Dr Hook And The Medicine Show Jungle To The Zoo
Dr Hook and the Medicine Show is an American rock band formed in Union City, New Jersey, in 1967. They were known for their catchy tunes and humorous lyrics. One of their most popular songs is "Jungle to the Zoo," which tells the story of a man who takes his girlfriend to the zoo and ends up getting lost in the jungle. In this article, we will explore the history of Dr Hook and the Medicine Show and take a closer look at their hit song "Jungle to the Zoo."
The History of Dr Hook and the Medicine Show
Dr Hook and the Medicine Show was formed by George Cummings, Ray Sawyer, and Billy Francis in 1967. They played their first gig at a local bar in Union City, New Jersey, and quickly gained a following due to their unique musical style and playful humor. The band's name was inspired by the Captain Hook character from the Peter Pan story.
Dr Hook and the Medicine Show released their debut album, "Dr Hook and the Medicine Show," in 1971. The album featured their hit single "Sylvia's Mother," which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band went on to release several more albums throughout the 1970s, including "Belly Up!" and "Bankrupt."
Despite their success, Dr Hook and the Medicine Show experienced several lineup changes over the years. In 1985, the band officially disbanded, but many of its former members continued to perform under the name Dr Hook.
The Story Behind "Jungle to the Zoo"
"Jungle to the Zoo" is one of the most popular songs by Dr Hook and the Medicine Show. The song was written by Shel Silverstein, a renowned American author, poet, and songwriter. Silverstein wrote several songs for the band, including "Sylvia's Mother" and "The Cover of Rolling Stone."
The lyrics of "Jungle to the Zoo" tell the story of a man who takes his girlfriend to the zoo. While they are there, they decide to take a shortcut through the jungle, but they soon get lost. The man becomes increasingly worried and begins to fear for their safety. However, his girlfriend remains calm and eventually leads them back to the zoo.
The song is known for its catchy melody and humorous lyrics. It was released as a single in 1972 and reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Legacy of Dr Hook and the Medicine Show
Dr Hook and the Medicine Show had a significant impact on the music industry during the 1970s. Their unique blend of rock, country, and humor set them apart from other bands of the era. They were also known for their elaborate stage shows, which often included props and costumes.
Although the band officially disbanded in 1985, their music continues to be popular today. Many of their songs, including "Sylvia's Mother" and "Cover of Rolling Stone," have become classics of the rock genre.
Overall, Dr Hook and the Medicine Show were a talented and innovative band that left a lasting impression on the music industry. Their hit song "Jungle to the Zoo" is just one example of their creativity and unique style.