Allan Sherman: The Master of Mid-Century Song Parody
Before the era of modern viral comedy, Allan Sherman redefined the art of the song parody. An American musician, comedian, and television producer, Sherman became a household name in the early 1960s by blending sharp wit with familiar melodies. He is best remembered for his massive hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh," a comic recounting of summer camp woes set to the tune of Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours.
Sherman's rise to fame was meteoric; his debut album, My Son, the Folk Singer (1962), set a record at the time as the fastest-selling album in history. His unique ability to satirize cultural norms through music made him a ubiquitous presence in American entertainment during the mid-1960s.
Key Facts
- Claim to Fame: Pioneer of song parodies and creator of the hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh."
- Record-Breaking Success: My Son, the Folk Singer was the fastest-selling album of its era.
- TV Contribution: Devised the concept for the long-running game show I've Got a Secret.
- Chart Success: Achieved a No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.
- Career Span: Active from 1951 until his death in 1973.
Early Life and Education
Born Allan Copelon on November 30, 1924, in Chicago, Sherman was the son of Percy Copelon, an auto mechanic and racecar driver, and Rose Sherman. His childhood was marked by instability; following his parents' divorce when he was seven, he adopted his mother's maiden name and attended 21 different public schools across Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Sherman graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles in 1941 and later attended the University of Illinois. While his academic performance was mediocre, he displayed an early talent for humor by writing a column for the college newspaper, The Daily Illini. His college career ended abruptly when he was expelled for breaking into a sorority house with his girlfriend and future wife, Dolores "Dee" Chackes.
Television Production and the Birth of a Game Show
Before his music career took off, Sherman made his mark in television. Alongside comedy writer Howard Merrill, he developed a game show concept originally titled I Know a Secret. This idea was adapted by producer Mark Goodson into I've Got a Secret, which aired on CBS from 1952 to 1967.
Rather than receiving a flat fee for the concept, Sherman was appointed as the show's producer. He became known for his creative—and sometimes chaotic—approach to live television. One notable instance involved releasing 100 rabbits on stage as an Easter surprise for the Madison Square Boys Club, resulting in a melee that, while memorable, was difficult for the host, Garry Moore, to manage.
The Rise of the Song Parodist
Sherman's foray into recording began in 1951 with a poorly selling single featuring Sylvia Froos. However, his fortunes changed when he began performing parodies at parties hosted by his neighbor, Harpo Marx. These performances caught the attention of George Burns, who persuaded Warner Bros. Records to sign Sherman.
The resulting 1962 album, My Son, the Folk Singer, sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. This success led to a string of popular albums, including My Son, the Celebrity and My Son, the Nut. Despite his popularity, Sherman faced significant hurdles with copyright; several prestigious composers and estates—including those of Irving Berlin and George Gershwin—refused to grant permission for their works to be parodied.
One of his most ambitious projects was a parody of My Fair Lady titled My Fairfax Lady. Due to strict conditions set by Alan Jay Lerner, the show was restricted to the Fairfax Theater and forbidden from being recorded or toured, though a bootleg version surfaced in 1964.
Chart Success and Later Career
Sherman's peak commercial success arrived in 1963 when "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. He followed this with "Crazy Downtown" in 1965, which reached No. 40. During this period, Sherman was a cultural fixture, appearing on The Tonight Show and contributing to the NBC satirical program That Was The Week That Was.
By the mid-1960s, however, his popularity began to wane. After releasing two albums that failed to reach the Top 50, Warner Bros. Records dropped him in 1966. His final album for the label, Togetherness (1967), was criticized for its lack of a live audience, which had been a staple of his previous high-energy recordings.
In a rare acting turn, Sherman appeared in the 1965 episode "The Sheriff of Fetterman's Crossing" for the Western series The Loner. He played a sympathetic but incompetent sheriff in a plot that parodied the film High Noon.
Legacy and Final Years
Allan Sherman passed away on November 20, 1973, at the age of 48. He is buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery. His influence persisted through later releases, including a 1990 "Best of" CD and a 2005 boxed set titled My Son, the Box. His hit song also inspired a musical revue that ran off-off-Broadway for over a year starting in 1992, as well as a 2004 children's book illustrated by Syd Hoff.
| Year | Album Title | Billboard 200 Peak | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | My Son, the Folk Singer | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 1963 | My Son, the Celebrity | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 1963 | My Son, the Nut | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 1964 | Allan in Wonderland | 25 | Warner Bros. |
| 1964 | Peter and the Commissar | 53 | RCA Victor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Allan Sherman's most famous song?
His most famous song was "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh," a novelty hit from 1963 that reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is a comic song about a boy's experience at summer camp.
Did Allan Sherman create any television shows?
Yes, Sherman devised the concept for the game show I've Got a Secret, which was produced by Mark Goodson and aired on CBS from 1952 to 1967.
Why couldn't he parody every song he wanted?
Sherman faced restrictions from several famous composers and their estates, such as Irving Berlin and the Gershwins, who did not permit their melodies or lyrics to be used for satirical purposes.
What happened to his music career in the late 1960s?
His popularity declined after 1965, leading Warner Bros. Records to drop him in 1966. His final studio album, Togetherness, suffered from poor reviews and sales.
What was the significance of 'My Son, the Folk Singer'?
Released in 1962, it was a massive commercial success, selling over one million copies and becoming the fastest-selling record album up to that time.