You Shook Me

'You Shook Me' is a blues song composed by Willie Dixon with J. B. Lenoir. In 1962, it was originally recorded over an instrumental by Earl Hooker called 'Blue Guitar', with vocals added by Muddy Waters on 27 June and released as a single that year by Chess Records.

Dixon had worked in partnership with Lenoir on the Chess and Checker Record releases during the period 1955-1958. Lenoir had written the lyrics but it was left unrecorded until offered by Leonard Chess to Waters, in a bid to rejuvenate his struggling chart career. 'Close to You' was his last charting single in 1958. The success of 'You Shook Me' resulted in Hooker being employed on Waters recording sessions by Chess, and Dixon being asked to contribute more of his material. Dixon also played upright bass on the Waters recording.

Rock versions

The song has been covered by a number of rock musicians, notably the Jeff Beck Group on their 1968 album Truth, featuring Rod Stewart on vocals. In 1969, Led Zeppelin included a version on their eponymous debut album Led Zeppelin. John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin had sessioned on the Beck recording.

Led Zeppelin regularly performed You Shook Me in concerts until about 1973. Jimmy Page resurrected it for his tour with the Black Crowes in 1999, and they recorded it for the album Live at the Greek. The AC/DC song title You Shook Me All Night Long came from a line in the chorus.