Today’s song of the day is “Do You Love Me,” an upbeat rhythm and blues hit by American group The Contours.

Fun Facts:

• The band was formed in 1958 by Joe Billingslea and Billy Gordon and was originally called the Blenders.
• The band had several members over the years.
• Despite being unsuccessful at their first audition for Motown Records, The Contours later became one of the early African-American soul groups signed by the label.
• “Do You Love Me” was written by the owner of Motown Records, Berry Gordy Jr.
• The song was originally written for another band, but they failed to show up for recording, so The Contours stepped in instead.
• The lyrics mention the Mashed Potato and the Twist, both popular dance moves from the 1960s.
• Released in 1960, “Do You Love Me” reached number 1 on Billboard’s R and B chart.
• In 1962 it was number 3 on the Hot 100.
• UK band Brian Poole and the Tremeloes recorded a cover in 1963, which reached the top of the UK charts.
• It was covered in 1964 by another British band, the Dave Clark Five.
• The original version by The Contours was featured in the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing.” Subsequently, it reached the charts for a second time.
• The song was also featured in a 2016 commercial for Pepsi.
• The Contours were added to the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2016.

Lyrics:

(Musixmatch)

You broke my heart

‘Cause I couldn’t dance

You didn’t even want me around

And now I’m back

To let you know

I can really shake ’em down

Do you love me?

(I can really move)

Do you love me?

(I’m in the groove)

Ah, do you love?

(Do you love me)

Now that I can dance

(Dance)

Watch me now, oh

(Work, work)

Ah, work it all baby

(Work, work)

Well, you’re drivin’ me crazy

(Work, work)

With a little bit of soul now

(Work)

I can mash-potatoe

(I can mash-potatoe)

And I can do the twist

(I can do the twist)

Now tell me baby

(Tell me baby)

Mmm, do you like it like this

(Do you like it like this)

Tell me

(Tell me)

Tell me

Do you love me?

(Do you love me)

Now, do you love me?

(Do you love me)

Now, do you love me?

(Do you love me)

Now that I can dance

(Dance)

Dance

Watch me now, oh

(Work, work)

Ah, shake it up, shake it

(Work, work)

Ah, shake ’em, shake ’em down

(Work, work)

Ah, little bit of soul now

(Work)

Ah, shake it, shake it baby

(Work, work)

Ah, you’re driving me crazy

(Work, work)

Ah, don’t get lazy

(Work)

I can mash-potatoe

(I can mash-potatoe)

And I can do the twist

(I can do the twist)

Well now tell me baby

(Tell me baby)

Mmm, do you like it like this

(Do you like it like this)

Tell me

(Tell me)

Tell me

Do you love me?

(Do you love me?)

Now, do you love me?

(Do you love me?)

Now, do you love me?

(Do you love me?)

(Now, now, now)

Ah, I’m working hard baby

(Work, work)

Well, you’re driving me crazy

(Work, work)

And don’t you get lazy

(Work)

Ah, hey hey baby

(Work, work)

Well, you’re driving me crazy

(Work, work)

And don’t you get lazy

(Work)