Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um/The Monkey Time

Released in 1964 on the Okeh label, a subsidiary of Columbia, this single features two of Major Lance's most enduring contributions to the soul music landscape. The tracks were quintessential products of the Chicago soul sound, characterized by the collaborative genius of Curtis Mayfield, who wrote both songs and provided the signature production style that defined Lance’s career during this period. The arrangement reflects the vibrant, upbeat energy of the early-to-mid-sixties R&B scene, designed specifically to capitalize on the burgeoning dance crazes that were sweeping American radio at the time.

The production process relied heavily on the distinct, tight orchestration associated with the Mayfield-Lance partnership, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional R&B and the emerging pop sensibilities of the era. The record was met with significant success upon its release, helping to solidify Major Lance as a prominent figure in soul music. In the decades that followed, the single gained a secondary life as a staple of the Northern Soul scene in the United Kingdom, where collectors and DJs championed the track for its rhythmic complexity and infectious energy, cementing its status as an iconic piece of mid-century American music history.