The global summer anthem written in just ten minutes
In short: In 1970, a lab worker for Timex composed a chart-topping masterpiece during a brief break. Mungo Jerry's 'In the Summertime' became a worldwide phenomenon, but the recording process relied on a passing car and a bit of studio improvisation.
The song's origins are remarkably brief. While working in a laboratory for Timex, Ray Dorset, the lead singer of Mungo Jerry, composed the lyrics and melody in only ten minutes using a second-hand Fender Stratocaster. Released in 1970 on the Dawn Records label, the single achieved massive international success, including seven weeks at number one in the UK and two weeks at the top of the Canadian charts. It even reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The studio production involved clever workarounds to expand the track's length. Producer Barry Murray initially had a two-minute recording, so he played the recording twice, remixing the second half and inserting the sound of a motorcycle. Since the team could not find a motorcycle recording, engineer Howard Barrow drove his Triumph sports car past the studio microphone to capture the stereo effect of the vehicle passing from one side to the other.
The release was also notable for its technical format. Unlike the standard 45 rpm singles of the era, the UK release was a maxi single playing at 33 1/3 rpm. It offered extra value by including Dorset's song 'Mighty Man' on the A-side and a version of Woody Guthrie's 'Dust Pneumonia Blues' on the B-side. The record was also sold in a picture sleeve, which was uncommon at the time.
The song's legacy has spanned decades and genres. In 1970, the Australian band the Mixtures released a cover that replaced the original at number one in Australia. Later, in June 1995, Shaggy released a reggae-infused version featuring rap lyrics. While the song's carefree lyrics have been used in various films, they were also famously used in a 1992 UK anti-drunk driving campaign to create a stark contrast between summer enjoyment and fatal accidents.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: In the Summertime
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-in-the-summertime.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
