Chicken Heads

Recorded in Chicago in 1974 at Paul Serrano Studios for Oscar Brown Jr.'s album Fresh, Chicken Heads features Brown on vocals with musicians including Phil Upchurch on guitar, Bernard Reed on bass, Billy Branch on harmonica, Henry Gibson on percussion and Marvin Yancy on keyboards. Produced by Jerry Butler, the recording was arranged by Richard Evans and engineered by Paul Serrano. Released on Fresh in 1974, Chicken Heads is Oscar Brown Jr.'s interpretation of Bobby Rush's composition, written with Calvin Carter. The recording brought Brown's theatrical vocal delivery and satirical performance style to a contemporary rhythm-driven arrangement, reflecting his continuing engagement with Black American popular music. Chicken Heads gained renewed exposure through its inclusion in the 2006 Rhino compilation What It Is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves from the Vaults of Atlantic, Atco and Warner Bros. Records 1969–1977. The recording remains an example of Brown's ability to reinterpret contemporary material through his distinctive vocal character and storytelling approach.