Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources citedWalking the Dog
R&B1960s116BPM
G♯ majKey
More around 120 BPM → · More in G♯ major →
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The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (Rufus Thomas), no dispute found — a Stax cornerstone; a direct family link to Carla Thomas (his daughter), connected in this catalogue via “Tramp” and “Knock on Wood.”
Quick Facts
Released1963
AlbumWalking the Dog
GenreR&B, Soul
LabelStax Records
ProducerJim Stewart
Recorded atStax Studios, Memphis
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — Rufus Thomas
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Stax/Atlantic; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Much-covered (The Rolling Stones’ 1964 debut, Aerosmith, the Grateful Dead, Green Day); a direct family link to Carla Thomas in this catalogue.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record and no dispute found.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
His daughter Carla Thomas recorded it with Otis Redding on “King & Queen” (already in this catalogue)
His daughter Carla Thomas covered “Tramp” with Otis Redding; the catalogue’s “Tramp” is the Lowell Fulson original (already here)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Rufus Thomas
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
A family connection to Carla Thomas
Rufus Thomas was Carla Thomas’ father — both foundational early Stax artists. Carla is in this catalogue via “Tramp” and “Knock on Wood,” tied to her “King & Queen” duet album with Otis Redding.
Stax Records · read it →
A nursery-rhyme origin and a dance craze
The song was directly inspired by the traditional nursery rhyme “Mary Mack” and popularised a novelty dance. Before recording, Thomas had a long career as a Memphis WDIA radio DJ and Beale Street entertainer — nicknamed “the world’s oldest teenager.” No lyrics reproduced.
Grokipedia · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
His signature hit; covered by the Rolling Stones
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itThe Rolling Stones · Aerosmith
Who to Contact
WD
Rufus Thomas (Stax)
The confirmed songwriter of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 17/18)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass