EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A CAT Original Demo 1968 Disney Aristocats

Recorded in 1968 at Disney in Burbank, written by Floyd Huddleston and Al Rinker, sung by Floyd Huddleston and an unknown singer/trumpet player.

Originally, Louis Armstrong was to play "Sachmo Cat" but when Louis got sick, they used Scatman Caruthers. Also, notice the ORIGINAL lyric about "His milk to sip". Wooley Reiterman made Floyd cut the line because it implied that "O'Malley might be a drinker". Floyd commented back "Heaven forbid if anyone thinks Phil Harris drinks!"

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• disney
• cat
• animation
• kitty

[gerryu21220]

I actually prefer the Lp version by Phil Harris with Camarata. (Disneyland DQ-1333). Camarata's arrangements are so much livelier and better than what was used in the film.

[hustonhuddleston]

@gerryu21220 I agree, that was a dynamite version, as was the album arrangement of O'MALLEY THE ALLEY CAT, which made that song a MUCH better song.

[hustonhuddleston]

It definitely wasn't Al singing. It was probably a black trumpet player, as Floyd wouldn't have trusted a white one to attempt to be hip, unless it was Wingy Manone or Jack Sheldon...

[starlaasmith]

Where do you find this junk;that's so cool!

[MichaelSar12IsBack]

I think I prefer the version they used. This sounds like something you'd hear on one of those stupid "Hit Crew" records where they ruin classic Disney songs and cartoon themes (look for them on iTunes).

[DisneyFan16672]

Interesting bit of trivia: The line about catnip and milk was put into the Disney roadshow musical "On The Record" during it's short-lived run.

[JojoMonReturns91]

I love the Aristocrats and this lost demo of the awesome song just makes my night. :)

[mayerson]

Al Rinker was Bing Crosby's original singing partner. Paul Whiteman added Harry Barris to the group to form The Rhythm Boys.

I doubt that the second singer is the same person playing the trumpet, as the timing between them is too close. I'm not familiar with Al Rinker's voice after the late 1920s, but as he was a singer professionally, it is possible that the second singer is him.