Sunday, March 22, 2009

Gator Dance

Aunt Susan bought this singing Alligator for our family’s “Dirty Santa” game this Christmas, and Daddy Dave was the eventual recipient. When his button is pushed, the realistic-looking reptile dances and sings "Later, Alligator", the iconic 1950’s rock and roll song. Louisiana songwriter Robert Charles Guidry tapped several popular contemporary catch-phrases to pen this 1955 classic. He originally recorded it under the name “Bobby Charles” with limited success. Not until Bill Haley & The Comets released their more light-hearted version and feature it in their 1956 musical film “Rock Around The Clock” did the song enter the national consciousness. Now well over a half-century old, the tune still inspires children of all ages to dance.

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