"Ooh Poo Pah Doo" is a song written and performed by Jessie Hill. It was arranged and produced by Allen Toussaint. The single reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 28 on the Hot 100 in 1960[1] although the charts list the B-side, instrumental "Ooh Poo Pah Doo - Part II", as the hit.[2]
Origins
"Ooh Poo Pah Doo" was performed by a New Orleans pianist known only as "Big Four". Reportedly Jessie Hill wrote down the melody and lyrics while hearing it live and began performing it with his own band.[3] Hill later added an intro which he said was taken from Dave Bartholomew.[4] Bartholomew himself used the intro in his song "Hey Hey".
Ike & Tina Turner recorded a live version of the song which was released as "Ooh Poop A Doo" by Warner Bros. in 1964. It was included on their 1967 album The Ike & Tina Turner Show – Vol. 2. They recorded a studio version of "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" for their 1970 album Workin' Together. It was released as a single in May 1971 following their hit single "Proud Mary".[5] The single reached No. 31 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 60 on the Hot 100 chart.[6] It peaked at No. 37 on the Cash Box Top 100 and No. 22 on Cash Box's R&B chart.
Reception
Billboard (May 8, 1971): "The dynamic duo add a new touch to the old favorite–new lyric and performance, loaded with Hot 100 and soul chart potency. Wild vocal workout."[5]
Cash Box (May 8, 1971): "One of the regulars in LP's by blues and some top forty acts, 'Ooh Poo Pah Doo' is turned into a powerful sales single by the 'Proud Mary' duo. Riding a new peak in their career, Ike & Tina should have no problems seeing this one break R&B and T-40."[7]
Ike & Tina Turner released a live version of the song (as "Ooh Poop A Doo") in 1964, which was included on their 1967 album The Ike & Tina Turner Show – Vol. 2. A studio version of the song appeared on their 1970 album Workin' Together and was released as a single in 1971.[5] It reached No. 31 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 60 on the Hot 100 chart.[6]
Johnny O'Keefe released Parts 1 & 2 as the A side of a 1967 single.[20] It was a live favorite for him, especially on his TV shows, and was included in three EPs and several Anthologies.[21]
The Cake released a version of the song on their 1967 album The Cake.[22]
Wilson Pickett released a version of the song on his 1967 album The Wicked Pickett.[23]