"Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" is a 1967 song written by Maurice Irby, Jr. and first released by Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs in November 1966 as "Ready or Not"."Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie by Jay and The Techniques" Second Hand Songs. Retrieved 11 December 2025. It was a hit in a version produced by Jerry Ross, arranged by Joe Renzetti and performed by Jay & the Techniques on their 1968 album of the same name.Jay & the Techniques, Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie Retrieved January 4, 2014Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Single Release Retrieved January 4, 2014
Background Bobby Hebb was originally offered "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie", but rejected it due to its novelty sound. Jerry Ross then offered it to Jay & the Techniques.Mary Wells, "My Guy" Review Retrieved January 4, 2014 The song was originally recorded in January 1967 at Bell Sound Studios in New York with Ross producing and Joe Renzetti arranging and conducting. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson provided backing vocals, accompanying the lead singer Jay Proctor; Ross used session musicians for the instrumental backing in place of the Techniques. This process would continue for all of the band's singles recorded after this.
Chart performance "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" reached #6 on the Billboard chart and #8 on the U.S. R&B chartJay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" U.S. Chart Positions Retrieved January 4, 2014 Outside the United States, it peaked at #6 on the Canadian R&B chart,Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Canadian R&B Chart Position Retrieved February 28, 2015 and #61 on the Canadian pop chart.Jay & the Techniques, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Canadian Pop Chart Position Retrieved February 28, 2015
Other versions Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, using the title "Ready or Not", on their 1967 The Best of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs album on MGM Records (#SE-4422.)Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, The Best Of Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs Retrieved February 6, 2015 Truman Thomas, on his 1967 album Groovin''' on the United Artists side label Veep (#VPS 16517).Truman Thomas, Groovin Retrieved February 6, 2015 The Fourmost, a single in November 1968.The Fourmost, "Apples, Peaches And Pumpkin Pie" Single Release Retrieved January 4, 2014 Mary Wells, on her 1968 album, Servin' Up Some Soul.Mary Wells, Servin' Up Some Soul Retrieved January 4, 2014Jubilee Album Discography, Part 4 (1966-1969): 8000 Series Retrieved May 18, 2015 Foster Sylvers, on his 1974 album, Foster Sylvers Featuring Pat & Angie Sylvers.Foster Sylvers, Foster Sylvers Featuring Pat & Angie Sylvers Retrieved January 4, 2014 Brave Combo, on their 1999 album, Polkasonic''.Brave Combo, Polkasonic Retrieved January 4, 2014
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