select – B0006775-02, USA, 04 Aug 2006 Bass – James Jamerson Congas – Eddie "Bongo" Brown Drums – Benny Benjamin Guitar – Robert White Organ – Earl Van Dyke Baritone saxophone – Andrew "Mike" Terry Tenor saxophone solo – Norris Patterson Trombone – Don White, Paul Riser Trumpet – Floyd Jones, John Trudell Vibraphone – Jack Ashford
Chart performance Chart (1965–1966)PeakpositionCanada (CHUM Hit Parade) 31Canada (RPM 100) 70US Billboard Hot 1007US Top Selling Rhythm & Blues Singles (Billboard)3
Other versions It was included as part of the Spinners' "Superstar Medley", released on the 1975 Spinners Live! album.The Spinners Live! LP
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