title: The Popcorn
text: # The Popcorn
  
  "The Popcorn" is a 1969 instrumental written and recorded by James Brown. It was the first of several records Brown made inspired by the popular dance of the same name. Released as a single on King Records, it charted #11 R&B and #30 Pop. It also appeared as the title track of an album released the same year.
  
  ## Background
  
  The recording's bassline shares great similarities with Cold Sweat. In fact, it's a revamp of an earlier single "Bringing Up the Guitar" by Alfred Ellis and The Dapps, featuring the same band on this recording.
  
  ## Chart performance
  
  | Chart (1969) | Peak position |
  | - | - |
  | US Billboard Hot 100 | 30 |
  | US Best Selling Rhythm & Blues Singles (Billboard) | 11 |
  
  ## "The Chicken"
  
  * The single's B-side, "The Chicken", written by Brown's saxophonist and bandleader Alfred Ellis, was prominently covered by jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius on his live albums Invitation and The Birthday Concert.
  