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Kansas City Song

Updated on August 14, 2018
Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza at night
Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza at night | Source

Everyone Knows The Words To Kansas City

"Kansas City," a rhythm and blues song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was first performed in 1952 by Little Willie Littlefield at the Orchid Room at 12th and Vine Streets. It wasn't until 7 years later that Wilbert Harrison turned the song into a hit, becoming by far his most famous track.

The original title was "K.C. Lovin'."

~songfacts.com

The Leiber and Stoller version of "Kansas City" has been covered by everyone.

"Kansas City" song lyrics

"I'm going to Kansas City.

Kansas City, here I come.

I'm going to Kansas City.

Kansas City, here I come.

They've got crazy little women there

And I'm going to get me one.

I'm going to be standing on the corner--Twelfth Street and Vine.

I'm going to be standing on the corner--Twelfth Street and Vine.

With my Kansas City baby

and a bottle of Kansas City wine.

Well, I might take a train,

I might take a plane,

But if I have to walk I'm going just the same--

Going to Kansas City.

Kansas City, here I come.

They've got crazy little women there

And I'm going to get me one."

Wilbert Harrison's 1959 version of "Kansas City" was one of the top selling records of 1959.

Kansas City Song - By Wilbert Harrison

The Beatles were heavily influenced by Little Richard and they began performing a medley of “Kansas City" and "Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey” during their Hamburg days, and recorded it in 1964. ~NPR

The Beatles Perform Kansas City - Live performance 1964

The Beatles revived the Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey! medley when their first American tour arrived at the Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on 17 September 1964. ~beatlesbible

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Fun Facts

On May 11th, 1959, Harrison’s version of "Kansas City" reached #1 on the R&B chart and stayed there for seven consecutive weeks.

In 2005, Kansas City adopted "Kansas City" as its official song.

Due to redevelopment, the "12th Street and Vine" intersection mentioned in the song no longer exists.

Muddy Waters - Kansas City - Muddy Waters

Going To Kansas City - Fats Domino

What Do You Think About The Kansas City Song? - I want to hear from you

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    • profile image

      VillaDejaBlue 

      6 years ago

      Nice lens.

    • profile image

      anonymous 

      8 years ago

      I love the song "Kansas City" by Wilbert Harrisson!

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