Dee Dee Sharp - Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)

Year Released: 1962
Genre: R&B / Early Soul / Pop Soul

Description:

Released in 1962 on Cameo Records, “Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)” by Dee Dee Sharp is a playful, upbeat R&B number that captures the carefree spirit of early-1960s dance craze culture. With its clever food-and-dance metaphors, bouncing piano rhythm, and Sharp’s youthful, spirited vocal delivery, the song became a hit on both R&B and pop charts.

Produced by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, it followed the success of Sharp’s debut single “Mashed Potato Time” and reinforced her status as one of the early queens of teen R&B.

The track has appeared in several period film soundtracks and TV shows recreating the early-60s dance scene, most notably in Hairspray (1988) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for its infectious retro energy. Though not a major sampling source, its rhythmic feel and lyrical charm continue to influence modern vintage-pop and neo-soul revivals.