Joe Simon, Music in My Bones | Throwback Vibez

In the 81^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Music in My Bones” by legendary R&B singer-songwriter Joe Simon.  

[nx_dropcap]C[/nx_dropcap]an you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All genres of music are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 81^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Music in My Bones” performed by Joe Simon.

[nx_pullquote]“I want everybody to put your dancin’ shoes on / I want you to clap your hands right here.”[/nx_pullquote] Woo! If you say so, Joe Simon (1936 – 2021)! The Grammy-winning soul musician possessed an incredible instrument, drenched in S-O-U-L.  After a successful career in secular music, where he charted 31 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, he became a minister and focused on gospel music. But before exiting the secular music world, Mr. Simon had “Music in My Bones”! “Music in My Bones” is the feel-good, call-and-response-styled fourth track from his 1975 album, Get Down. The song was written and produced by Simon and Raeford Gerald. 

“Music in My Bones” is ready-made for the dance floor period – it’s relentless, baby! Once the opening note of “Music” plays, it totally sucks you in, and there’s no getting out! There is NO way you won’t move some part of your body, particularly those feet.  Interestingly, this track sounds quite similar to the album’s big hit, “Get Down, Get Down”, also written by Joe Simon and Raeford Gerald. Running nearly a minute and a half longer than his top 10 hit, the good vibes continue, with that ultra-enthused E-flat major key. The music and lyrics are infectious – funky to the nth degree.  “Oh, I’m trying so hard to make it to my seat,” he asserts, but the problem? “Music in my bones, and I can’t sit down.” That music is something else: “I like the groove, and I like the blues / I like music that puts me in a mood / Oh, excuse me while I do my thing, y’all.” Word.  The production is bright, led by a locked-in rhythm section, and accentuated by the horns. Simon brings plenty of attitude and personality; he is incredibly commanding. He also brings an utterly sublime soulful vocal performance.  Though it only performed modestly as a single (number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Music in My Bones” remains fun, fun, fun to this day!