"Okey Cokey" was written by Jimmy Kennedy. Slade originally released and produced their version themselves via Barn Record Label on 25th November 1979. This single failed to appear on the U.K. chart. "Okey Cokey" was issued as a non album single.
Background
The single was issued as the band’s final single in the 1970s era. The band wished to record the song in hope they could earn some commercial success from the Christmas period. Years later, Jim Lea stated in a fan club interview that he was originally phoned with the idea of the song. Jim Lea was told if he didn’t turn up to record the song, it would be done without him, and so Jim Lea turned up to record it, despite his feelings against the idea.
Recording
"Okey Cokey" was released via Barn Record Label on 25th November 1979. "Okey Cokey" was released as a single twice in Slade’s career. Aside from the original 1979 release, the song was re released again on 7” vinyl and 7” picture disc on 12th December 1982 via Speed record label. The re issue on 7” vinyl and 7” picture disc featured the band’s 1971 hit "Get Down And Get With It" as the b - side, originally produced by Chas Chandler. The b - side was incorrectly credited to ‘B. Marchand’ instead of ‘B. Marchan’. A ‘fake’ live version of the song was also created and added to the band’s 1980 extended play "Xmas Ear Bender", after the band found success with the Reading festival that year. The 1982 reissue also failed to make any commercial impact.
Release
"Okey Cokey" was originally released on 7" vinyl.
Upon release Wolverhampton Express and Star wrote "Slade haven't had a big hit for some time now, but it would be silly to write them off just yet, to judge by their new album "Return To Base". Still 1 of the most entertaining live groups around, they have too much talent not to get another hit, but I'm no sure if they'll hit the mark with their new single. They've revived the 'Hokey Cokey', no less. It's their contender for the Christmas charts, and it will certainly get a few parties going if it's put on the turntable. Slade's version is a hard rocking, full of fun song that combines their musical toughness and ability to create a good time atmosphere to perfection. The song really suits Slade's style, but whether or not it will be a hit is anyone's guess. "Okey Cokey" was also re released in January 1980 with record label RSO 051 and failed to appear on the U.K. chart, why it was re released remains a mystery ?
Promotion
Like much of Slade's singles of the time, there was no promotional video for the song. The main form of promotion was the band's live touring across the U.K.. However, the band did perform this song and the b - side "My Baby's Got" It live on the U.K. show Get It Together.
Chart Performance
"Okey Cokey" single failed to enter the U.K. top 100 singles chart.
Track listing - 7" U.K. Single
A1. Okey Cokey (Jimmy Kennedy) - 3:25
B1. My Baby’s Got It (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 2:36
Okey Cokey
"Okey Cokey" written by Jimmy Kennedy, Slade originally released and produced their version themselves, via Barn record label on November 25th 1979 and failed to appear on the U.K. chart.
The single was issued as the band’s final single in the 1970s era. The band wished to record the song in hope they could earn some commercial success from the Christmas period. Years later bassist Lea stated in a fan club interview that he was originally phoned with the idea of the song. Lea was told if he didn’t turn up to record the song, it would be done without him, and so Lea turned up to record it, despite his feelings against the idea.
This single was issued as a non album single.
My Baby’s Got It
"My Baby's Got It" written by Holder and Lea, this was the b - side to Slades original single 'Okey Cokey'.
This is a track influenced by rock 'n' roll and boogie rock. The track was reused for their "We'll Bring The House Down" album and was performed on the U.K. TV show 'Get It Together' along with a cover of "Okey Cokey" in 1979.
Credits
Dave Hill - lead guitar, backing vocals
Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jim Lea - bass guitar, backing vocals
Don Powell - drums
Slade - producers