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.
Tarzan Of Harlem
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And not from blowing gazes (?)
Pop this new time Memphis
Up there
He just blew into town
He's slimming coffee brands
His trademark is the sound
But Harlem's mights, don't be alarmed
He doesn't mind you any harm
He's only loaded with jungle charm
No trees about
But listen to him shout:
Wooooooah!
He's the Tarzan of Harlem
(He's the Tarzan of Harlem)
Big gals and small
All answer to his call:
Wooooooah!
He's the Tarzan of Harlem
(He's the Tarzan of Harlem)
Instead of swinging from the trees
He swings around the old sublime
Romancing all those girls
With a hey and a fly fly fly (???)
He just can't miss
He kills them with a kiss
And if some night you hear him roar
And someone's knocking at your door
That's just a way to ask
for moooooooore!
He's the Tarzan of Harlem
(He's the Tarzan of Harlem)
He just can't miss
He kills them with a kiss
He's the Tarzan of Harlem
The song "Tarzan Of Harlem" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy tells the story of a man who comes to Harlem and makes a big impression with his jungle charm. The song starts with the lyrics "All Harlem's in a rage, And not from blowing gazes" indicating the people of Harlem are excited about something. This excitement is caused by a newcomer who has arrived in Harlem and is known for his trademark sound. The sound he makes is like the jungle Tarzan, which is why he is called the Tarzan of Harlem.
Despite his unconventional approach, the people of Harlem are not afraid of him because he does not intend to cause any harm. He is here only to spread his jungle charm and to romance the girls of Harlem. He does this by swinging around the old sublime instead of the trees, and with his hey and fly fly fly. He's irresistible and makes all the ladies swoon. He's a master of kissing and his roar is just his way of asking for more.
Overall, "Tarzan Of Harlem" is a catchy and playful song that uses the jungle character of Tarzan to create a fun and refreshing perspective about the city. It portrays Harlem's openness to unusual characters while maintaining a sense of humor and celebrating the magic of romance.
Line by Line Meaning
All Harlem's in a rage
Harlem is filled with excitement and energy
And not from blowing gazes (?
Referencing the unclear source of the excitement
Pop this new time Memphis
Introducing a new character with a unique style
Up there
Specifying the location of Memphis
He just blew into town
Memphis is a recent arrival in Harlem
He's slimming coffee brands
Describing a characteristic or trait of Memphis
His trademark is the sound
Identifying Memphis' signature feature
That fills the air
Highlighting the impact of Memphis' presence
But Harlem's mights, don't be alarmed
Addressing any concerns or worries Harlem may have about Memphis
He doesn't mind you any harm
Assuring that Memphis means no harm to Harlem
He's only loaded with jungle charm
Explaining Memphis' unique and culturally appealing qualities
No trees about
Noting the lack of literal jungle elements in Harlem
But listen to him shout: Wooooooah!
Drawing attention to Memphis' vocalizations and idiosyncrasies
He's the Tarzan of Harlem (He's the Tarzan of Harlem)
Comparing Memphis to the fictional character Tarzan, and emphasizing his association with Harlem
Big gals and small
Referring to various body types and implying that Memphis appeals to all types of women
All answer to his call: Wooooooah!
Further emphasizing the appeal and charisma of Memphis
Instead of swinging from the trees
Playing with the Tarzan metaphor and applying it to Memphis as a man of Harlem
He swings around the old sublime
Using figurative language to describe Memphis' suave interpersonal style
Romancing all those girls
Detailing Memphis' apparent success with women
With a hey and a fly fly fly (???)
Poetic license, likely intended to rhyme with 'sublime'
He just can't miss
Emphasizing how successful Memphis is with women
He kills them with a kiss
Further playing with the Tarzan metaphor and highlighting Memphis' charisma
And if some night you hear him roar
Imagining an encounter with Memphis at night, with added Tarzan imagery
And someone's knocking at your door
Suggesting that Memphis may want to spend time with whoever hears his 'roar'
That's just a way to ask for moooooooore!
A playful and suggestive line that reinforces Memphis' confidence and charisma
He's the Tarzan of Harlem (He's the Tarzan of Harlem)
Reinforcing the comparison between Memphis and Tarzan, and emphasizing Memphis' connection to Harlem
He just can't miss
Repeating the idea of Memphis' overwhelming appeal
He kills them with a kiss
Repeating the metaphor of Memphis' effect on women
He's the Tarzan of Harlem
Concluding the song with a final reminder of Memphis' unique character
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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