Mr. Bojangles (Cover)

Mr. Bojangles is a song by legendary singer/songwriter, Jerry Jeff Walker that started taking shape, as I understand it, when ol' Jerry Jeff was actually doing a little time for drunk and disorderly down in New Orleans. The song wasn't about the famous Black dancer, Bill Robinson, aka, Bojangles, but about a white dancer who was known to have traveled the south starting in the 1920s and into the mid 1960s. But, Bill Bojangles Robinson has come to be identified with the song and most of the pics Ive used in this vid are of him.

Sammy Davis, Jr. did a popular cover of the song. There are several youtube postings of him doing it, but I could not find my personal favorite, which was of him performing on the Johnny Carson Show. It was understated and heartfelt. Whatever you think of Sammy, the man was talent.

I've also added some pics of another incredible talent, the late Gregory Hines. He could sing, act (comedy and drama), and, of course, dance. Sadly, Hines died early at the age of 57.

The verse about the old man and his dog always got to me. We had a barbershop in the neighborhood where I grew up in Detroit, which was just a little two-chair place. The older of the two barbers had a little Jack Russell terrier that followed him everywhere he went. Well, the old guy had a bit of drinking problem and could often be seen staggering down the street with his little dog trotting fretfully along side him. I believe he had taken to drink after losing his wife. To his credit, the younger barber would always drop whatever he was doing, including cutting someone's hair, and help his older partner safely to his home nearby.

Hope you enjoy my cover of this great Jerry Jeff song.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mr. Bojangles
• Jerry Jeff Walker
• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• Sammy Davis
• Jr.
• Gregory Hines
• Austin singer/songwriters
• Acoustic Guitar

[KasugaD400]

Wonderful rendition, and beautiful pictures!

Greetings from Germany

Werner

[manriq47]

@KasugaD400 Hey, thanks Werner. Did you do a cover of this one, too? ~ Mark

[SiriuslyEz]

Very smooth, and a great performance. Thank You

-Ez

[manriq47]

@SiriuslyEz Thank you, Ez, for taking the time to comment. Appreciate the positve feedback. ~ Mark

[plowboyes]

Sounds a bit like Dylan when he did it.Great Stuff&Wonderful pictures too! Very nice indeed me old pal.A timeless tune! thanks..your friend,Sir Winnie. (hey..great whistling too!)

[manriq47]

@plowboyes Well, Sir Winston, I'm going to try and send a reply to you once again. Tried earlier today, but it was a no go. Was wondering what in the world you were doing up so early cruising the ol' youtube neighborhood AND posting comments. When I'm up that early, it's for a quick trip to the little room with the half-moon on the door and back to bed. Glad you like the tune. ~ Marcus of Whistlerson

[losthills]

Fine job on one of my all time favorite songs!

[manriq47]

@losing2woody Thanks brother Wood. Kind words, indeed. ~ Mark

[losing2woody]

Man! i thought this was the record at first. You sound like jerry jeff's younger brother under playing him. Very subtle mark!

[manriq47]

@LillyC68 Thank you, Lilly. Have been enjoying my visits to your channel. All the best. ~ Mark