The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section featuring Horace Panter (bass) and John Bradbury (drums; born 16 February 1953, died 28 December 2015). The band wore mod-style 1960s period "rude boy" outfits (pork pie hats, mohair suits, and loafers). In 1980, their song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up in 1984. A version of the band reformed from 1994-2001. In 2008, the band reformed again and, in2009, embarked on a 30th anniversary tour. In 2010, they toured America and Europe. In 2011 they again touring the UK.
In 1979, their debut LP hit the shelves and quickly soared into the UK Top Five. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and was released under founding member, Jerry Dammer's record label 2 Tone Records.
Following the success of their debut album, Specials, their second and final album, More Specials was released. This expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences.
After two albums and a string of very successful singles the band called it quits in 1984. The bands members moved onto their other musical projects. In 1994 they toured with the original line-up without Terry Hall and Jerry Dammers. Roddy sang Terry's parts. The line-up changed in 1996. The band split again in 2001.
In 2008, The Specials officially announced that they would reform and embark on a 30th Anniversary Tour in 2009. The founding member, Jerry Dammers was not part of the reformed Specials and relationships between him and the rest of the band have remained sore, particularly on Dammers' side of things.
In January 2013, the Specials announced the departure of Neville Staple. In February 2014 it was revealed that another original member, Roddy Radiation, had left the reformed group. In spite of this, the Specials played an extensive tour in the autumn of 2014 with Steve Cradock as lead guitarist.
On 19th December 2022 it was announced that Terry Hall had passed away after a short illness. He was 63.
www.thespecials.com
Sock It To 'Em J.B
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I told you he was coming, who?
J.B., and he's ready to sock it to ya one time
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Dr. No, from Russia with love, gold finger
Thunder ball, Casino Royal
Soul jerk, shake your hips
Shake your body line to the ground, J.B. style
Soulful, oh mamma you doin' it good
You doin' it right, you doin' it J.B. style
Soulful
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Diamonds are forever, Moon raker
Man with the golden gun
Live and let die
Spy who loved me, you only live twice
J.B's got you doin' the bossanova
J.B's got you doin' the scratch
So let me see you rock
And let me see you shake it to J.B's rock
Soulful
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
J.B
The Specials' song "Sock It To 'Em JB" is a tribute to the American singer James Brown, often referred to as "The Godfather of Soul." The lyrics are full of references to James Bond films and James Brown songs. The song's repetitive chorus of "Sock it to 'em" is a classic call-and-response technique used in soul and R&B music. The Specials' version is a fast-paced, high-energy dance track with driving bass and horns that mimic the sound of Brown's live performances.
The opening lines of the song introduce J.B., referring to James Brown, and set the stage for the call-and-response chorus. The verses reference classic Bond films like "Dr. No," "Goldfinger," and "Thunderball" while also weaving in lyrics from Brown songs like "Soul Jerk" and "Shake Your Hips." The lyrics encourage listeners to "sock it to 'em" and dance to the beat of J.B.'s music.
Overall, "Sock It To 'Em JB" is a celebration of James Brown's influence on music and pop culture. The song highlights his signature sound and calls upon his fans to keep dancing and grooving to the beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you ready for this?
Are you prepared for what's about to come?
I told you he was coming, who?
I informed you that J.B. was on his way, in case you forgot.
J.B., and he's ready to sock it to ya one time
J.B. is here and he's ready to impress you with his performance.
Dr. No, from Russia with love, gold finger
Thunder ball, Casino Royal
These are the titles of classic James Bond movies.
Soul jerk, shake your hips
Shake your body line to the ground, J.B. style
Soulful, oh mamma you doin' it good
You doin' it right, you doin' it J.B. style
Soulful
J.B. has a unique style of music and dance that encourages movement and expression from the soul.
Diamonds are forever, Moon raker
Man with the golden gun
Live and let die
Spy who loved me, you only live twice
These are more James Bond movie titles, likely included because they fit with the overall theme.
J.B's got you doin' the bossanova
J.B's got you doin' the scratch
So let me see you rock
And let me see you shake it to J.B's rock
Soulful
J.B. has a way of getting his audience to move and dance to his music, using a variety of techniques like the bossanova and the scratch.
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, sock it to 'em
This repeated phrase serves as a chant or call to action, encouraging the listener to get up and move to the music.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CLAYTON DUNN, PETE HOLMAN, REX GARVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-rl6oz8kd9g
Elvis Presley john lennon buddy holley❤ the most influential people in my life
@xfmkid
every car journey across Europe with my dad blaring this out over the stereo
@jeffreylamere4281
and us americans doing it long time too skol
@gorringeman
best band of my youth.
@48oldcourt
R.I.P John Bradbury!
@therealsoulproduct
#RIP to the JB's (the Godfather of Soul, Sir Roger Moore, & Prince Rimshot)
@ICSAMMAN
Just brilliant!
@crusadeagainstgreedyentert4865
Sock it to em John Bradbury, a cool cat.
@richwilkinson7495
Top tune by a TOP BAND,😎🕴️🛵👍
@TFCHooligan69
RIP JB. Thank you.