"Down at the Twist and Shout" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter. It celebrates the Bethesda, Maryland, dance and music venue Twist & Shout.[1] It was released in June 1991 as the third single from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on September 14, 1991.[2] The Cajun-themed song features backing from members of BeauSoleil, who are also name-dropped in the lyrics.[3] Carpenter (and BeauSoleil) performed the song pregame at Super Bowl XXXI.
| "Down at the Twist and Shout" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SinglebyMary Chapin Carpenter | ||||
| from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark | ||||
| B-side | "Halley Came to Jackson" | |||
| Released | June 3, 1991 | |||
| Genre |
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| Length | 3:21 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Mary Chapin Carpenter | |||
| Producer(s) |
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| Mary Chapin Carpenter singles chronology | ||||
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In 1992, "Down at the Twist and Shout" won Carpenter a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.[4] It was also nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year, losing to Billy Dean's "Somewhere in My Broken Heart".
Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded a cover for their 1992 album Chipmunks in Low Places.
American Aquarium covered the song on their 2021 album Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1.
The music video was directed by Jack Cole and premiered in mid-1991.
Per liner notes from Shooting Straight in the Dark.[3]
| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[5] | 7 |
| USHot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 2 |
| Chart (1991) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[7] | 82 |
| USCountry Songs (Billboard)[8] | 47 |
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