"Shake a Hand" is a 1953 song written by the trumpeter and bandleader Joe Morris and originally recorded by Faye Adams, whose version stayed number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart for nine weeks.

Background

The song, which has a strong gospel feel throughout, depicts a reassuring new lover making promises: "Just give me a chance, I'll take care of everything.

Cover versions

• Red Foley (number 6 country, 1953)

• Johnnie Ray (1956)

• Pat Boone (on the 1957 album Pat)

• The Mike Pedicin Quintet (number 71 pop, 1958)

• Little Richard (on the 1959 album The Fabulous Little Richard)

• LaVern Baker (number 13 R&B, 1960)

• Jackie Wilson and Linda Hopkins (number 21 R&B, number 42 pop, 1963)

• Freddie Scott (on the 1967 album Are You Lonely for Me?)

• Magic Sam (1968, on the posthumous 1993 album Give Me Time)

• Elvis Presley (on the 1975 album Today)

• Ike & Tina Turner (on the 1985 album Golden Empire)

• Lou Ann Barton (on the 1989 album Read My Lips)

• Paul McCartney (on the 1999 album Run Devil Run)

References