Dr. Feelgood (real name Willie Perryman) started his career as Piano Red in the 1950's. By the early 1960's he and his band were recording as Dr. Feelgood and The Interns. My introduction to him came via the single "What's Up, Doc"/"Right String But The Wrong Yo-Yo" (Okeh 7156), a nice rollicking two-sider and a record that I've had for several years. Today's selection was a recent find. "Doctor Feel-Good" made the national pop chart in 1962. Interestingly, the record seems less common than "What's Up Doc", even though I don't believe the latter one charted at all.
On "Doctor Feel-Good" the good Dr. is singing about his love for women. More specifically he's professing his passion for large women. He says, "Hey all of you women, now don't come around, unless you weigh about 400 pounds". "If you don't weigh want I want baby, don't come around at all", he adds. I guess that makes it perfectly clear, huh? He goes on to say that he's hard to please. I can picture him letting someone down easy with a line like, "Put on another 250 pounds and we'll talk".
The song has Dr. Feelgood's piano, some rat-a-tat drumming and guitar. It's upbeat but has a blues structure. The Doc's singing comes to a shout on several occasions and there are backing vocals. There's no break of any sort and the song wraps up in about 2:15. Overall, a good record that shouldn't take much bite out of your budget.
6 comments:
Yeah, once again I neglected to mention the b-side. Was Dr. Feelgood's version of "Mr. Moonlight" the original?
"Right String" was the hit side and charted, although lower than "Dr. Feelgood". Both are great tunes from 1962, although "Right String" had been a big hit for him as Piano Red in the early 50's. Believe he is from Atlanta.
Yeah, I think Phil was referring to my statement that "What's Up, Doc" didn't chart. "Right String" may have been the a-side though I don't show it charting on Cashbox. I don't have the Billboard book handy.
Now, I have such a headache,I'll need Dr. Feelgood! You are both right... and so am I.
CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE??
I would love to find a Dr. Feelgood LP or CD; always liked his stuff.
I believe there was an album on Okeh. There was also at least one single on Columbia, "Don't Tell me No Dirty"/"Where Did You Go". I have a copy of that one on the way via an eBay win.
I've found an OKEH album that has some of their material on it. I'm not sure the person actually has it, though. Sudenly I don't Feelgood! (sorry..)
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