Wack Wack

The Young-Holt Trio cut the track in Chicago in 1966 after Eldee Young and Isaac “Redd” Holt left the Ramsey Lewis Trio and teamed with pianist Hysear Don Walker. Carl Davis produced the Brunswick session. Released as the group’s debut single, it turned the former Ramsey Lewis rhythm section into a commercial act of its own. The record broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the Top 40, giving the trio its first national hit. The track remained the trio’s signature early hit and a durable Chicago soul-jazz favorite. It was later covered by the Ventures and Maynard Ferguson and was sampled by later producers including Tim “Love” Lee and Mndsgn.