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.
Rockabilly Christmas
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swingin' his sleigh right through the sky
For the Christmas, Rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Santa's got his creepers red and green
Swingin' his sleigh while the kiddies dream
For the Christmas, Rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Santa's got his hair all piled high
Swingin' his sleigh while the kiddies cry
For the Christmas, Rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
T'was the night before Christmas
And all through the land
All the cats were jumpin' to a big swing band.
Way past midnight till a quarter of two
Jumpin' to the sounds of Big Bad Voodoo.
As the singer explains steppin' up to the mic
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat Yeah.
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Merry Christmas Baby!
The lyrics of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's "Rockabilly Christmas" celebrate the holiday season with a rockabilly twist. The song describes Santa Claus as a "real cool cat" with shades and his old red hat, swinging his sleigh through the sky and the children dreaming of presents. The chorus repeats the phrase "Rock rock rockabilly Christmas," emphasizing the fusion of two genres, and the song ends with the singer wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas Baby!".
The lyrics also reference the night before Christmas when "all the cats were jumpin' to a big swing band." The use of the word "cats" is a nod to the slang term for cool people in the jazz and swing eras. The song paints a picture of a fun-filled, swingin' Christmas where everyone is dancing the night away.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rockabilly Christmas" celebrate the holiday season in a unique way, blending rockabilly and swing elements with traditional Christmas themes. The song encourages the listener to let loose and have a good time during the festive season.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, Santa's got his hair all piled high
Santa Claus has styled his hair to be tall in a conical shape
Swingin' his sleigh right through the sky
He is navigating his sleigh while moving with a rhythmical motion
For the Christmas, Rockabilly Christmas
This time of year is the celebration of Christmas, and the music being played is Rockabilly Christmas
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Santa Claus is a fashionable and stylish individual, wearing sunglasses and his trademark red hat
Santa's got his creepers red and green
The shoes Santa Claus is wearing are red and green creepers
Swingin' his sleigh while the kiddies dream
He is moving his sleigh to music, while children are sleeping and dreaming of him
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Santa Claus is fashionable and wears sunglasses and his traditional red hat
T'was the night before Christmas
It was the evening prior to Christmas
And all through the land
Everywhere throughout the country
All the cats were jumpin' to a big swing band.
Everyone was dancing energetically to a large swing ensemble
Way past midnight till a quarter of two
It was well past midnight and almost 2:15 in the morning
Jumpin' to the sounds of Big Bad Voodoo.
Everyone is dancing to the music of the band Big Bad Voodoo
As the singer explains steppin' up to the mic
The vocalist is introducing himself as he walks to the microphone
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
The performer wishes everyone a happy Christmas and a good night
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat
Santa Claus is a stylish and cool individual, wearing sunglasses and his red hat
Rock rock rockabilly Christmas
This is a Rockabilly Christmas with energetic and upbeat rock and roll music
He's a real cool cat with shades and his old red hat Yeah.
Santa Claus is a fashionable and stylish individual, wearing sunglasses and his trademark red hat
Merry Christmas Baby!
Have a happy Christmas!
Contributed by Bella A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.