"Don't Mess with Bill" is a million-selling Gold-certified 1966 single recorded by The Marvelettes for Motown Records' Tamla label. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, "Don't Mess with Bill" features a lead vocal by Wanda Young. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966, and at number three on Billboard's R&B singles chart. "Don't Mess with Bill" was the Marvelettes' final Top 10 single. Background The titular "Bill" referenced is not an allusion to the song's author, Bill "Smokey" Robinson. Robinson reports that he chose the name because it fit the lyrics, not because it was his. Cash Box described it as a "funky medium-paced pop-blues shuffler about love-struck gal who serves notice on one and all to leave her fella alone." Personnel Lead vocals by Wanda Young Rogers Background vocals by the Andantes: Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers Bass – James Jamerson Congas – Eddie "Bongo" Brown Drums – Benny Benjamin Guitar – Robert White Organ – Earl Van Dyke Baritone saxophone – Andrew "Mike" Terry Tenor saxophone solo – Norris Patterson Trombone – Don White, Paul Riser Trumpet – Floyd Jones, John Trudell Vibraphone – Jack Ashford Chart performance Other versions It was included as part of The Spinners "Superstar Medley" and released on the 1975 "Spinners Live!" album. "Don't Mess with Bill" has also been recorded and released by Monalisa Young. References The Marvelettes songs 1965 songs 1966 singles Songs written by Smokey Robinson Motown singles Song recordings produced by Smokey Robinson