Jim Dandy

LaVern Baker

About Jim Dandy

"Jim Dandy" (sometimes known as "Jim Dandy to the Rescue") is a song written by Lincoln Chase, and was first recorded by American R&B singer LaVern Baker in 1956. It reached the top of the R&B chart and #17 on the pop charts in the United States. It was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and was ranked #352 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song is about a man (Jim Dandy) who rescues women from improbable or impossible predicaments. It proved popular enough that Chase wrote a second song for Baker entitled "Jim Dandy Got Married.". The American English term jim-dandy for an outstanding person or thing predates the song; first attested in 1844, it may itself come from the title of an old song, "Dandy Jim of Caroline". The tenor saxophone solo is by Sam "The Man" Taylor The drummer on the session was veteran Panama Francis. The backing vocals are provided by Atlantic's in-house backing group at the time, the Cues (credited as the Gliders), consisting of first tenor Abel DeCosta, second tenor Ollie Jones (formerly of the Ravens), bass Edward Barnes, and baritone Winfield Scott. The song is the B-side to James Reyne's 1989 single, "One More River". 


Year:
2014
2:15
33 
#1

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[Chorus:]
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!

I was sitting on a mountain top
30,000 feet to drop
Tied me on a runaway horse
Uh huh, that's right, of course.
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!

One day, I met a girl named Su
She was feeling kind of blue.
I'm Dandy, the kind of guy
Who can't stand to see a little girl cry.
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!

[Chorus]

I was riding on a submarine
Got a message from my mermaid queen
She was hanging on a fishing lin
Mr. Dandy didn't waste no time!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!

Once upon a time, I went to Maine
Got a ticket on a DC plane
Mr. Dandy didn't need no chute!
I was high and ready to boot!
Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Go, Jim Dandy! Go, Jim Dandy!

[Chorus]

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LaVern Baker

LaVern Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American rhythm and blues singer, who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her most successful records were "Tweedlee Dee" (1955), "Jim Dandy" (1956), and "I Cried a Tear" (1958). more »

2 fans

Written by: LINCOLN CHASE

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

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20 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Jim Dandy" by LaVern Baker is classified within the genre of R&B and Pop. It fused elements of rhythm and blues with pop music, signifying the genre-blending trend in the late '50s and early '60s.
Successful Charting
The song was a major hit for LaVern Baker, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1957. It also cracked the Top 20 of the Billboard Pop charts, showcasing the crossover success of the song.
Cover Versions
"Jim Dandy" has been covered by a number of artists beyond LaVern Baker. This includes a popular version by southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas in 1973, which also charted well.
Cultural Impact
The song's energetic rhythm and catchy lyrics made it a popular choice for dance parties during the '50s. Its influence extends to modern times, often getting featured in movies and TV shows to represent the era it was released in.
Song Authorship
"Jim Dandy" was written by Lincoln Chase, a songwriter known for his work with numerous artists and groups, including the Chordettes and Shirley Ellis. Chase frequently collaborated with Baker, contributing to her trendsetting style and sound.
Theme
The song tells the story of a hero, Jim Dandy, who always comes to rescue women in troubling situations. The humorous narrative style combined with catchy beats added to its appeal.
Music Composition
The song showcases LaVern Baker's powerful vocals, particularly in the song's refrain where she shouts "Jim Dandy to the rescue!".
LaVern Baker's Reputation
"Jim Dandy" cemented LaVern Baker's status as one of the leading female R&B singers of the era. She was known for her rich, expressive voice that was able to convey an array of emotions in her songs.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2001, "Jim Dandy" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, over 40 years after its initial release. This is a testament to its longevity and impact on the music world.
Innovative Music Video
The music video for "Jim Dandy" is noted for its creative use of animation and live-action. It was one of the first music videos to blend these two formats, setting a precedent for future music videos.
Genre
"Jim Dandy" is a popular rock song during the 1950s.
Release Year
The song was released in 1956.
Song's Origin
"Jim Dandy" was written by Lincoln Chase who was a popular songwriter during the 50s and 60s.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, the song reached the number one spot on the U.S. R&B charts and was also a significant hit on the pop charts, reaching number seventeen.
Cover Versions
Apart from LaVern Baker's version, "Jim Dandy" was also covered by well-renowned rock band, Black Oak Arkansas, in the 1970s.
Legacy
Baker's rendition of "Jim Dandy" was cited in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Artist Distinction
LaVern Baker was one of the most popular female rock and roll singers of the 1950s, known for her powerful vocal style.
Song's Impact on Baker's Career
The success of "Jim Dandy" helped to cement Baker's place in rock and roll history.
Unique Character
The song was known for featuring a character named Jim Dandy who always arrived just in the nick of time to save the day.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2019, "Jim Dandy" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing it as a recording of historical significance.

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