"I'm Shakin'" by Little Willie John

Little Willie John is an underrated artist from the 50s and 60s, despite scoring a handful of modest hits like his version of "Fever" (#24), "Talk To Me, Talk To Me" (#20), and "Sleep" (#13). His distinctive voice and attitude made all of his songs radiate with an energy few others could match.

That attitude, coupled with alcohol abuse, also got him into serious trouble. He was convicted of manslaughter in 1966 and died in prison from a heart attack two years later. Talent runs in the family, as his son, Keith John, became a backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder. His sister was Mable John, who had a single chart appearance when "Your Good Thing (Is About To End)" hit #95 in 1966.

"I'm Shakin'" is a boss song with a sax-driven beat that remains one of my favorites, although it never saw any chart action.