About the song
“Alley Oop” is a timeless classic that has been delighting music lovers for generations. Written and composed by Dallas Frazier in 1957, this catchy tune was inspired by the popular comic strip of the same name created by V. T. Hamlin. The song’s origins date back to the early days of rock and roll, when music was a fusion of different styles and genres. “Alley Oop” is a prime example of this fusion, blending elements of rock, pop, and doo-wop to create a unique sound that captivated audiences.
The song’s success can be attributed to the Hollywood Argyles, a short-lived studio band that recorded “Alley Oop” in 1960. The band’s lineup was a who’s who of talented musicians, including Gary Paxton, who not only produced the song but also sang lead vocals. Paxton, who was under contract to Brent Records at the time, brought his expertise to the project, working alongside partner Kim Fowley to produce the song. The result was a chart-topping hit that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the US R&B chart, as well as #24 on the UK chart.
But what makes “Alley Oop” truly special is the story behind its creation. According to Paxton, the song was recorded with a group of talented musicians who came together to create something special. The drummer was Ronnie Silico, who had previously worked with Lloyd Price; the piano player was Gaynel Hodge of the Penguins; the bass player was Harper Cosby, a jazz bassist from Los Angeles; and the background singers included Dallas Frazier, Buddy Mize, Scotty Turner, Diane ??, and Paxton himself. The song was recorded at Richard Podolor’s American Recorders, a studio located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The result was a song that has become an iconic part of American music history. “Alley Oop” is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of rock and roll. With its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and infectious beat, “Alley Oop” is a song that continues to delight audiences to this day.
Video
Lyrics
(Oop-oop, oop, oop-oop)
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)There’s a man in the funny papers we all know
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
He lives way back a long time ago
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
He don’t eat nothin’ but a bear cat stew
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Well, this cat’s name is Alley-Oop
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)He got a chauffeur that’s a genuine dinosaur
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
And he can knuckle your head before you count to four
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)He got a big ugly club and a head full of hair
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Like great big lions and grizzly bears
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
(Alley-Oop) He’s the toughest man there is alive
(Alley-Oop) Wearin’ clothes from a wildcat’s hide
(Alley-Oop) He’s the king of the jungle jive
(Look at that cave man go!) (Scream!)He rides through the jungle, tearin’ limbs off of trees
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Knockin’ great big monsters dead on their knees
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
The cats don’t bug him ’cause they know better
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
‘Cause he’s a mean motor scooter and a bad go-getter
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
(Alley-Oop) He’s the toughest man there is alive
(Alley-Oop) Wears clothes from a wildcat’s hide
(Alley-Oop) He’s the king of the jungle jive
(Look at that cave man go!) (Scream!)There he goes
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Look at that cave man go
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
He sure is hip, ain’t he?
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Like what’s happening
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
He’s too much
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Ride, daddy, ride
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Hi-yo, dinosaur
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Ride, daddy, ride
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Get ’em, man
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)
Like hips ville
(Alley-Oop, oop, oop, oop-oop)