One of my favorite tunes from back in the mid-sixties, when I listened to Kirk Wilde, Gary Shannon and Harvey Brown on KPUG, was “Barefootin'” by Robert Parker. Parker was born in Mobile, but he grew up in New Orleans. In his early years Parker was better known for his sax than his singing. He played sax for the legendary musician Professor Longhair on the Professor’s 1949 hit “Mardi Gras In New Orleans.” Parker played sax with the best known New Orleans’ performers including Fats Domino and Irma Thomas.
In the early ’60s, Parker experienced some lean years and had to take jobs outside the music industry. Then he wrote “Barefootin’.” It was released on Nola Records (a New Orleans label), and it peaked in June 1966 — reaching No.2 on the U.S. Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside the US, it went to No.7 in Canada and No.24 on the UK Singles Chart. “Barefootin'” sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. Parker had another minor R&B hit (No. 48) with “Tip Toe” but he never had another smash hit. Parker continued to perform and tour for many more years, and he remained very popular in the UK. Parker died in January of this year (2020).
I don’t know the source of the video or what TV show it came from, but it is a fun and nostalgic soulful performance. Click twice on the video link below…first time to go to Vimeo, the second time to start the video.
Presently editor and historical writer with QZVX.COM in Seattle. Former radio broadcaster and radio station owner, 1970-1999. Journalism and speech communications degrees. I enjoy researching articles and online reporting that allows me to meld together words, audio and video. P.S. I appreciate and encourage reader comments and opinions.
Tell that to the little girl with the red dress on.
Ain’t got no shoes on!
Jack…you old dog you. Are you saying you like those bare feet?
No….that will be my Karmic Retribution, for being such a misanthrope in this life!
Jack…thanks for the clarification.
Dick…I bet that made the little man in the red dress get pretty steamed up.
Hey little man with your red dress on…now that you’ve unboxed my new stove and refrigerator…didn’t they tell you the kitchen’s one floor up…the stairs are right over there just behind the furnace…sorry I didn’t get around to getting the clothes off the line…just move whatever’s in the way…and don’t scratch anything…
Hey little man with your red dress on…can you balance my rear tires? Is that what you mean, Dick?
“In the early ’60s, Parker experienced some lean years and had to take jobs outside the music industry.”
I think all who loiter here can all identify with that. Show of hands?
It was one of the first songs they were playing when I first listened to the radio. I do not know why but, forever, I cannot get the line out of my head about “Hey little girl with your red dress on.”
Careful, Steve, your mind is wandering!
For some unknown reason, this song REALLY bugged my dad when I was a kid, which was unusual because he was not a complaining type of person. But he would grumble every time the song came on. He thought it was stupid.
I think I have confused Robert Parker with Junior Parker!…anyway, the thought of dancing barefoot with other people really grossed me out…IMO, feet are ugly, smelly human appendages…thank God we mostly wear shoes!
Jack,
As long as you don’t confuse Candy Samples with Junior Samples, you should be okay.
The fact that you know of Candy Samples, gives me a strange feeling of being in an obscure cult of elderly perverts!…Makes my day, actually.
Jack…..you need to just groove to the beat and not think about smelly feet. I have seen some ladies who looked pretty good barefoot or in thongs back when thongs were something you wore on your feet.
Dick…I recalled Junior but not Candy. Looked her up. Jack is correct you are leaning perv.
When in doubt, consult your dog, Jack!
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/7a/6c/7f7a6c66dc5ef38f843a9ecb7cbf3f1d.jpg
In my next life, I will be that dog!