Peaches & Herb ~ Shake Your Groove Thing 1978 Funky Purrfection Version

The Peaches & Herb story starts with Van McCoy. He asked Francine Barker, lead singer of Sweet Things to record as Peaches two duets with record store clerk Herb Feemster, "Let's Fall In Love/We're In This Thing Together" in 1966. That got them signed to Columbia Records Date label and the single was released in late 66, peaking at #21 in January of 1967. The following year they had their biggest hit with "Close Your Eyes" that made it all the way to #8 on the Hot100. Three more singles were issued in 1967 and then Francine left the group with Marlene Mack becoming the new Peaches. Nothing was recorded until 1970 when Herb decided he had to get more work and applied for a job on the Washington DC Police Force where he quit Peaches & Herb. Six years later, feeling the time was right to bring Peaches & Herb back, he ran across Van McCoy who suggested singer Linda Greene and he arranged a one off deal with MCA records, releasing the 1977 LP "Peaches & Herb". Herb then decided to accept an offer from Polydor Records and the duo was paired with ex-Motown producer/writer Freddie Perren who wrote the Jackson 5's "The Love You Save", The Miracles "Do It Baby" and The Sylvers "Boogie Fever". His inimitable production style brought "Shake Your Groove Thing" to life and the duo were on their way when it peaked at #5 on the Hot100, #4 on the Hot R&B and a #2 Hot Disco single that spent four weeks at that position. The song has become a disco classic and has been used many films, most notably in the "Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert" soundtrack.