"Down at the Twist and Shout" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter. It celebrates the Bethesda, Maryland, dance and music venue Twist & Shout.[1] It was released in June 1991 as the third single from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on September 14, 1991.[2] The Cajun-themed song features backing from members of BeauSoleil, who are also name-dropped in the lyrics.[3] Carpenter (and BeauSoleil) performed the song pregame at Super Bowl XXXI.
"Down at the Twist and Shout" | ||||
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Single by Mary Chapin Carpenter | ||||
from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark | ||||
B-side | "Halley Came to Jackson" | |||
Released | June 3, 1991 | |||
Genre |
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Length | 3:21 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) | Mary Chapin Carpenter | |||
Producer(s) |
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Mary Chapin Carpenter singles chronology | ||||
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In 1992, "Down at the Twist and Shout" won Carpenter a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.[4] It was also nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year, but it lost to Billy Dean's "Somewhere in My Broken Heart".
Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded a cover for their 1992 album Chipmunks in Low Places.
American Aquarium covered the song on their 2021 album Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1.
The music video was directed by Jack Cole and premiered in mid-1991.
Per liner notes from Shooting Straight in the Dark.[5]
Chart (1991) | Peak position |
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Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[6] | 7 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[7] | 2 |
Chart (1991) | Position |
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Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[8] | 82 |
US Country Songs (Billboard)[9] | 47 |
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Mary Chapin Carpenter singles | |
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Discography | |
State of the Heart | |
Shooting Straight in the Dark | |
Come On Come On | |
Stones in the Road | |
A Place in the World | |
Working Class Hero | |
Party Doll and Other Favorites |
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