Bo Diddley himself said: "I remember Willie standin' over me, whisperin' the lyrics in my ear before I got to the next line!

"[5] "Pretty Thing" was recorded by Bo Diddley on July 14, 1955 – the same day as "Bring It to Jerome".

Producing the session at Universal Recording Corporation[3] in Chicago, Illinois were the Chess brothers – Leonard and Phil – and Bo Diddley.

The performers on the song were Bo Diddley (vocals, guitar), Jerome Green (maracas), Lester Davenport (harmonica), and Clifton James (drums).

Canned Heat released a studio version of the song on Vintage in 1970.