Mel Taylor and the Magics - Skokiaan (1966)

If you were a band during the 50s and 60s it was unthinkable not to do a cover version of Skokiaan. Unfortunately for the composer, August Musarurwa (Msarurgwa) of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), he died in 1968 -- but not before he met Louis Armstrong during his African tour.

For the record, the tune was first recorded by Musarurwa in 1947. It was rerecorded by him and his band (now as the Bulawayo Sweet Rhythms Band) and released in South Africa in 1954. Within a year of this release at least 19 cover versions of "Skokiaan" appeared. The Rhodesian version reached No 17 in the United States, while a cover version by Ralph Marterie climbed to No 3. Combined all these versions propelled the tune to No 2 on the Cash Box charts of that year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skokiaan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Musarurwa

Not to be left out in the rush to cover this song, so did Mel Taylor of "The Ventures". Here is his significant contribution to the history of this tune, as taken from his 1966 album with "The Magics". "In Action". BTW, if you have a loose $100 bill to spare you can still buy this cool album :)

http://www.amazon.com/Action-Mel-Taylor-Magics/dp/B0000566YA/

Some other versions on You Tube:
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Bulawayo Sweet Rhythms Band (1954): http://youtu.be/oxnXcBBdUBU
(The poster claims it is the 1947 recording, but this is incorrect as the Bulawayo Sweet Rhythms band did not exist then)
Ralph Marterie (1954): http://youtu.be/B4F_E8YJndY
Louis Armstrong (1954): http://youtu.be/6YTS9jFB084
The Four Lads (1954): http://youtu.be/zpndaJnGzz0
Bill Haley & His Comets (1959): http://youtu.be/2z1br3piNmM
Herb Alpert & Hugh Masekela (1978): http://youtu.be/rgyCUWAaV3s
James Last (remix?, date unknown): http://youtu.be/cQG8ccno8Vo

Category:

Music

Tags:

• music
• Africa
• Rhodesia
• Zimbabwe
• Skokiaan
• Jazz
• Rock & Roll
• Mel Taylor
• The Magics

[Jantak]

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