About the song
“Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway is a jazz classic that exudes energy and charisma, showcasing Calloway’s distinctive vocal style and vibrant personality. Released in 1931, this iconic song has stood the test of time and remains a beloved piece of music history.
Written by Cab Calloway himself, along with Irving Mills and Clarence Gaskill, “Minnie the Moocher” tells the story of a young woman named Minnie, who faces adversity but maintains her independence and resilience. The song’s catchy refrain, “Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho,” became synonymous with Calloway’s performance style and contributed to its widespread popularity.
“Minnie the Moocher” was featured on Cab Calloway’s album titled “Minnie the Moocher and Other Jazz Classics,” released in 1931. The album showcased Calloway’s talents as both a singer and bandleader, with his orchestra providing the dynamic and infectious jazz accompaniment that perfectly complemented his vocals.
Upon its release, “Minnie the Moocher” quickly climbed the charts, becoming a hit single and solidifying Cab Calloway’s status as one of the leading figures in the jazz and big band music of the 1930s. The song’s unique blend of jazz, swing, and Calloway’s signature scat singing captivated audiences and earned it a place in the pantheon of jazz standards.
Over the years, “Minnie the Moocher” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its cultural impact and enduring popularity. Calloway’s electrifying performance of the song in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers” introduced it to a new generation of music lovers and ensured its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
In conclusion, “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway is more than just a song—it’s a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of the jazz age. With its infectious rhythm, memorable lyrics, and unforgettable performance by Calloway, it continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians to this day. As one of the defining songs of the swing era, “Minnie the Moocher” remains a testament to Calloway’s talent and influence in shaping the landscape of American music.
Video
Lyrics
Folks, here’s a story ’bout Minnie the Moocher
She was a red hot hoochie-coocher
She was the roughest, toughest frail
But Minnie had a heart as big as a whale
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi (hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi)
Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho (ho-ho-ho-ho-ho)
Hee-de-hee-de-hee-de-hee (hee-de-hee-de-hee-de-hee)
Hey-ey-ey (hey-ey-ey)
She messed around with a bloke named Smokey
She loved him though he was kokey
He took her down to Chinatown
And he showed her how to kick the gong around
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi (hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi)
Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho (ho-ho-ho-ho-ho)
Hey-ey-ey (hey-ey-ey)
Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho (ho-ho-ho-ho-ho)
She had a dream about the king of Sweden
He gave her things, that she was needin’
He gave her a home built of gold and steel
A diamond car, with the platinum wheels
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi (hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi)
Ho-di-ho-di-ho-di-oh (ho-di-ho-di-ho-di-oh)
Skip-a-bibby-goop-a-bibby-give-a-bibby, bubly-bop
(Skip-a-bibby-goop-a-bibby-give-a-bibby, bubly-bop)
Ah-brr-iggy, brr-iggy, brr-iggy, haw (ah-brr-iggy, brr-iggy, brr-iggy, haw)
He gave her his townhouse and his racing horses
Each meal she ate was a dozen courses
She had a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes
She sat around and counted them all a million times
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi (hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi)
Oooh (ooh)
Hey-ey-ey (hey-ey-ey)
Oh-oh, oh-oh (oh-oh, oh-oh)
Poor Min, poor Min, poor Min