Today’s Oldies Sunday Selection comes from Jamaican Recording Artist, Carl Douglas. Titled “Kung Fu Fighting (Buy It Here)“, this was produced by Biddu for PYE Records in 1974. At that time, Martial Art films (termed “Chopsocky“) were increasing in popularity worldwide (especially in Jamaica), and at a time during the rise of Disco music, Carl created it as a tribute.
“Kung Fu Fighting” didn’t start off as a hot single, and received no airplay five weeks since its release. After that it started gaining popularity in dance clubs and helped to make its entry into the UK Singles Chart at #42. After a while it rose to the top of the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks while it made its way to the US Billboard Hot 100 where it made it to #1. “Kung Fu Fighting” also went #1 in other countries including France, Austria, South Africa, Germany, and many more. It has been placed at #100 of VH1’s “100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders”, #1 in Channel 4’s “50 Greatest One-Hit Wonders” and was a part of a great moment in Pop Culture. In 1974 it was certified Gold, received a Grammy for “Best Selling Single“, played a role in the popularity of Disco music, and became one of the best selling singles of all time selling over 11 Million records worldwide.
“Kung Fu Fighting” has been featured in many TV shows and movies including The Simpsons, Kung Fu Panda, Beverly Hills Ninja, Martin, Horrible Bosses, and has been covered by the likes of Ceelo Green, Bus Stop, Lloyd Parks, Pluto Shervington and Tom Jones. It was also sampled by Smoke DZA, Rapsody, UMC’s, Debonaire and many others.
The single is still popular and it gives lightheartedness to Martial Arts and is a great pick for a throwback playlist. Carl Douglas still performs the single, and will take fans back to their favourite Kung Fu flick and maybe start practicing some moves.
Thank You Carl Douglas for this timeless song!
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