R. O. pre-K.

You may have noticed that a few songs from our last post included some nursery rhymes in their lyrics. This time we continue that theme, with several songs crafted almost entirely out of nursery rhymes.

“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” by Chick Webb & his Orchestra with Ella Fitzgerald
From the compilation Ella Fitzgerald Golden Greats
“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” lyrics

Ella Fitzgerald was a professional singer for over sixty years, and was one of the greatest jazz singers ever. She was originally discovered at an Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. She had intended to do a dance routine, but was intimidated by the talent of another dancing group and decided to sing instead. Wouldn’t you know it, she won! It just goes to show, you may be really good at something and not even realize it.

“Walking the Dog” by Rufus Thomas
From the album Walking the Dog
“Walking the Dog” lyrics

Rufus Thomas was so energetic, he was known as “The World’s Oldest Teenager.” This is his most famous song, and many other groups have covered it since it came out.

“(Ain’t That) Just Like Me” by the Coasters
From the album Coast Along with The Coasters
“(Ain’t That) Just Like Me” lyrics

The Coasters were a really fun vocal group from the 50’s; most of their songs were little stories that had different members acting out the various parts.

“Mary’s Little Lamb” by Otis Redding
From the box set Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding
“Mary’s Little Lamb” lyrics

Otis Redding was such a great singer that he can even make a simple nursery rhyme sound like no one else.

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Buddy Guy
From the album A Man and the Blues
“Mary Had a Little Lamb” lyrics

Boy, people sure like Mary’s lamb, huh? This version even brings us back to back to that yellow basket! If you like the guitar, then Buddy Guy is one of the best there is. He was an inspiration to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn (who even did his own version of Buddy’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) among others.