Released in 1961, the song "Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)" by Barry Mann has become an iconic hit. It has been covered by a wide variety of artists over the years, including everyone from the Beach Boys to the Jackson 5. But what inspired the song and what is the story behind it? Let's take a look at the history of this classic tune.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Barry Mann was inspired to write "Who Put the Bomp" when he heard a phrase used by his friend and fellow songwriter Gerry Goffin. Goffin had used the phrase "bomp-she-bomp" when referring to a dance move that the two of them had seen at a rock n' roll show. Mann thought the phrase was catchy and decided to write a song about it.
The Writing Process
Mann wrote the song in less than an hour, making it one of the fastest songs he ever wrote. He also wrote it without any help from Goffin, which was unusual for the two of them. The original version of the song was recorded in one take and was mostly done as an instrumental. It was released in 1961, and it quickly became a hit.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to the song were written by Mann's wife, Cynthia Weil. She was inspired by the phrase "bomp-she-bomp" and wrote a tongue-in-cheek lyric about it. The song is a lighthearted ode to the joys of dancing and falling in love, with a 1950s-style, doo-wop melody.
The Song's Impact
The song was an immediate hit and quickly rose up the charts. It was covered by many artists, including the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, and the Four Seasons. The song was also featured in the hit movie Grease and was later used in a Nike commercial. Today, it is still a popular song and is often heard at weddings and other celebrations.
The Legacy of "Who Put the Bomp"
The song has become an iconic hit and is one of the most popular songs of the 1960s. It has been covered by dozens of artists and is still beloved by fans of doo-wop music. The song is a testament to Mann and Weil's songwriting skills and their ability to craft a timeless classic out of a lighthearted phrase.
Revisiting the Song in 2023
As the decade of 2023 begins, "Who Put the Bomp" is still a popular song. It's been nearly sixty years since the song was released, but it still has the same power to get people on their feet and dancing. Whether it's a wedding, a party, or a commercial, the song will never get old.
Conclusion
The song "Who Put the Bomp" is an iconic hit and one of the most popular songs of the 1960s. It was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and has been covered by a wide variety of artists. The song has been around for over sixty years, and it still has the power to get people on their feet and dancing.
