“Walk Right In” is a folk and blues song performed by the American folk group The Rooftop Singers. The song was written by Gus Cannon and Hosea Woods, originally recorded in 1929 by Cannon’s Jug Stompers, a jug band featuring Gus Cannon. The Rooftop Singers, consisting of Erik Darling, Bill Svanoe, and Lynne Taylor, recorded a folk revival version of the song in 1962.
The song’s lyrics depict a lighthearted narrative about welcoming friends and visitors to come inside, have a good time, and enjoy life. The catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and the use of traditional folk instruments like the 12-string guitar contributed to the song’s appeal.
“Walk Right In” became a significant hit for The Rooftop Singers, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1963. Its success marked the folk music boom of the early 1960s, showcasing the genre’s popularity and influence during that era.
The song’s simplicity and inviting charm have made it a folk music classic, and it continues to be remembered as one of the standout hits of the folk revival movement in the 1960s.