The Buckinghams – “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”: A Bold Cover, A Testament to Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy
Released in 1966, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” by The Buckinghams is an electrifying cover of the classic R&B hit originally written and recorded by Lloyd Price in 1952. The Buckinghams, a Chicago-based pop-rock band, brought their own spirited flair to the track, turning it into an unforgettable rock anthem with a groovy edge that resonated with both their existing fanbase and new listeners. The song was part of their debut album, “Kind of a Drag”, a record that helped propel them to national fame.
The original version of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” by Price had already been a staple in the rhythm and blues scene, and it’s considered one of the earliest rock and roll crossover hits. But it was The Buckinghams’ 1966 rendition that infused the song with youthful energy, a brassy horn section, and a cleaner, more pop-oriented production that made it uniquely theirs. The Buckinghams’ version gave a fresh life to the song while retaining the essence of the original’s joyful pleading and undeniable charm.
When “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” was released as a single, it was immediately embraced by the rock ‘n’ roll community and even became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song reached No. 15, marking another success in the band’s rise to stardom. Though it didn’t reach the same level of commercial success as their earlier hit, “Kind of a Drag,” this cover showcased The Buckinghams’ ability to reinterpret classic songs in their own vibrant style. It reinforced their place in the heart of the 1960s rock movement, where they were able to seamlessly blend elements of pop, rock, and R&B.
The cover of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is also significant in the context of The Buckinghams’ career because it showed their versatility. While they are best known for their polished pop hits like “Kind of a Drag,” this track demonstrated their roots in classic rock and R&B, paying tribute to the greats who came before them. By taking on such a well-loved standard and infusing it with their distinct sound, The Buckinghams paid homage to rock’s rich history while putting their stamp on the genre.
At the heart of The Buckinghams’ version of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is the band’s sense of exuberance and tight instrumentation. The horns are vibrant, and the rhythm section propels the song forward with a punch. The lead vocals, delivered with gusto, capture the urgency and desire at the heart of the lyrics, while the infectious chorus invites listeners to sing along, making it a fun, full-throttle listening experience.
Though it may not have reached the heights of “Kind of a Drag”, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” remains an important piece of The Buckinghams’ musical legacy. It’s a song that encapsulates the exuberant spirit of 1960s rock while giving a respectful nod to its R&B origins. The cover is a reminder of the band’s eclectic approach to music, one that embraced the diversity of American popular music and melded it into a style uniquely their own.
For anyone with a soft spot for the energetic, feel-good sounds of mid-1960s rock, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” stands as a testament to The Buckinghams’ ability to bring both heart and dynamism to the rock genre.