"Oh, What a Night" is a song first recorded by the doo-wop group the Dells and released in 1956, originally under the title "Oh, What a Nite". It is said to have been inspired by a party, which had been held in the Dells' honor by some female friends of the group.
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Reception
The Dells' original 1956 recording on the Vee-Jay label peaked at #4 on the R&B singles chart. In 1969, they refashioned it as a soul song on the Cadet label. The August 2, 1969 edition of Record World gave it a "Four Star Pick" review, stating: "This old, old, old, oldie sounds newer than tomorrow, via the Dells chartbreaker express. All will dig." The new "Oh, What a Night" was notably different from its original counterpart with an altered arrangement and tempo, and included a spoken recitation, in the introduction, from bass singer Chuck Barksdale. This new version reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and #1 on the Best Selling Soul singles chart.
The 1969 version was ranked #260 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
"Oh, What a Night" was subsequently recorded by Sly Stone & the Biscaynes (1978), Tracey Ullman (1983), Lester Bowie (1986), the Moonlighters (1988), Nick Kamen (1988), Barbara Jones (1995), Donnie & the Del Chords (1999), and Unisoghn (2001).
Personnel
1956 version
Lead vocals: Johnny Funches, Marvin Junior
Background vocals: Johnny Funches, Marvin Junior, Michael McGill, Chuck Barksdale, Verne Allison
1969 version
Lead vocals: Junior Marvin (Marvin Junior), Johnny Carter
Background vocals: Johnny Carter, Michael McGill, Chuck Barksdale, Verne Allison
Spoken intro: Chuck Barksdale
Producer: Bobby Miller