Rockin' Robin

"Rockin' Robin" is a 1958 rock-and-roll hit dressed up as a bird song, all whistles and "tweet tweet tweet," about a robin who bops in the treetops. Bobby Day took it to number two, and a thirteen-year-old Michael Jackson did the same with his cover in 1972.

Origins

The song was written by American songwriter Leon René under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas. It was first recorded and released in 1958 by singer Bobby Day. The single reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the R&B sales chart. The original recording features prominent musicians from the Los Angeles music scene, including Earl Palmer on drums and Plas Johnson on piccolo, who performed the signature birdcall whistling sounds.

The song achieved a second wave of popularity in 1972 when a thirteen-year-old Michael Jackson recorded a cover version for his solo album Got to Be There. Jackson's version also peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing the tune to a new generation of listeners.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lyrics tell a simple, joyful story about a cheerful robin who hops, bops, and sings in the treetops of "Jaybird Street." Other birds, including crows, owls, and buzzards, join in the musical celebration. It is early rock and roll at its most playful.

Unlike many commercial pop songs of its era, "Rockin' Robin" has entered the public domain in the United States because its copyright was not renewed after its initial twenty-eight-year term, allowing the melody to be widely used in children's television programs and animated videos.

Who wrote the song Rockin' Robin?

The song was written by American songwriter and record producer Leon René, using the pen name Jimmie Thomas.

When was Rockin' Robin released?

The song was first recorded and released in 1958 by Bobby Day. Michael Jackson later released a popular cover version in 1972.