"Baby Scratch My Back" is a 1965 rhythm and blues song by blues singer Slim Harpo. It is mostly an instrumental piece with occasional monologue and harmonica fills by Harpo.[2]
Although it had some success with rock audiences (reaching number 16 on Billboard'sHot 100 chart), "Baby Scratch My Back" was a number one hit in 1966 on the magazine's Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart.[3] It was Harpo's most commercially successful single[2] and was subsequently recorded by several musicians.[4]
Background
The backing has been described as "a laconic, loping beat with tremolo laden guitar, wood block maracas, and snapping snare drum sound".[5] The "chicken scratch" guitar was played by James Johnson.[6]
Harpo referred to it as "an attempt at rock and roll for me".[2] Several rock groups had recorded some of his songs, including the Rolling Stones ("I'm a King Bee") and the Kinks ("Got Love If You Want It"). Music writer Todd Everett noted "Harpo evidently figured that he had a future in rock and roll".[2]
Influences
In 1966, juke joint blues musician Frank Frost recorded an adaptation of "Baby Scratch My Back" titled "My Back Scratcher".[7] The session was produced by former Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore for the Louisiana record label Jewel. Released as a single, it reached number 43 on the R&B chart, marking Frost's only appearance in the record charts.[3]
^
Marshall, James "The Hound" (1994). The Best of Excello Records (Album notes). Various artists. Los Angeles: Excello Records. p. 5. OCLC70696292. CD 3001.
