Mama Look at Bubu explained
"Mama Look at Bubu" (later retitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo") is a song written by Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Melody, Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess, and performed by Harry Belafonte featuring Bob Corwin's Orchestra & Chorus featuring Millard Thomas, Franz Casseus and Victor Messer on guitars. Although Belafonte gets co-writing credit on his 1957 release, the song first appeared on Lord Melody's single "Mama Look a Boo Boo" in 1955 (with slightly different lyrics), and his debut album "Calypso Fiesta – Limbo In Trinidad" in 1956 (retitled "Boo Boo"), with solo writing credit to Lord Melody (real name Fitzroy Alexander).[1]
First heard by Belafonte in the West Indies while filming "Island in the Sun", Boo Boo was an unprecedented hit in Trinidad, the land of calypso.[2] The Belafonte version later swept the U.S. as well. Belafonte's cover reached #10 on the U.S. R&B chart and #11 on the U.S. pop chart in 1957.[3] It was featured on his 1957 album The Versatile Mr. Belafonte.[4]
Other versions
- Steve Karmen released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look-A Boo Boo" as a single in 1957, but it did not chart.[5]
- Chubby Checker released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 1963 album Let's Limbo Some More.[6]
- Leftover Salmon released a version of the song entitled "Booboo" on their 1993 album Bridges to Bert.
- The Belafonte Folk Singers released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on their 1997 compilation album All-Time Greatest Hits.[7]
- Charlie Gracie released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 2002 album An Evening with Charlie Gracie which was recorded in 1998.[8]
- A version by Nat King Cole entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" was released on his 2003 compilation album Remembering Nat King Cole.[9]
- Karl Zéro and The Wailers released a version of the song on their 2004 album HiFi Calypso.[10]
Notes and References
- Web site: Lord Melody, Mama Look A Booboo / Missin' Chicken. . September 1, 2020.
- [File:The Inside Cover of Belafonte at Carnegie Hall Vinyl LP Record.jpg|thumb]
- Web site: Harry Belafonte, "Mama Look at Bubu" Chart Positions. July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Harry Belafonte, The Versatile Mr. Belafonte. . May 1957 . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Steve Karmen, "Mama Look-A Boo Boo" Single Release. . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Chubby Checker, Let's Limbo Some More. . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: The Belafonte Folk Singers, All-Time Greatest Hits. . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Charlie Gracie, An Evening with Charlie Gracie. . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Nat King Cole, Remembering Nat King Cole. . July 20, 2018.
- Web site: Karl Zéro and The Wailers, HiFi Calypso. . July 20, 2018.
