Radio … and Me -16

Perhaps the most significant ‘Doo-Wop’ song on the radio in the late '50s was based on a technical feature, and it eventually came to launch a series of radio musical hits and even TV cartoons.
If I told you (Dear Reader of a certain age) that the song was written and performed in 1958, by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., and released on Liberty Records, you’d probably not remember it.
However, if I add that his stage name was 'David Seville,' and the song was
‘Witch Doctor’, then you’ll have a better idea of the craze that resulted.
The song tells of a lovelorn guy who consulted the ‘Witch Doctor’ for advice in patching up a strained relationship with his girlfriend. Mind you, the ‘Witch Doctor’ – in finest ‘Doo-wop’ tradition -- had all the best lines, … the chorus,
Oo-ee, oo-ah-ah, ting-tang, walla-walla bing-bang,
Oo-ee, oo-ah-ah, ting-tang, walla-walla bang-bang.
These two lines made up the sum of his advice to the lovelorn singer.
(Again, Dear Reader, I point out, as usual, that I’m not making this up: this is the actual, -- copyrighted – lyric.)

Now, here’s the ‘gimmick.’ Bagdasarian presented the ‘Witch Doctor’ character’s voice at double frequency; he simply recorded his own voice at half tape speed and played back the result at regular speed, and then his regular voice and band music were added to the mix.
Let’s listen to the song -- FROM A ‘78’ RECORDING -- on You Tube.
The process was revolutionary in those days, but it’s a great fun party project even today, if you can find the recording gear.

‘Witch Doctor’ was a sensation! You had to first learn the chorus before being fully equipped to sing the song. But, you DID, because it was fun.
Bagdasarian knew he was on to something, but he probably had no idea how popular his next release would become.
And that, Dear Reader, is another story … .