"Georgy Porgy" () is a song by American rock band Toto. It was written by band member David Paich and included on their self-titled debut album in 1978. Released as the album's third single in 1979, the song reached number 11 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number 18 on Billboards Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Background The lead vocals are performed by guitarist Steve Lukather. Cheryl Lynn provided the female backing vocal, singing an adaptation from the nursery rhyme "Georgie Porgie." In a 1988 interview with Modern Drummer, Jeff Porcaro discussed developing the groove for "Georgy Porgy," saying: "It's imitating Paul Humphrey heavily; it's imitating Earl Palmer very heavily. When it comes to that groove, my biggest influences were Paul Humphrey, Ed Greene, Earl Palmer, and the godfather of that 16th-note groove, James Gadson. That "Georgy Porgy" groove I owe to them."
Critical reception Cash Box said the song begins "with stout drumming and melodic piano playing, conga backing and excellent overlapping flute, guitar and vocal lines." Billboard called it "an easy flowing, catchy pop disk which contains some jazz and soul elements" and praised the piano and bass playing as well as the vocal line. Record World said that it "has a light jazzy feeling and clear punchy vocals" as well as powerful instrumentation. Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as Toto's 7th greatest song, saying that "The song’s incredible swing feel that was so captivating the first time we heard it, still remains an additive pleasure to listen to almost forty years later."
Personnel
Toto Steve Lukather – lead vocals, guitars David Paich – piano Steve Porcaro – synthesizers David Hungate – bass Jeff Porcaro – drums
Additional musicians Lenny Castro – congas, tambourine, claves Jim Horn – saxophone, flute Chuck Findley – trumpet Cheryl Lynn – backing vocals
Production Marty Paich – string arrangements Sid Sharp – string arrangments Dana Latham – recording/tracking Gabe Veltri – recording/tracking Tom Knox – mixing Mike Reese – mastering Ron Hitchcock – mastering
Release history RegionDateUnited StatesApril 3, 1979United KingdomJune 1, 1979
Charts + Weekly chart performance for "Georgy Porgy" Chart (1979) Peakposition
Certifications
Eric Benét version
American R&B singer-songwriter Eric Benét recorded a cover of "Georgy Porgy" for his second studio album, A Day in the Life (1999). This version features vocals from fellow American R&B singer Faith Evans and was produced by R&B group Somethin' for the People. Released on February 8, 1999, Benét's version was successful in New Zealand, where it peaked at number two on the RIANZ Singles Chart, and it became a top-40 hit in France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Music video A music video for "Georgy Porgy" was directed by Canadian music video director Little X.
Track listings UK CD1 "Georgy Porgy" (radio edit) – 4:19 "Georgy Porgy" (So So Def radio remix with rap) – 3:56 "Georgy Porgy" (Somethin' for the People remix) – 4:45 "Georgy Porgy" (So So Def radio remix without rap) – 3:34
UK CD2 "Georgy Porgy" (album version) – 4:40 "Georgy Porgy" (Spreadlove's 2 step vocal mix) – 6:21 "Georgy Porgy" (Hippie Torales radio remix) – 3:24
UK 12-inch single A1. "Georgy Porgy" (Hippie Torales remix) – 6:14 B1. "Georgy Porgy" (Spreadlove's 2 step vocal mix) – 6:21 B2. "Georgy Porgy" (Spreadlove's Demonic dub) – 5:35
European CD single "Georgy Porgy" (radio edit) – 4:19 "Georgy Porgy" (Hippie Torales remix) – 6:14
Australian CD single "Georgy Porgy" (radio edit) "Georgy Porgy" (Hippie Torales radio remix) "Georgy Porgy" (Hani's Fresh Air remix) "Georgy Porgy" (Roy Davis Jr. Heavenly Body remix) "Georgy Porgy" (Hippie Torrales remix) "Georgy Porgy" (Roy Davis Jr. Galactic Soul remix)
Japanese CD single "Georgy Porgy" (radio edit) – 4:19 "Georgy Porgy" (K.D.'s club dub) – 6:49 "Georgy Porgy" (a cappella) – 4:18 "Georgy Porgy" (instrumental) – 4:40 "Georgy Porgy" (album version) – 4:40
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1999)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1999)PositionUK Urban (Music Week)7New Zealand (RIANZ)43US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)54US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)37
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesFebruary 8, 1999Urban radioWarner Bros.March 16, 1999Rhythmic contemporary radioJapanMarch 25, 1999CDUnited KingdomApril 19, 1999
References