Mess Around
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"Mess Around" was one of the first big hits by music legend Ray Charles. It is noted for its insistent chorus of "Shake that thing!".
The song was written by Atlantic Records president and founder Ahmet Ertegun using most of the lyrics of the 1929 blues anthem, "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie", by Pinetop Smith. It became a big R&B charted hit when released as a single in early-1953.(Ray Charles' official website lists "Mess Around" as being released in 1949). Though a big hit, it took until Charles' "I Got a Woman" to establish the blind pianist-singer in the national spotlight.
The song was featured in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles in a memorable scene with John Candy. It was also featured in the 2004 biopic Ray. Dr. John included it in his collection of New Orleans classics Dr. John's Gumbo.
Of note: In 2002, Charles headlined during the Cognac festival in southern France. At one point in the performance a young fan rose to his feet and began to sing an a cappella version of the song. Charles appreciated this show of respect and bravery and decided to return this fan his admiration by playing "Mess Around."
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