Sam Cooke – Having A Party: A Celebration of Joyous Rhythm
Sam Cooke’s Having a Party is a jubilant and infectious anthem that epitomizes the carefree joy of celebration. Released on May 8, 1962, by RCA Victor, the track was the A-side to Bring It On Home to Me and became a major hit in its own right, reaching number four on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart and number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Cooke’s most beloved songs, radiating an irresistible energy and fun-loving spirit.
The genesis of Having a Party came while Cooke was on tour, and it was co-written with his producer Henry Wynn during a visit to Atlanta. Over the phone, Cooke pitched both Having a Party and the more soulful Bring It On Home to Me to co-producer Luigi Creatore. The idea for Having a Party was simple—an invitation to dance, celebrate, and revel in the moment. When Cooke arrived in Los Angeles for the scheduled recording session, the atmosphere was one of excitement and camaraderie, with friends and musicians gathering to create a track that matched its lively theme. The session was full of spontaneous energy, as Cooke and his collaborators fed off each other’s enthusiasm. Engineer Al Schmitt later recalled the session as one of the happiest he had ever experienced, with much of the ad-libbing and outtakes reflecting the carefree vibe of a party in full swing.
The recording session featured an eighteen-piece ensemble, a lavish arrangement that included strings, a saxophone, and a full rhythm section with two percussionists, two bassists, and two guitarists. This orchestral layering, mixed with the energetic rhythm section, elevated the song’s festive mood. The playful addition of handclaps and backing vocals by Lou Rawls, Fred Smith, and J.W. Alexander gave the track a communal, celebratory feel, making listeners feel as though they, too, were part of the fun. The arrangement was larger than many of Cooke’s previous works, but it perfectly captured the essence of the song—an invitation to escape into the joy of the moment.
Cooke’s delivery is, as always, smooth and soulful, but with an undeniable touch of exuberance. He sings with such effortless charm that it’s impossible not to imagine yourself in the midst of a lively gathering, clapping and swaying to the beat. The infectious chorus, “We’re having a party, everybody’s swinging,” perfectly captures the spirit of carefree fun, with Cooke acting as the ultimate host who makes you feel welcome and eager to join in. The light-hearted mood of the song contrasts beautifully with the soulful depth of Cooke’s voice, a reminder that he could convey both joy and emotion with equal power.
Having a Party continues to be a timeless celebration of life’s lighter moments. The song’s upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and Cooke’s magnetic performance make it a staple for any occasion that calls for joy. It’s a song that invites you to dance, laugh, and leave your worries behind, much like the spirit of a party itself. As Cooke himself sings, “We’re having a party, oh, what a party,” and it’s a sentiment that has resonated with listeners for decades, ensuring that this classic will remain a favorite in the world of pop and soul for generations to come.