"Chain Gang" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, released as a single on July 26, 1960.

The song was inspired after a chance meeting with an actual chain gang of prisoners on a highway, seen while Cooke was on tour.

[7] Jim Croce had his last Hot 100 hit in 1976 posthumously when Lifesong Records released "Chain Gang Medley", a medley which included this song as well as "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" and "Searchin' ".

63 on the Billboard Hot 100 after spending 9 weeks on the chart.

[14] In addition, American rhythm and blues/soul singer Jackie Wilson together with jazz pianist Count Basie released their version as a single in 1968, from the album Manufacturers of Soul.