Retro Redux: Before Weird Al, Newhart And Sherman Tickled America's Funny-Bone - Page 2

In 1962, his album of parody songs, My Son The Folk Singer, became a huge success, and "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" (AKA "Camp Granada") was the breakout hit. The song was based on Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours", an old classical piece with a familiar melody, but Sherman added lyrics that made it sound like a letter written by a homesick summer camper. It hit gold, with huge sales and a Grammy win too.

Sherman provided the inspiration for Weird Al Yankovic, who paid him homage on the cover of his first record, and was also famously linked to him during his appearance on The Simpsons, when Homer accused him of stealing Sherman's act. The material might seem a little dated now but humor never goes out of style, and I'm betting it will still get a chuckle out of most listeners.

Bob Newhart - "The Driving Instructor"
Allan Sherman - "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah"

Article Author: Big Geez

Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming his ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. …

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