Boogie Shoes - KC & The Sunshine Band (1978) 4/24/23

Today's "Great Song of 1978" took a long time to peak at a rather mundane #35 on Billboard's Hot 100...but it was actually quite an achievement when you consider the road it took to get there.

In 1975, "Boogie Shoes" began life as an album cut on KC and Sunshine Band's triple platinum second album.

In 1976, it was released as the "B" side to KC's #1 hit: Shake Shake Shake (Your Booty)."

In 1977, songwriters Harry Wayne Casey (KC) and Rick Finch were asked by producer Robert Stigwood to license the song for use in the film and soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever." Of course, they agreed, and it was used quite effectively in a scene that showed the importance of choosing the right dancing shoes.

Keep in mind that the soundtrack sold more than 25 MILLION copies!

So then...after all the other "Great Songs" from the soundtrack--featuring the Bee Gees, Yvonne Elliman, The Trammps, etc. had gone up and down the charts, "Boogie Shoes" finally was released as a single in 1978, this time as the "A" side.

Considering 25 million people already owned the song from the soundtrack. (and not counting the 3 million-plus who originally bought KC's second album or the "Shake Shake Shake" single), it's a miracle anyone was left to buy "Boogie Shoes" at all!

It more than earned its #35 chart position, but more importantly, it earned its status as a "Great Song of 1978!"

"Boogie Shoes" by KC & The Sunshine Band! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia0zeuZMJbo