The group began singing as part of the longstanding Columbia University a cappella group "Kingsmen", but the ensemble changed their name due to the popularity of the Pacific Northwest rock band of the same name (see: "The Kingsmen"). Conceived by George Leonard, then a graduate student in Humanities, Sha Na Na began performing in 1969, at the height of the hippie counterculture. The guys achieved national fame after playing at the Woodstock Festival, where they preceded Jimi Hendrix. In fact, the ever friendly and genial Hendrix stuck out his neck for the group, insisting the band be allowed to take the stage even after festival’s promoters wanted to cut them from the bill at the last minute, and Sha Na Na members have since credited him for 'saving' them from obscurity almost single-handed.
Their ninety-second appearance in the popular Woodstock concert film brought the group national attention, and they were a part of the 50s nostalgia craze of the era. Similar artists both in the Americas and in the U.K. appeared (examples being Alvin Stardust and Gary Glitter). The Broadway musical 'Grease' and the TV show 'Happy Days' both also displayed the same ethos as Sha Na Na.
The degree to which their act was truly nostalgic, as opposed to the degree to which it was "invented nostalgia" for joking purposes has been called into question. Still, the group appeared in the movie 'Grease' (based off of the musical of the same name) as "Johnny Casino & The Gamblers", gaining them even more attention. Sha Na Na was also successful with the hit syndicated television show of the same name that the guys did from 1977 to 1982. The program featured guests with much 70s fame such as soul and funk star James Brown and the popular punk band Ramones; musicians from rock & roll's golden era such as Little Richard and Chubby Checker also appeared.
The original band line-up featured twelve performers: Alan Cooper (bass vocals), Rob Leonard (vocals), Frederick 'Denny' Greene (vocals), Henry Gross (guitar), John 'Jocko' Marcellino (drums), Joe Witkin (piano), Scott Powell aka Captain Outrageous aka Tony Santini (vocals), Donald 'Donny' York (vocals), Elliot Cahn aka 'Gino', (rhythm guitar), Rich Joffe (vocals), Dave Garrett (vocals) and Bruce 'Bruno' Clarke. The act has often involved three "up front" dancers/singers in gold lamé and the other nine in "greaser attire", such as rolled up t-shirt sleeves, leather jackets, tank tops, et cetera. During their long-running career, the ensemble has gone through multiple line-up changes. Most recently, co-founder John 'Jocko' Marcellino has served as the group's central frontman. Their latest release is 2013's 'Sha Na Na Greaser High School Hop', with them still touring even decades upon decades after their foundation.
Also that year, Sha Na Na was notably a part of the "Grease Sing-A-Long" event, which is held annually at the Hollywood Bowl. During the 35th anniversary of the beloved movie, they performed several of their tracks from the work's famous soundtrack. "This has become a family event," Marcellino remarked, "They all come dressed up greased with their Pink Lady outfits on, their T-Birds leather jackets, and it’s fabulous that a fourth generation is learning these songs and loving these songs."
Examples of former members:
Vinnie Taylor (1949 - 1974) (real name Chris Donald), who replaced Henry Gross as the lead guitarist in 1970, died from a heroin overdose on April 17, 1974, after a concert at University Hall at the University of Virginia.[citation needed] He was found in a Holiday Inn hotel room in Charlottesville, Virginia.[citation needed]
Former Sha Na Na bass player, from their television show lineup, Dave "Chico" Ryan, died in 1998.
Former Sha Na Na guitarist, from their television show lineup, Danny "Dirty Dan" McBride, died in 2009.
Founding member of the band Robert Leonard is a professor of linguistics at Hofstra University, and had an appearance as a qualified expert in linguistics for the murder case of Charlene Hummert in the episode "A Tight Leash" of the TV medical detectives series Forensic Files in 2004.[citation needed]
The group's first guitarist, Henry Gross, went on to become a solo performer, and had a hit single with "Shannon" in 1976. Another founding member, Alan Cooper, the lead singer in the group's performance of "At the Hop" in the Woodstock film, also went on to an academic career. He taught religious studies for ten years at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was a professor of Bible studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, and now serves as the Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and provost at the Jewish Theological Seminary.[citation needed]
Long time member Jon "Bowzer" Bauman replaced Alan Cooper and became a recognizable member of the group as he taunted audiences while he flexed his muscles, burped and spat in the direction of the bass player. For two years in 1983 and 1984 he served as the host of the game show Hollywood Squares between the retirement of longtime host Peter Marshall and the last host John Davidson. Today, Bowzer continues to tour under his own banner.
Elliot Cahn, the group's original rhythm guitar player and musical arranger, later became the first manager of Green Day. "Screaming" Scott Simon replaced Joe Witkin, the original keyboard player (and singer of Teenager in Love on their first album). Today, Witkin is an emergency room physician living with his family in San Diego, California and playing with a band called "The Corvettes"[3] doing an oldies revue. Witkin's son, Brian Witkin, went on to become the founder of Pacific Records.
Joe Witkin left the band in 1970 to finish medical school, and subsequently moved to San Diego in 1975 to do his internship and residency at the University of California in San Diego. He worked at Scripps Hospital East County from 1978 to 2000 as an ER physician, and currently holds the same position at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa.
Scott Powell today is a specialist in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.[4] He performed on the TV show under the stage name "Santini" (which he changed from his previous alias, "Captain Outrageous"). Powell left the band in 1980 and returned to Columbia to take pre-medical courses.[citation needed] He is a member of the medical staff of U.S. national soccer teams, and is the team physician for the Federation Women’s National Team and an associate clinical professor at USC.[citation needed] While Powell was with Sha Na Na, he sang the bulk of the Elvis revival songs.
Frederick "Denny" Greene left the group to pursue studies in law.[citation needed] After graduating from Yale Law School, he became the vice president of production and features at Columbia Pictures.[citation needed] He is currently a professor at the University of Dayton. Greene was known for his skilled dancing, and sang the lead in "Tears on My Pillow", "Duke of Earl" and others.
Bruce "Bruno" Clarke is now a professor of English at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
Witch Doctor
Sha Na Na Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I told the witch doctor I was in love with you
And then the witch doctor, he told me what to do
He said that
[Chorus]
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang [Repeat: x4]
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me true
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me nice
And then the witch doctor, he gave me his advice
He said that
[Chorus]
You've been keepin' love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy who's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to say
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to do
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you
[Chorus]
You've been keepin' love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy who's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to say
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to do
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you, oh baby
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-wal
la-bing-bang
The lyrics of Sha Na Na's song Witch Doctor tell the story of a person who seeks the help of a witch doctor to win the heart of their beloved. It starts with the singer admitting their love for someone to the witch doctor and seeking his advice on what to do. The witch doctor responds by chanting the popular refrain "Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang." Then, the singer expresses their doubts about their beloved's love and requests help in winning them over. The witch doctor suggests finding someone wiser who can teach them how to win their love.
The song uses a lot of magic and witchcraft-inspired imagery as a metaphor for the character's attempts to win over their love interest. The repetition of the "ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang" line is reminiscent of a spell or charm. The character's belief in the witch doctor's advice and use of his teachings to win their loved one is symbolic of the power of belief and the lengths we go to for love. Overall, the song is a lighthearted, humorous take on the often-ridiculous lengths we go to for love.
Line by Line Meaning
I told the witch doctor I was in love with you
I confided to a spiritual healer that my heart is filled with passion for you.
And then the witch doctor, he told me what to do
He said that
The witch doctor proceeded to give me counsel.
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang [Repeat: x4]
The witch doctor's instructions were punctuated with nonsensical, rhythmic sounds.
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me true
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me nice
And then the witch doctor, he gave me his advice
I reported to the witch doctor that my romantic feelings were not reciprocated and he offered his guidance.
You've been keepin' love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy who's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart
I recognize that my naive approach was not working, so I sought the help of a wise man who coached me on how to make you fall in love with me.
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to say
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to do
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you
The witch doctor is my friend and he provided me with a script and a game plan that I believe will win over your affection.
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang
I am now chanting the witch doctor's nonsensical sounds in anticipation of your acceptance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROSS BAGDASARIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andrea Patane
This song from Sha Na Na is bouncy and a perfect fit for Halloween. It's been added to my "Halloween melodies" playlist I made on iTunes and Spotify. It was heard on The Simpsons where Homer and Lisa are relaxing in the spa tubs which was seen from the episode, "Make Room for Lisa". My dad would rarely sing it aloud when he does 🏠work. I hate to be rude, but I’d highly suggest that you must upload lyrics to this funny Halloween song that everyone go nuts over traditionally when it’s onscreen. 👍🏻 if you enjoy listening to Halloween music anytime/anywhere.
Andrea Patane
@rudy2fat I agree!
rudy2fat
mines too
Geoffery Williams
The dude definitely had a fantastic voice. Definitely had the oldies 50's and 60's vibe with how he sounded. Poor guy died of cancer in 2011, rip Kenneth Mars.
Tim Tom
This is the most amazing song in epicness songs history :D
Gabriel Coronado
Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N0BaQx7tjs
The mexican comedian Manuel Valdés.
shawncindigabriel
I can alter my voice naturally to do that no pain at all they are voice enhancing
Hunny Bee
This was my second language when I was seven
Garry M
Gee, that must have hurt
Grafknar
Oooh Eeh Oooh Ah Ah, Ting Tang, Walla-Walla Bing Bang. Not since 42 has so little explained so much. Thanks for posting! :)