"Down at the Twist and Shout" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter. It celebrates the Bethesda, Maryland, dance and music venue Twist & Shout.[1] It was released in June 1991 as the third single from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on September 14, 1991.[2] The Cajun-themed song features backing from members of BeauSoleil, who are also name-dropped in the lyrics.[3] Carpenter (and BeauSoleil) performed the song pregame at Super Bowl XXXI.
In 1992, "Down at the Twist and Shout" won Carpenter a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.[4] It was also nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year, losing to Billy Dean's "Somewhere in My Broken Heart".
Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded a cover for their 1992 album Chipmunks in Low Places.
American Aquarium covered the song on their 2021 album Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1.
Music video
The music video was directed by Jack Cole and premiered in mid-1991.
Personnel
Per liner notes from Shooting Straight in the Dark.[3]
- Peter Bonta – acoustic guitar
- Jimmy Breaux – accordion, Cajun yells
- Mary Chapin Carpenter – lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar
- Michael Doucet – fiddle, Cajun yells
- John Jennings – electric guitar, backing vocals, Cajun yells
- Robbie Magruder – drums
- Rico Petruccelli – bass guitar
- Billy Ware – percussion, Cajun yells
Chart performance
| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[5] | 7 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 2 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1991) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[7] | 82 |
| US Country Songs (Billboard)[8] | 47 |
References
- ^ Harrington, Richard (1998-08-11). "Last Dance at Twist & Shout". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 2017-08-27. Retrieved 2021-02-16.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 69.
- ^ a b Mary Chapin Carpenter (1990). Shooting Straight in the Dark (CD). Columbia Records. CK 46077.
- ^ "bio". www.marychapincarpenter.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
- ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 1628." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. September 21, 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ^ "Mary Chapin Carpenter Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Country Tracks of 1991". RPM. December 21, 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ^ "Best of 1991: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
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