Mungo Jerry’s 1970 song “In the Summertime” made the British band an international one-hit wonder.
Written by frontman Ray Dorset, the song was recorded with a deliberately simple arrangement featuring skiffle-style instrumentation, jug-band influences, handclaps, and a distinctive kazoo-like sound. It was released in May 1970 and quickly became one of the year’s biggest singles.
The record topped charts in countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. It also reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its relaxed lyrics celebrate warm weather, leisure, driving, and romance rather than telling a detailed narrative.
A common mix-up is confusing this song with “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts or “Sunny Afternoon” by the Kinks. Mungo Jerry had later UK hits, but this was the group’s defining international success and the release most associated with its one-hit-wonder reputation.