> Sandy Denny > Songs > Let’s Jump the Broomstick

Let’s Jump the Broomstick

[Charles Robins]

Let’s Jump the Broomstick is a song written by Charles Robins and performed first by a black Nashville group, Alvin Gaines & The Themes, in 1959, then covered that year by Brenda Lee on her 1960 album Brenda Lee. Her version reached No. 12 in the UK charts in 1961.

“Jumping the broomstick” in lieu of a wedding ceremony is a folk custom which goes back to the days of witchcraft. Despite this historical background, this song is a classic piece of rock’n’roll.

Sandy Denny sang Let’s Jump the Broomstick on her first solo album, 1971 The Northstar Grassman and the Ravens. Richard Thompson (guitar) and Ian Whiteman (piano) attempt to outplay each other. They are accompanied by the rhythm section of Roger Powell (drums) and Trevor Lucas (acoustic guitar).