Ian Whitcomb today is best known not as a singer, but as a pop-music historian.
He wrote a book titled "After The Ball", which traces the history of popular music from the late 1800's into the 1970's, including a chapter on his own short time as a recording star.
Anybody else notice that when he sings "C'mon and do the jerk with me" the dancer behind him actually starts doing the jerk? Back in those days, people really took lyrics seriously!
My parents have several 45 rpms by Ian Whitcomb: This Sporting Life, You Turn Me On, and Nervous. They even have an LP by him. I've always enjoyed listening to his music, but I didn't really know what he looked like or how he performed. Thanks to YouTube (and you), now I know! Looks like he simply enjoyed his popularity and had a lot of fun. Thanks for posting.
This show wasn't usually having the performers sing live, usually they lip-synched, I guess the producers really thought that Ian Whitcomb was going to be the next really huge thing. I'm surprised this song passed the censors of the 1960's test to make it on TV at all.
Back in 1965 I thought this guy was really annoying, with the high-pitched voice and the irritating breathy puffing he did on this record.
However, the beat does at least give the Gazzari Dancers in the background a good go-go workout.
hebneh 4 months ago
Never heard of this guy, but had to listen to this tune after reading about it in Steven Tyler's book.
f16luvr 7 months ago
This MC sounds orgasmic. -- and so does Whitcomb -- what's up with that?
jlbaker2000 9 months ago
I watched this video on Shindig in 1965!!
Kevin19700 11 months ago
Wow...I loved Ian Whitcomb back then and I love him even more today! I'm going to pick up your new book. Cheers!
DogCookieLover 1 year ago
Ian Whitcomb today is best known not as a singer, but as a pop-music historian.
He wrote a book titled "After The Ball", which traces the history of popular music from the late 1800's into the 1970's, including a chapter on his own short time as a recording star.
altfactor 1 year ago
I have this single 45, fo sale. with B side: Poor But Honest, let me know if anybody wants.
buddyeagle 2 years ago
Anybody else notice that when he sings "C'mon and do the jerk with me" the dancer behind him actually starts doing the jerk? Back in those days, people really took lyrics seriously!
IDLERACER 2 years ago
A real 'fun' song from the summer of 1965.-----Danny
dannysordello 2 years ago
My parents have several 45 rpms by Ian Whitcomb: This Sporting Life, You Turn Me On, and Nervous. They even have an LP by him. I've always enjoyed listening to his music, but I didn't really know what he looked like or how he performed. Thanks to YouTube (and you), now I know! Looks like he simply enjoyed his popularity and had a lot of fun. Thanks for posting.
Chuck1974 2 years ago
Comment removed
Chuck1974 2 years ago
This show wasn't usually having the performers sing live, usually they lip-synched, I guess the producers really thought that Ian Whitcomb was going to be the next really huge thing. I'm surprised this song passed the censors of the 1960's test to make it on TV at all.
Yesimustbestupid2 3 years ago