Calling out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?

RIP Bob Weir, who sang the Grateful Dead’s cover of this song.

Music appearing in this episode:

Martha Reeves & the Vandellas - “Dancing in the Street” (1964)

Sly & the Family Stone - “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969)

Grateful Dead - “Dancing in the Street” (1977)

David Bowie & Mick Jagger - “Dancing In The Street” (1985)

Ramsey Lewis Trio - “Dancing in the Street” (1967)

For background on Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and on Motown generally, see Andrew Hickey’s excellent 500 Songs podcast episode on “Heatwave.” For the story of the song’s role in the 1960s civil rights movement, see Ready for a Brand New Beat”—“How ‘Dancing in the Street’ Became the Anthem for a Changing America by Mark Kurlansky. You can also read a review of it here.

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