A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues

"A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" is a song written by Terry Thompson and first recorded by US soul singer Arthur Alexander. It was originally released in the USA in 1961, and in the United Kingdom the following year, as the b-side of You Better Move On.

Johnny Kidd and the Pirates released the song as a single in 1962. It features Johnny Kidd on vocals, Mick Green on lead guitar, Johnny Spence on bass and Frank Farley on drums.

The Beatles recorded "A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues" three times for the BBC in 1963, with John Lennon on lead vocals each time. One of the versions was included on the Live at the BBC album, released in 1994. Gerry and the Pacemakers also covered the song.

In July 1963, Cilla Black notably recorded the song during her first ever recording session at Abbey Road Studios. Cilla subsequently passed this audition and signed a recording contract with Parlophone Records. A take from this recording session was included on the The Abbey Road Decade: 1963-1973 album, released in 1997.

Dave Edmunds covered the song on his 1975 album Subtle as a Flying Mallet. It was also heard in the Stardust film.

Van Morrison and Linda Gail Lewis performed the song on their 2000 album You Win Again.

The song was also covered by the Flamin' Groovies on their compilation album, "Flamin' Groovies Collection".