Summer in the City is a 1966 song by the Lovin’ Spoonful. It was released as a non-album single on July 4, 1966 and later appeared on the album Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful. Written by John Sebastian with help from his brother Mark Sebastian and Steve Boone, the track marks a harder rock edge for the group. Produced by Erik Jacobsen and recorded in March 1966 at Columbia’s 7th Avenue Studio in New York City, it was laid down over two sessions and features early use of city sound effects - car horns, a pneumatic drill, and a gasping organ sound - plus a Wurlitzer electric piano played by Artie Schroeck. The lyrics contrast the heat and noise of daytime city life with the relief of the cooler, livelier nights when the nightlife begins. The song topped the US charts for three weeks in August 1966, reached number one in Canada, and peaked at eight in the UK. Quincy Jones later produced a successful instrumental version that won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement, and the tune has been covered by artists such as Joe Cocker and Isaac Hayes.
