Road Runner (Jr Walker & the All-Stars)

18 JUNE 1966


Jr Walker & the All-Stars single ‘Road Runner’ was at its peak position of #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It also peaked at #4 on the R&B charts, and #12 in the UK, which proved to be their biggest hit there. 

This was a Motown release written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, but the All-Stars' sound had a touch of the style of southern soul labels such as Stax, rather than the smooth productions of Motown. Walker's growling saxophone was a distinct feature of the band's sound. 

The group had been around for a few years before breaking through in 1965 with 'Shotgun' a single that reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. They continued to enjoy moderate success for several years after this, with most of their output reaching the 20s-50s in the charts.

B-side: 'Shoot Your Shot'
Released: 1966
Highest chart position: #12 (UK), #20 (US)
Length: 2:49
Label: Tamla Motown

Road Runner (Jr Walker and the All-Stars)