Not only was “Rag Mop” the Ames Brothers’ first hit, it was the last #1 record on Billboard’s pop charts that was only released on 78 rpm disc. Subsequent number one records either were simultaneously released on 78 rpm and 45 rpm discs or only as 45s. Because of its rockin’ beat and swing inspired piano and guitar, the song was used by a number of western swing bands during the period.
As big as this song was, my first experience with the tune wasn’t from any of the legitimate releases. I first heard it in the early 1960s when Cecil, the sea-sick sea-serpent, sang it on an episode of Beany and Cecil. Bob Clampett based his animated series on ABC after a puppet show that he developed and produced for Los Angeles TV from 1949 to 1954.
I watched Beany and Cecil every Saturday morning; however, I can only remember a two isolated events surrounding the adventures of the crew of the Leakin’ Lena. One of these that I remember is villain Dishonest John’s signature sound, “Nya-ah-ãhh!” The other is R-A-G-G-M-O-P-P as sung by Cecil. That was over 45 years ago and I still remember the song. It is only fitting that I provide also that cartoon episode: “D.J. the D.J.”
Beany & Cecil: "D.J. the D.J."
Lyrics:
M
I say M-O
M-O-P
M-O-P-P
Mop
M-O-P-P
Mop Mop Mop Mop
R
I say R-A
R-A-G
R-A-G-G
Rag
R-A-G-G M-O-P-P
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
R-A-G-G M-O-P-P
Rag Mop!
A
I say A-B
A-B-C
A-B-C-D
A-B-C-D-E
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H
I
I say M-O
M-O-P
M-O-P-P
Mop
M-O-P-P
Mop Mop Mop Mop
R
I say R-A
R-A-G
R-A-G-G
Rag
R-A-G-G M-O-P-P
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
Rag Mop
Doo-doo-doo-DAH-dee-ah-dah
R-A-G-G M-O-P-P
Rag Mop!
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