Jessie Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessie Hill
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Jessie Hill at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 1996.
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 9, 1932 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | September 17, 1996 (aged 63) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Genres | R&B Louisiana blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1951–1996 |
Jessie Hill (born December 9, 1932 – died September 17, 1996) was an American R&B and Louisiana blues singer and songwriter. He is most famous for his catchy song "Ooh Poo Pah Doo." This song uses a "call and response" style, where one part of the song asks a question and another part answers.
Jessie Hill recorded "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" as a successful single record. Many other artists have also recorded their own versions of this song. In fact, more than 100 different cover versions have been made!
Contents
Early Life and Music Start
Jessie Hill was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. When he was a teenager, he started playing the drums in local bands.
In 1951, he formed his own group called the House Rockers. At first, famous musicians like Professor Longhair and Huey "Piano" Smith played piano with his band. By 1958, Hill changed the musicians in the House Rockers and began singing himself.
The Rise of "Ooh Poo Pah Doo"
The idea for "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" came from a local pianist known as Big Four. Jessie Hill wrote the lyrics and the main tune for the song. As he performed it live, the song grew longer and more exciting. He also added an opening part written by Dave Bartholomew.
The song became "a fun, energetic call-and-response song that perfectly showed the lively spirit of New Orleans' French Quarter."
Hill made a demo recording of the song. He took it to different record labels in New Orleans. Finally, he recorded it at Cosimo Matassa's studio. The famous producer Allen Toussaint helped make the record.
When "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" was released in early 1960, it quickly became very popular. It was especially a hit during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. That year, the record sold 800,000 copies! It reached the Top 5 on the US Billboard R&B chart. It also made it into the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart.
Over the years, more than 100 other popular musicians have recorded or performed "Ooh Poo Pah Doo."
Working with Other Stars
Other records Jessie Hill made in New Orleans were not as successful. So, he moved to California. There, he worked with other musicians from New Orleans, like Harold Battiste and Mac Rebennack.
He wrote songs that were recorded by very famous artists. These included Ike Turner and Tina Turner (as "Ike & Tina Turner"), Sonny Bono and Cher (as "Sonny & Cher"), and even Willie Nelson.
Later Years and Legacy
After his solo album didn't do well, Jessie Hill faced some difficult times. He moved back to New Orleans in 1977. For a while, he didn't have a permanent home.
Jessie Hill passed away in New Orleans in September 1996. He was 63 years old. He died from heart and kidney problems. He is buried in Holt Cemetery in New Orleans.
Musical Family Connections
Jessie Hill had two grandsons who are also famous musicians: James Andrews and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. They performed "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" together on the HBO TV show Treme.
Another grandson, Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill, was also a talented trumpet player in New Orleans. He sadly passed away in Tokyo on May 4, 2015, from an infection while on tour.
