Formed to play proms in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group originally consisted of the three McMichael brothers: tenors Judd (1906-1989) and Joe (1916-1944), and baritone Ted (1908-2001). They were discovered by singer-bandleader Eddie Dunstedter. In 1930 the McMichaels, after performing as The Mystery Trio and The Personality Boys, added a female lead singer, Cheri McKay, and changed their name to The Merry Macs.
In 1936 they appeared on several national radio programs, and Cheri McKay was replaced by Helen Carroll. (McKay trained her successor in the group's singing style.)
Vocal quartets had customarily harmonized like barbershop quartets. The Merry Macs revolutionized vocal harmony with closer harmonic chords. This style inspired other groups, like The Modernaires and Six Hits and a Miss. In 1938 The Merry Macs signed with Decca Records and recorded “Pop Goes the Weasel.” The Merry Macs (with Carroll) sang a swing version of "Down by the Old Mill Stream" in the 1939 Vitaphone musical Seeing Red, Red Skelton's first film.
In 1939 Mary Lou Cook (b. 1910) replaced Helen Carroll. This is the foursome that most listeners know from film appearances. The McMichael brothers and Cook appeared as a specialty act in Hollywood movies, including 1940's Love Thy Neighbor, and Universal Pictures gave The Merry Macs their own feature-film series in 1941. Their most famous film is Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942), an Abbott and Costello comedy in which The Merry Macs offer musical interludes. At the time, Mary Lou was married to actor Elisha Cook, Jr.; evidently there were problems because Mary Lou ended both her marriage and her affiliation with The Merry Macs at about the same time.
Marjory Garland (1923-1991) replaced Mary Lou Cook after Ride 'Em Cowboy was filmed. The Merry Macs continued to score on the hit parade; their rendition of "Mairzy Doats" was a best-seller. Garland, who later married Judd McMichael, remained with the group until the 1960s.
Youngest brother Joe McMichael served in the armed forces and was killed in 1944. He was replaced by Clive Erard, then Dick Baldwin, and finally Vern Rowe. The foursome of Judd, Ted, Marjory and Vern continued performing until they retired from show business in 1964.
Johnson Rag
The Merry Macs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mud Black Bottom I got 'em
Lindy Hop Chop chop chop
Ch-ch-ch Charlotte Russe Turn on the juice
Hep Hep there goes the Johnson Rag
Hoy Hoy there goes the latest shag
Ho Ho it really isn't a gag
Jump Jump don't let your left foot drag
Jeep Jeep it's like a game of tag
Juke Juke it's even good for a stag
Jump jump and do the Johnson Rag
If your feelin' in the groove
It sends you out of the world
Funny how it makes you move
I don't wanna coax
But don't be a "Mokes"
Zig Zig Then add a Zig Zig Zag
Zoop Zoop just let your shoulders wag
Zoom Zoom and now it's right in the bag
Get hep And get happy with the Johnson Rag
Hep Hep There goes the Johnson Rag
Hoy Hoy there goes the latest shag
Ho Ho it really isn't a gag
Hep Hep There goes the Johnson Rag
Jump Jump Don't let your left foot drag
Jeep Jeep It's like a game of tag
Juke Juke It's even good for a stag
Jump jump And do the Johnson Rag
If your feelin' in the groove
It sends you out of the world
Funny how it makes you move
I don't wanna coax
But don't be a "Mokes"
Zig Zig then add a Zig Zig Zag
Zoop Zoop just let your shoulders wag
Zoom Zoom and now it's right in the bag
The Merry Macs's song Johnson Rag is a lively and energetic song that encourages listeners to dance to the beat. The lyrics reference various popular dance styles, such as the Lindy Hop and the Black Bottom, and encourage listeners to let loose and join in. The chorus features a call-and-response style, with "Hep Hep there goes the Johnson Rag" being followed by "Hoy Hoy there goes the latest shag" and "Ho Ho it really isn't a gag". The verses continue to list dance styles such as "Jump Jump" and "Jeep Jeep", and encourage listeners to "let their shoulders wag" and "do the Johnson Rag".
The song is a reflection of the popular dance music of the time, and was released in 1938 during the peak of the swing era. The lyrics and music were written by Guy Hall and Henry Kleinkauf, and the song was later covered by various other artists including Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. The Johnson Rag became a popular dance tune during the 1930s, and continues to be played and enjoyed today.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnson Flood Mississippi
The song is about a popular dance called the Johnson Rag, which was originated in Mississippi, USA.
Mud Black Bottom I got 'em
The dance is performed on the ground, and the reference to 'Mud Black Bottom' signifies that the dance involves a lot of footwork and is quite energetic.
Lindy Hop Chop chop chop
The Lindy Hop is a popular swing dance and 'Chop chop chop' probably refers to the quick, upbeat tempo of the music.
Ch-ch-ch Charlotte Russe Turn on the juice
Charlotte Russe is a type of dessert, and 'Turn on the juice' probably means that the dance is getting more energetic and fast-paced.
Hep Hep there goes the Johnson Rag
The 'Hep Hep' is a cheer used to encourage people to dance, and this line suggests that the dance is beginning.
Hoy Hoy there goes the latest shag
The 'Shag' was a popular dance in the 1920s and this line is probably referring to the Johnson Rag becoming the latest dance craze.
Ho Ho it really isn't a gag
This line is saying that the Johnson Rag is really happening, and not just a joke or something made up.
Jump Jump don't let your left foot drag
This line is a dance instruction, telling dancers to keep moving and not let their feet drag on the ground.
Jeep Jeep it's like a game of tag
This line likens the Johnson Rag to a game of tag, where dancers tag each other with their moves.
Juke Juke it's even good for a stag
A 'stag' is a dance where only men participate, and this line is saying that the Johnson Rag is even good for this type of dance.
If your feelin' in the groove
It sends you out of the world
This line suggests that dancing the Johnson Rag can take you to another level of enjoyment and make you forget about everything else.
Funny how it makes you move
This line is acknowledging how natural the Johnson Rag makes people move and dance.
I don't wanna coax
But don't be a "Mokes"
The singer is trying to encourage people to dance and not be reluctant or hesitant on the dance floor.
Zig Zig Then add a Zig Zig Zag
This line is giving another dance instruction, telling dancers to zig zag with their moves.
Zoop Zoop just let your shoulders wag
This line is telling dancers to loosen up and relax by letting their shoulders move freely.
Zoom Zoom and now it's right in the bag
This line is a celebratory one, saying that the dance has been mastered and is now perfect.
Get hep And get happy with the Johnson Rag
This line is a final encouragement to dancers to fully embrace the Johnson Rag and have fun with it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GUY HALL, HENRY KLEINKAUF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
music girl
on Jingle, Jangle, Jingle
People bop their heads and hum along to these oldies, often not realising what the song's actually about.