Behind the Sounds of Rama Lama Ding Dong

Have you ever wondered who put the ram in the Rama Lama Ding Dong? This jingle has been a part of popular culture for decades, appearing in various songs and curiosities. Let’s dive into the world of doowop and uncover the origins of this catchy phrase.

Etymology of Bomp

The bomp-ba-bomp-ba-bomp section of the phrase Rama Lama Ding Dong originated from the classic song “Blue Moon” by the group The Marcels. The song hit the charts in 1961, and it quickly became a hit among doowop enthusiasts.

It’s worth noting that the song also featured the dip-de-dip-de-dip sound, which is sometimes mistakenly credited to the song “Get a Job” by the Inc.

Edsels and the Ram

The phrase “Rama lama ding dong” gained its ram from the song of the same name by the group The Edsels. This song also charted in 1961 and played a significant role in popularizing the phrase.

Ur Mom and Dad Theory

Many songs of the doowop era make references to innocent youthful moments, and “Rama Lama Ding Dong” is no exception. One line from the song suggests that the phrase might have been inspired by the phrase “ur mom and dad,” which is a common expression in doowop lyrics. However, this is speculative and likely a play on words rather than an accurate origin.

George and the Bomp

The doowop genre is full of talented singers who contributed to its rich history. George Johnson, the bass singer for The Marcels, played a crucial role in putting the bomp in the bomp-ba-bomp. His cover of “Blue Moon” not only revived interest in the Edsels' song but also solidified the iconic phrase in popular culture.

In addition to the bomp, Johnson is also credited with putting the dip in the dip-da-dip-da-dip, further cementing his status as a doowop hero.

Chubby Checker and Bop

When it comes to bop sounds, Chubby Checker is often credited with introducing the phrase “boogie shoe” in his song “Pony Time.” However, the actual origins of this bop-bop-shoe rhythm are attributed to the songwriters Don Covay and John Berry. They used the phrase in their original work, which later inspired Chubby Checker. As a result, the credit should go to the songwriters rather than the performer.

Unknown Pioneers

The identity of those who put the bop in the bop shoo bop shoo bop remains unknown. Nonetheless, their contribution to the rhythm and melody of doowop should not be understated. Many doowop heroes, such as Fred Johnson (The Marcels) and others, played significant roles in shaping the genre and its sounds.

Conclusion

While we may never know the original inventor of the phrase, the contributions of singers like The Marcels, The Edsels, and George Johnson have undoubtedly enriched the doowop genre. These talented artists helped to create a rich and enduring musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences today.