This is a fun bit of rhythm and blues - one of the reasons that I spend so much time on this site is because I get to discover songs such as this that I wouldn't have otherwise heard.
Jessie Hill (1932-1996) was from New Orleans. "Ooh Poo Pah Doo", which he wrote, reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the R&B chart, selling 800,000 copies. Over one hundred cover versions of this song exist, including versions by Ike and Tina Turner, The Shirelles, Freddie Fender, The Righteous Brothers, Wilson Pickett, Dr. Hook, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and the Steve Miller Band.
Hill's followup single, "Whip It On Me", reached #91 on the Hot 100, and unfortunately it was all downhill from there. He released singles and albums up until 1971 and worked as a songwriter in California, but experienced financial difficulties and struggles with alcohol. Two of his grandsons, James Andrews and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, are prominent musicians.
Created September 29, 2026.