the bobbettes - mr. lee

I am playing this song on a loop today and I really want to share it with you. First of all, look at those girls. They look like babies! How young?

Those are the ladies that make up The Bobbettes. In 1957, they were the first all-girl doo-wop group to have a #1 hit song with "Mr. Lee." These ballers were from Harlem and they originally wrote this song about a teacher they definitely did NOT like, named Mr. Lee. Apparently he was a real jerk. GUESS WHAT THEY WERE ALSO IN THE GLEE CLUB. I'm dying.

At the suggestion of their label, they changed the lyrics to their song. Instead of calling him ugly, they called him handsome. Subtle changes can sell records, kids. Suddenly, Mr. Lee became a huge baller on wax. In 1959, the girls got a chance to record what they really thought with the alternate version "I Shot Mr. Lee." HELLO!

The Bobbettes - Mr. Lee

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blackstreet - no diggity

Strictly biz, she don't play around
Cover much ground, got game by the pound
Getting paid is a forte
Each and every day, true player way

I am totally reliving 1996 with my posts today, because here comes another stunna from that year. This is a light bulb video for me. I didn't know anything about rap music but I remember thinking that this sounded really tight. It was before I really understood how sampling worked. Someone knew what they were doing with this Bill Withers right here. I also thought anything with Dr. Dre at this time was like having Willie Mitchell producing (RIP). TRUST HIM, HE'S A DOCTOR. This video exists simply to remind me of trying to awkwardly dance in a circle of girls with chunky square heels and stuffed bras at a Lamar Middle School dance while all the boys stood in the corner.

Also, I've always believed this to star Lil' Penny. Is that in fact the baller himself or were they just trying to capitalize on the Lil' Penny fame of that season? A big year for that baller. There's also a grandpa Lil' Penny version in this video. Bigger question: WHY ARE THERE PUPPETS IN THE VIDEO? How hardcore can you really be, Blackstreet slash I'm into it completely.

I want this on my tombstone someday:

Attracting honeys like a magnet
Giving em eargasms with my mellow accent

who remembers lil' penny?

This little baller was all in the rage in 1996. Who remembers? He was a creepy puppet version of Penny Hardaway, who was playing for Orlando Magic at the time. I was so obsessed with Lil' Penny. I used to drop everything when the commercials came on. Check out his little Nikes! He was also voiced by Chris Rock. Note to all puppeteers: give your puppet a Chris Rock voice and it will be huge.

Santa didn't bring me a pair of Air Penny IIs this year, but I keep wishing. FOR REAL!

There are several Lil' Penny commercials to choose from, but this is a personal fave. This is so clear in my memory it's like it just aired. The tiny swim trunks. I am literally dying.

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Merry R&B Christmas Y'all

All I want for xmas is a leather fedora and a creepy game of flashlight tag.

christmas series #11: the andrews sisters

I'm feeling patriotic and in the Christmas spirit just by looking at that picture. Also, those ladies know how to work their legs, amiright? The Andrews Sisters were a singing group consisting of three real sisters: LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty. These ladies started their career by performing in talent shows and vaudeville productions when they were just tiny tots.

By 1940, the girls were a household name from their various recordings and were entertaining troops overseas. Check the photo. Ballers. They released "Christmas Island" in 1946. Their sound really evokes calmness and ease for me. I want to dance around in a high-waisted skirt and write letters to my war hero fiance. What an era of music.

Also, did you know Christmas Island is a real place? Lots of people live there! I mean, that is really tight. It seems isolated and maybe even a bit scary, but I would want to visit just for the name alone. Or at least spend the holiday there as the song suggests. The island is home to the red-footed boobie, a real bird. How tight?

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve tonight with everyone you hold near and dear. I can't wait to do round dos of presents AND to watch all my favorite Christmas television episodes of everything, aka Ren and Stimpy and The Honeymooners. The big guy is coming down the chimney tonight so you better get some sleep. He knows when you are sleeping! Merry Christmas, all. Love you. xx

The Andrews Sisters - Christmas Island

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christmas series #10: chuck berry

Christmas Eve Eve! It's almost here, y'all. Can you believe that I was once talking about drinking mojitos and listening to Steely Dan by the pool? Man, it flies by. Well, here to help carry you through to Christmas and even the New Year is some Chuck Berry.

Chuck is a quintessential part of American rock n' roll music. He might even be the creator, in my mind. Chuck started playing the blues as a teenager, and eventually cultivated his stage presence that we came to know and love. He released "Maybellene" in 1955 and the rest is history. Chuck was in and out of jail and did some ridiculous stuff as an adult. But it didn't make any difference when it came to recording awesome songs. He is truly a shaper of the sound we love today.

In 1958, Chuck recorded "Run Rudolph Run" for Chess. This song has been covered a million times and is even featured in one of the greater holiday movies, Home Alone.

I hope you have all your presents wrapped and ready. Tonight, I'm going to put on some sweatpants and watch the annual Letterman holiday show. Tomorrow is the most exciting night of the year!

Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run