“In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry
Posted: May 8, 2012 Filed under: 1970's | Tags: mungo jerry, summertime 4 Comments » Ray Dorset
Growing up in the 50′s, Dorset was influenced by the greats; mainly Bill Haley & Elvis Presley. Influenced by the evolving industry of music, he began his first ‘band’ at the mere age of 11 called the ‘Blue Moon Skiffle Group’.The drummer of which was strangely Phil Collins. Advancing into his 20′s, his then band named The Conchords, alternated regularly with the Rolling Stones at the Station Hotel in England. Yet it wasn’t until the formation of Mungo Jerry and the release of ‘In the Summertime’ that this multi-instrumental muscian found his critical acclaim. The track hit #1 on the UK charts as well as in other countries, selling over 6 million copies globally.
The men of Mungo Jerry slapping strings in the sun for us:
- Download ‘In the Summertime’
Hardly a one-hit wonder – he had his first two records go to number one, his third went to number three and only missed the top spot because the BBC banned it because of the ‘B’ side and his record company stopped selling it. He then had numerous top 10 and top 20 hits and even penned a number one for Kelly Marie – Feels Like I’m In Love. Multi-award winning In The Summertime has now sold around 40 million copies ans still sells strongly today.
BTW it wasn’t THE Phil Collins in one of his first bands.
I intended that angle to more revolve around the single that they’re majorly remembered by, not so much the hits they had during their success.
Thanks for your comment though, and I’ll edit the phil Collins part out. My mistake.
Yes, I can see that – but as a long-time fan I do get irritated by the comment as it’s just not true!! You either had one hit – or you had more!!
And, I can tell you that I have been at several gigs in the last year when massive crowds – of all ages – have sung and danced to Lady Rose and were word perfect.
The problem that Mungo Jerry has always had is that their press has never been as enthusiastic as their fans, of which there are many. They were never a popular band with the music press for some reason and it appears that their manager was only interested in creaming money off them and not actually promoting them.
But, nonetheless, it’s a song that is here to stay and it’s good that you like it so thank you for keeping the MJ name alive.
Haha no problem! I really do love Ray Dorset and the direction Mungo Jerry went with their music. Obviously my researched couldn’t compete with a die-hard fan like yourself. Thanks for taking time to comment and point out my errors.
Long live the Great Dorset.