Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me Not To Come
About The Song
“Mama Told Me Not to Come”, also written as “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)”, is a song by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman written for Eric Burdon’s first solo album in 1966. Three Dog Night’s 1970 cover topped the US pop singles chart.
Also in 1970, Three Dog Night released a longer, rock ‘n roll and funk-inspired version (titled “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)”) on It Ain’t Easy, featuring Cory Wells singing lead in an almost humorous vocal style, Jimmy Greenspoon playing a Wurlitzer electronic piano, Michael Allsup playing guitar, and Donna Summer on backing vocals, though uncredited.
Billboard ranked the record as the No. 11 song of 1970. The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on July 14, 1970, the same day that It Ain’t Easy was certified gold. It was also the number-one song on the premiere broadcast of American Top 40 with Casey Kasem on July 4, 1970.
Cash Box suggested that this song could “do for Randy Newman what the Fifth Dimension did for Laura Nyro” since Three Dog Night is “the first to apply muscle to his material.”
Love Three Dog Night, they should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were a fantastic group 👏