Today’s song is “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & the Waves. The song earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1996.
Fun Facts
- Katrina & The Waves was originally formed as a pop cover band called Mama’s Cookin’, which featured Katrina Leskanich, Vince de la Cruz, Alex Cooper and Bob Jakins.
- By the early 1980s, the band had rebranded to The Waves and added guitarist Kimberley Rew. Rew was the lead writer on the band’s second album, Walking on Sunshine.
- “Walking on Sunshine” was first released in 1983 and then re-released in 1985.
- The official music video for “Walking on Sunshine” does not feature any sunshine. It’s set on a gloomy day in the U.K.
- The 1985 version of the song was the most commercially successful release, reaching #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Competing for the United Kingdom, Katrina and the Waves won the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Love Shine a Light,” written by guitarist Kimberley Rew.
- In 2005, the band saw a resurgence in popularity and attention due to media outlets dubbing their coverage of Hurricane Katrina “Katrina and the Waves.”
- Upon diminishing success and increasing conflict, Leskanich left the band and Katrina and the Waves disbanded shortly after her departure in 1999. Each member pursued individual careers.
Lyrics:
I used to think maybe you loved me now baby I’m sure
And I just can’t wait till the day when you knock on my door
Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down
Cos I just wait till you write me you’re coming around
I’m walking on sunshine