You Turn Me On (song)

For the Ed Bruce song, see You Turn Me On (Like a Radio). For the Beat Happening song, see You Turn Me On.

"You Turn Me On (Turn On Song)"
Single by Ian Whitcomb and Bluesville
B-side	"Poor But Honest"
Released	1965
Genre	British Invasion, Rock & Roll
Length	2:44
Label	Tower 134
Songwriter(s)	Ian Whitcomb
Producer(s)	Jerry Dennon
Ian Whitcomb and Bluesville singles chronology
"This Sporting Life" (1965) "You Turn Me On (Turn On Song)" (1965) "N-E-R-V-O-US!" (1965)

"You Turn Me On (Turn On Song)" is a 1965 single by Ian Whitcomb and Bluesville, written by Ian Whitcomb.^[1]

Background

The song is noticeable for Whitcomb's falsetto and "orgasmic vocal hook".^[2] Whitcomb recorded this song with his band, Bluesville. The hit version is edited; the original single as recorded was over 3 minutes and had a longer intro during which a mike stand can be clearly heard falling into a studio wall and it had a cold ("stinger") ending. The band Bluesville featured Mick Molloy on lead guitar, Deke O'Brien on Rhythm Guitar, Brian Lynch on bass, Ian McGarry on drums and Pete Adler and Barry Richardson on saxophones.

Chart performance

As part of the British Invasion, "You Turn Me On" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. the week of July 17, 1965 and number 30 in Canada.^[3][4]

Cover versions

• American actress and singer Mae West included a version on her 1966 album Way Out West.
• American dance music singer Crystal Waters recorded it for the soundtrack of the 1992 film Encino Man.

References

1. "secondhandsongs.com". secondhandsongs.com. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
2. Allmusic artist bio
3. Billboard Hot 100, Week of July 17, 1965 – Billboard.com. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
4. "RPM Top 40 Singles - June 14, 1965" (PDF).