The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
Mr. Pinstripe Suit
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smooth talker with an export cigarette
I don't believe I ever saw him without a cocktail in his hand
And no one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band
Now he strolls through the city like a big ol' alley cat
With his pinstripe suit and a big bad voodoo hat
I don't believe I ever saw him without a kitten on his hand
Hey Mr. Pinstripe Suit, hey Mr. Hi De Hi De Ho
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Hey Mr. Wingtip Shoes, hey Mr. Always On The Go
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
That's right Jack
Pinstripe Suit swing
Hey Mr. Pinstripe Suit, hey Mr. Hi De Hi De Ho
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Mr. Wingtip Shoes, hey Mr. Always On The Go
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Well I know you got the answers, yeah, we all wanna know
"Mr. Pinstripe Suit" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a tribute to a charming, mysterious and well-dressed man who has all the right answers. The song describes him as a smooth talker who never goes without a cocktail in his hand and always has a kitten on his arm. He struts through the city in a pinstripe suit and a big bad voodoo hat, swinging hard to the big band sound of the group. The song lyrics address him directly, calling out "Hey Mr. Pinstripe Suit, hey Mr. Hi De Hi De Ho, well I know you got the answers we all wanna know."
The song's lyrics play on the idea of the "man about town" archetype, someone who effortlessly navigates social situations and has all the answers. The use of the names of his clothing items, such as "wingtip shoes" and "pinstripe suit," emphasizes a consumer culture that values style and image over substance. The reference to the "big bad voodoo band" and its swinging sound suggests that the man is attuned to the latest trends and able to keep up with the coolest and most exciting music of the day.
Line by Line Meaning
And now friends let me tell you about this cat that I once met
Let me share a story about a person I met.
Smooth talker with an export cigarette
This person is a smooth talker and always has a cigarette in hand.
I don't believe I ever saw him without a cocktail in his hand
This person is always holding a cocktail.
And no one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band
This person really enjoys Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's music and dances to it.
Now he strolls through the city like a big ol' alley cat
This person walks confidently through the city like they own it.
With his pinstripe suit and a big bad voodoo hat
This person dresses in a stylish pinstripe suit and wears a hat that represents their love for the band.
I don't believe I ever saw him without a kitten on his hand
This person is often seen holding a small kitten.
Hey Mr. Pinstripe Suit, hey Mr. Hi De Hi De Ho
Addressing the person referred to as Mr. Pinstripe Suit and recognizing their unique catchphrase.
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Acknowledging that this individual seems to know something that others want to know.
Hey Mr. Wingtip Shoes, hey Mr. Always On The Go
Addressing the person's taste in shoes and recognizing how busy they seem to be.
That's right Jack
A casual exclamation of agreement or admiration.
Pinstripe Suit swing
A reference to the individual's dancing while wearing a pinstripe suit.
Well I know you got the answers we all wanna know
Reiterating that this person seems to possess knowledge that others desire.
Well I know you got the answers, yeah, we all wanna know
A final confirmation that others are curious and seek answers that this individual possesses.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: SCOTT MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marissahill7654
Lyrics:
Well now, friends, let me tell you about this cat that I once met
Smooth talker with an export cigarette
I don't believe I ever saw him without a cocktail in his hand
And no-one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band!
Now he strolls through the city like a big ol' alley cat
With his pinstripe suit and a big bad voodoo hat
I don't believe I ever saw him without a kitten on his hand
And no-one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band!
[Chorus]
Hey, Mr. pinstripe suit
Hey, Mr. hi-dee-hi-dee-ho
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Mr. wingtip shoes
Hey, Mr. always on the go
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Yeah!
[Instrumental break]
[Chorus]
Hey, Mr. Pinstripe Suit
Hey, Mr. hi-dee-hi-dee-ho
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Mr. wingtip shoes
Hey, Mr. always on the go
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Well, I know you got the answers
Yeah, we all wanna know!
@Chrisbelike
Well now, friends, let me tell you about this cat that I once met
Smooth talker with an export cigarette
I don't believe I ever saw him without a cocktail in his hand
And no-one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band!
Now he strolls through the city like a big ol' alley cat
With his pinstripe suit and a big bad voodoo hat
I don't believe I ever saw him without a kitten on his hand
And no-one swings as hard to the big bad voodoo band!
[Chorus]
Hey, Mr. pinstripe suit
Hey, Mr. hi-dee-hi-dee-ho
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Mr. wingtip shoes
Hey, Mr. always on the go
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Yeah!
[Instrumental break]
[Chorus]
Hey, Mr. Pinstripe Suit
Hey, Mr. hi-dee-hi-dee-ho
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Mr. wingtip shoes
Hey, Mr. always on the go
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Well, I know you got the answers
We all wanna know
Well, I know you got the answers
Yeah, we all wanna know!
@LordBaryonic
When I was a young law student, one of our professors gave us the following advice: Always observe a businessman's pinstripe suit. Be wary of a man wearing pinstripe suits with wide spacing between the stripes, because he is likely dishonest. And the wider the spacing, the more of a crook he is.
I can only say that this advice has never failed me...
@Grunge_Cycling
For real?
@kymo6343
@@Grunge_Cycling It's just a superstition dude. After all, why would they even make suits with wide spacing between the stripes if people are just going to assume something bad of someone for it...
@msdustismith8919
@@kymo6343that... is an idiotic comment.
@icarusmakarov9365
@@kymo6343 The fact that they still do and still being bought confirms that there is no such stereotype, and this professor's advice is not a common superstition, but more of a curious observation
@casuallykenzie164
Me: wearing all black with my hood up, staring forlornly out of the window
My Earbuds:
@HeyItsDominicus
Yep, relatable af
@larar.5364
The 20's are coming back, might as well bring swing along
@kassandrajones559
Hells yeah!
@goora1866
Well we have electro swing so we're gettin there