The Saxophone Solo in 'Let's Turkey Trot': Unveiling the Legend
After listening to "Let's Turkey Trot," my educated guess would be that the saxophone solo is indeed performed by King Curtis. The solo style is Curtis-esque, reminiscent of his solo on "Yakkety-Yak."
Révealing the Mystery: Who Played Sax on 'Let's Turkey Trot'?
Using the information from Wikipedia, "Let's Turkey Trot" is a popular song written by Gerry Goffin and Jack Keller. Some sources, including the original 45 RPM, have incorrectly credited the music to Carole King, who was Goffin's wife and songwriting partner. However, Carole King had no involvement in this particular song.
The song was recorded by Little Eva, and it was released as her third single for the Dimension label in February 2, 1963. At the time of its release, it debuted on the charts and peaked at 20 on the Hot 100. It was Eva's third top 40 hit.
The Collaborative Effort: Little Eva's Third Single
Little Eva's "Let's Turkey Trot" is a standout track with notable contributions from the "The Cookies," the background vocal group. The song features girl group The Cookies on background vocals and a standout solo line by the group's lead singer, Earl-Jean McCrea.
An Interesting Dance Reference: The Turkey Trot
The title, "Let's Turkey Trot," is a reference to a dance step called the Turkey Trot, which was briefly popular fifty years before the song's release. The song's tempo is notably slower than the rapid pace employed for the dance during its heyday.
The Story Behind 'Easy Rider'
"Let's Turkey Trot" did not make an appearance in the soundtrack for "Easy Rider." Despite the song's popularity, it was omitted from the album that accompanied the film, highlighting the song's significance beyond just the movie context.
King Curtis, with his unique style and Curtis-esque solo, added a distinctive flavor to "Let's Turkey Trot." This song encapsulates the essence of a bygone era but also stands as a testament to the enduring quality of King Curtis's saxophone playing.
Conclusion
While the exact identity of the saxophonist in "Let's Turkey Trot" remains a fascinating mystery, King Curtis's style is unmistakable. His contribution to this 1960s pop classic remains a testament to the enduring legacy of his saxophone playing. The song's rich history and the unique style of King Curtis contribute to its continued place in the annals of popular music.