Summer In the City

Recorded in 1973 for Quincy Jones's album You've Got It Bad Girl, Summer in the City reinterpreted the 1966 Lovin' Spoonful composition by John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian and Steve Boone. The arrangement featured Valerie Simpson on vocals, Dave Grusin on electric piano, Eddie Louiss on organ, Chuck Rainey on bass and Grady Tate on drums, with production by Quincy Jones and Ray Brown. Released on A&M Records in 1973 as the opening track of You've Got It Bad Girl, Summer in the City transformed the Lovin' Spoonful's pop hit into an atmospheric, rhythm-driven instrumental and vocal arrangement. Jones's interpretation won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards, highlighting his ability to reshape established popular compositions. Summer in the City became one of Quincy Jones's most celebrated recordings of the 1970s and gained renewed recognition through its prominent sampling in The Pharcyde's 1992 track Passin' Me By. Its distinctive electric piano melody, bassline and restrained rhythmic arrangement have sustained its popularity among hip-hop producers, DJs and collectors.