Here Come the Girls

Recorded in New Orleans around 1970 under the direction of songwriter, arranger and producer Allen Toussaint, with Ernie K-Doe providing lead vocals and the Meters contributing instrumental backing. The recording featured the group's distinctive syncopated rhythm section, including guitarist Leo Nocentelli and drummer Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste, alongside Toussaint's arrangements. Released as a single on Janus Records in 1971, 'Here Come the Girls' reunited Ernie K-Doe with Allen Toussaint, who had previously written and produced his 1961 number-one hit 'Mother-in-Law'. Despite its infectious rhythmic arrangement and exuberant vocal performance, the original release failed to enter the American national singles charts. The recording achieved widespread recognition after its inclusion in a Boots television advertising campaign in 2007, reaching number 43 on the UK Singles Chart more than three decades after its original release. Its renewed popularity inspired the Sugababes' 2008 hit 'Girls', while Trombone Shorty's 2017 interpretation further demonstrated the composition's enduring appeal.