"Centipede" is a song by American singer Rebbie Jackson. Written and produced by her younger brother Michael, the track was the debut single from her debut album, Centipede. The song peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was a top-10 hit in New Zealand, where it reached number four.
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Background
The song was written and produced by Jackson's younger brother Michael Jackson. He and the Weather Girls also sang backing vocals on the song. The 12-inch single includes an extended mix and an instrumental version. On the back of the single, Michael Jackson dedicated the song "to my mannequin friends".
The song was later re-released on The Rebbie Jackson Collection (1996) and the original 12-inch version was included on her comeback album Yours Faithfully (1998).
Release and reception
Released in 1984, "Centipede" peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Jackson's highest-charting single and her only single to enter the Hot 100. "Centipede" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling 500,000 copies in the US.
Personnel
Lead vocals: Rebbie Jackson
Background vocals: Michael Jackson, the Weather Girls (Izora Rhodes, Martha Wash)
Arranger: Michael Jackson
John Barnes: synthesizers and drum programming
David Williams: guitar
Jerry Hey: flugelhorn