Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu

Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu is an upbeat, infectious rock 'n' roll hit by Johnny Rivers, released in 1972. Originally written and recorded by Huey "Piano" Smith in 1957, the song was reinterpreted by Rivers with a lively arrangement featuring groovy piano riffs and a driving rhythm. Rivers’ version keeps the playful spirit of the original, with its catchy, danceable melody and lyrics that use “rockin’ pneumonia” and “boogie woogie flu” as metaphors for an uncontrollable urge to dance. The song became a fun and energetic addition to Rivers' catalog, blending rock, blues, and boogie-woogie influences.

Johnny Rivers' version of "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" became a hit, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972, giving the song new life 15 years after its original release by Huey "Piano" Smith.

Huey "Piano" Smith first recorded the song in 1957 as a New Orleans R&B track, which became a regional hit and a classic of the genre, but it was Rivers' cover that brought it mainstream success.

Johnny Rivers was already well-known for hits like "Secret Agent Man" and "Memphis," and his version of "Rockin' Pneumonia" further cemented his reputation as a versatile artist able to blend rock, pop, and blues.

The song was part of Rivers' "L.A. Reggae" album, which, despite its title, was more of a rock and roll record with a few reggae-inspired elements.

The boogie-woogie piano style featured in the song pays homage to the energetic, rhythm-based style that was popular in the early days of rock 'n' roll and blues, tying it back to its original roots.

"Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" remains a fun and enduring hit, thanks to its catchy beat, playful lyrics, and Johnny Rivers' lively interpretation, making it a staple of 1970s rock.

Listen to the Music

 

The Doobie Brothers performed March 16, 1973 on The Midnight Special

From 73 to my last WestPac cruse this was playing in all the "sailor" clubs in the Pacific.

The Doobie Brothers have been together for 50 years! Can you believe it? To celebrate their 50th anniversary, they are going on tour and working on a new album. 2020 was actually supposed to be their 50th-anniversary tour, but like many other artists, it was delayed due to the pandemic.

Band member Tom Johnston said, “We had everything going and it got dumped on by the pandemic, which kind of sucked. We did the virtual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, that was pretty much it. Then it was a year of every day’s Thursday and nothing ever changes. It was pretty much a lost year.”

However, they are back at it! The Doobie Brothers are set to hit 30 cities in North America throughout 2020. On this 50th anniversary, it will be the first time in 25 years Johnston, McDonald, Simmons, and McFee will be touring on the road together. Such a reunion has been a long time coming.