“The Nitty Gritty” is a 1963 song written by Lincoln Chase and recorded by Shirley Ellis. Released in early 1964.
Motown released a version of “The Nitty Gritty” by Gladys Knight & The Pips in mid-1969 on its Soul imprint. A version by Diana Ross & The Supremes can be found on the 2001 edition of their album, Anthology. Southern Culture on the Skids covered it on the Dirt Track Date album. A 1963 televised performance of the dance by Robert Banas has over 10 million views on YouTube. Nitty Gritty –by Stephen Sayer and Chandrae Roettig. Stephen Sayer is a dancer/instructor who is dedicated to preserving the great American partner jazz dances of the 1920s–1950s. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Steve began dancing in 1998 at the age of 16. In 2011, Steve and his partner Chandrae Roettig won first place at the National Jitterbug Championships and the US Open Strictly Lindy Hop divisions. In 2012 he was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Today Steve teaches in North Hollywood and has started the California Jubilee performance teams. His focus on connecting to partner and music are what makes his dancing and teaching so unique. After an early career in advanced gymnastics, Chandrae “Chanzie” Roettig got her start in contemporary dancing at Dance Vision in Portland, Oregon. Chanzie has worked with some of LA’s top choreographers in film, television, music, and stage. Recently, she and her dance partner Stephen Sayer completed work on a major motion picture entitled Gangster Squad. In 2007, Chanzie found her “True Love” in the dance world: Swing Dancing. After winning many national swing dance titles, she and Stephen Sayer have turned their focus to teaching. Known for her cheerful and playful attitude, Chanzie is a joy to watch, dance with, and learn from.