I saw a documentary about CCR a couple of months ago. It was SO good. It compared their popularity at their peak to that of the Beatles. I had no idea. I definitely recommend it.
I had heard the cover by CCR (and quite possibly others) before I heard anything at all by Jay, I think. I really love "Little Demon" and some of those other crazy ones!
I love all your music posts! I have the Weird Al post saved for when I have time. Love Weird Al.
I love this one, because I absolutely know the song I Put a Spell on You, but knew really nothing else as far as context. Definitely going to check out more Screamin’ Jay music.
With his heavy touch of voodoo imagery, I'm wondering, too, if maybe Dr. John might've been influenced by Screamin' Jay. I know much, if not all, of Jay's act was fairly contrived, and Dr. John's was fully legit New Orleans hometown gris-gris mojo, but I wonder if Jay's outrageousness might've encouraged the young Dr. (he was a dozen years younger than Jay, but began in music in his teens in the '50s) toward being just a little more "out-there"!
Although, now that I'm catching up on Dr. John's bio, he was more, understandably, influenced by fellow Crescent City musician, Professor Longhair. Anyway, I enjoyed your dive into someone I hadn't really looked into before...knew Screamin' Jay's name, certainly, but beyond the hit, nothing else, so thanks!
He was a truly unique performer. Even when he did Tin Pan Alley tunes like "Temptation" and "I Love Paris" his signature creature-of-the-night vocal style was there.
I based the lead character in my horror story "Demon In His Soul" on him- although that guy is using the black arts for real...
I saw a documentary about CCR a couple of months ago. It was SO good. It compared their popularity at their peak to that of the Beatles. I had no idea. I definitely recommend it.
Nice. Got a link? I may check that out!
Travelin' Band on Netflix.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81629046?preventIntent=true
Thanks!
Only "I Put A Spell On You."
I had heard the cover by CCR (and quite possibly others) before I heard anything at all by Jay, I think. I really love "Little Demon" and some of those other crazy ones!
Really great article!!!
yay! did you know his music before reading this?
I love all your music posts! I have the Weird Al post saved for when I have time. Love Weird Al.
I love this one, because I absolutely know the song I Put a Spell on You, but knew really nothing else as far as context. Definitely going to check out more Screamin’ Jay music.
This is how I got started, for what it's worth: https://www.pandora.com/artist/play/screamin-jay-hawkins/cow-fingers-and-mosquito-pie/AL:4931
Oh cool! Thanks 😊
With his heavy touch of voodoo imagery, I'm wondering, too, if maybe Dr. John might've been influenced by Screamin' Jay. I know much, if not all, of Jay's act was fairly contrived, and Dr. John's was fully legit New Orleans hometown gris-gris mojo, but I wonder if Jay's outrageousness might've encouraged the young Dr. (he was a dozen years younger than Jay, but began in music in his teens in the '50s) toward being just a little more "out-there"!
Although, now that I'm catching up on Dr. John's bio, he was more, understandably, influenced by fellow Crescent City musician, Professor Longhair. Anyway, I enjoyed your dive into someone I hadn't really looked into before...knew Screamin' Jay's name, certainly, but beyond the hit, nothing else, so thanks!
That's awesome, Brad! Glad to give you some noodle food for the day. Here's the compilation album I heard in the mid-90s that introduced me to the dude: https://www.pandora.com/artist/play/screamin-jay-hawkins/cow-fingers-and-mosquito-pie/AL:4931
Really enjoyed this one! Love Screamin' Jay!
He is/was one of a kind!
He was a truly unique performer. Even when he did Tin Pan Alley tunes like "Temptation" and "I Love Paris" his signature creature-of-the-night vocal style was there.
I based the lead character in my horror story "Demon In His Soul" on him- although that guy is using the black arts for real...
Good title.