The Beatles - Bobby Parker Connection

Both John Lennon and George Harrison are on the record as stating that I Feel Fine was "inspired" by Bobby Parker's 1961 hit Watch Your Step.

It's a testament to the breadth of the Beatles' musical knowledge that they were even aware of Watch Your Step, a low charting item on the U.S. charts. Lennon had the song on his jukebox in his Kenwood home during the mid-1960's. A few years ago Parker appeared in a documentary about the discovery of the jukebox. In his interview Parker stated that while he was honored that he was an inspiration for John, some financial remuneration wouldn't have hurt.

John played Watch Your Step during several of his guest DJ spots on U.S. radio 1974 during the promotional tour for his Walls and Bridges album. He stated that it was one of his favorite songs. A variation of the song's riff can be heard in the Beatles Day Tripper and in the Allman Brothers' One Way Out.

Long based in the Washington D.C. area, Parker is still active today! Check him out here.

Here's the smokin' Parker track from '61 here:



And the Fabs update here: