"Somebody's Knockin" is a song recorded by American country music singer Terri Gibbs. It was released in October 1980 as her debut single and title track from her album Somebody's Knockin. It was co-written by Jerry Gillespie and Ed Penney. Penney was a record company executive who liked Gibbs's voice when he first heard her audition tape, but felt she needed stronger material.Nancy Bishop. "Terri Gibbs: At Last Fame is Knockin' at her Door." Dallas Morning News, November 23, 1981 Paper, p. C8. Penney was a former Boston disc jockey who had promoted records and written a number of songs before moving to Nashville.Dick Dew. "Rate Tony C. A 'Natural' As Singer." Boston Sunday Advertiser, January 17, 1965, p. 52. He was the producer of "Somebody's Knockin'" and became Terri Gibbs's manager.Ken Mayer. "The Night Mayer." Boston Herald, June 26, 1982, p. B8.
Critical reception An uncredited review in Billboard praised Gibbs' "unusual vocal sound" and the "Louisiana-flavored production".
The song's success led to Gibbs winning the 1981 Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist award, and the first Horizon (now New Artist) Award from the Country Music Association.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
Chart performance Chart (1980–1981) Peakposition Australia (KMR)Australian Chart Book - David Kent pp12452 Canadian RPM Top Singles20 Canadian RPM Country Tracks2 Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary14New Zealand (RIANZ)NZ Top 40 Singles, 3 May 198114 U.S. Billboard Hot 10013 U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles8 U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary3 U.S. Cash Box Top 100 10 Year-end chart (1981) RankUS Top Pop Singles (Billboard)51
See also List of 1980s one-hit wonders in the United States
References
External links Lyrics of this song