The Meters, Hand Clapping Song | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 143^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Hand Clapping Song” by The Meters.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 143^rd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Hand Clapping Song” performed by The Meters.  

“Clap your hands now, people clap now / Clap your hands now, people clap your hands.” New Orleans funk band The Meters encouraged making music with one’s hands on “Hand Clapping Song”. The original members of the band included Art Neville (keys and vocals, 1937 – 2019), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste (drums). The sub-three minute joint is a relatively simple song but infectious to the nth degree. Furthermore, despite its simplicity, the musicianship is lofty. “Hand Clapping Song” is the seventh track from the group’s 1970 album, Struttin’. Although not a big-time pop hit, “Hand Clapping Song” did peak at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100. Porter Jr., Nocentelli, Modeliste, and Neville penned “Hand Clapping Song.” Marshall Sehorn (1934 – 2006) and Allen Toussaint (1938 – 2015) produced it.

So, what makes “Hand Clapping Song” a surefire vibe? It begins with the music, which exemplifies being in the pocket.  The percussive groove anchors the backdrop, in all its funky glory.  Nocentelli’s guitar riffs and soloing are fierce.  The bass line by Porter Jr. is the sugar, honey, iced tea – active and robust. Also, can’t neglect how awesome Neville sounds tickling those keys (organ). Woo! With hand clapping being key, it’s no surprise that hand claps are a crucial part of the accompaniment.  The vocals are terrific – playful and filled with S-O-U-L. After encouraging the hand clapping in the chorus, dynamics are incorporated into the mix: “A little softer, people get softer,” and “A little louder, people get louder.” Another terrific moment from this gem is the vocals singing alongside the guitar solo.  “Hand Clapping Song” continues to slap as it pushes sixty years old.