The song 'How Could Red Riding Hood (Have Been So Very Good)?', written by A.P. Randolph in 1925 and published in 1926 currently holds the distinction of being the first song known to be banned from the radio (except in instrumental versions), due to possible sexual connotations. +
According to a few sources, it may have begun with radio Station WFAA (Dallas/Fort Worth) declaring that bandleader Jan Garber's '26 recording of the song was "improper and suggestive".
Supposedly, slightly differing lyrics included in assorted recordings of the song made the difference as to whether or not it was deemed objectionable.
The Jan Garber recording and a SUPERB 1926 version by The Yacht Club Boys contained the verse purported to be the culprit:
'They say that she was a maid most discreet,
'And there's no doubt about it, she must have been sweet,
'But you know, and I know that even sweet girls must eat.
'How Could Red Riding Hood, Have Been so Very Good
and Still Keep the Wolf from the Door.'
Versions that escaped the ban include one by Harry Reser's Six Jumping Jacks, and the version by
Al Lentz and his orchestra presented here.
They don't contain the above verse, but do have in common the following verse:
'They say that she found a wolf in Granny's bed,
'A big sun-bonnet pulled over his head,
'But you know and I know what she found instead!
'How Could Red Riding Hood, Have Been so Very Good
and Still Keep the Wolf from the Door.'
- - Which was not viewed as possessing as many prurient possibilities, apparently.
Band leader Al Lentz was known back in the '20's for providing hot and fast dance music at his orchestra's live dates, but if he's remembered at all today, it tends to be for novelty numbers like these...
Dig those scatty throat-'tromnet' solos!
Listen to:
Al Lentz and his Orchestra -
How Could Red Riding Hood?
(Columbia Records 78, 1926)
(click for audio)
Listen to:
Al Lentz and his Orchestra -
Elsie Schultz-En-Heim
(Columbia Records 78, 1926)
(click for audio)
- For more versions of 'How Could Red Riding Hood' (and TONS of other material as well) click over to The Red Hot Jazz Archive.
Using their 'Search' feature and plugging in 'How Could Red Riding Hood' will produce dozens of results. (May require Real Player) Enjoy!
The song 'How Could Red Riding Hood (Have Been So Very Good)?', written by A.P. Randolph in 1925 and published in 1926 currently holds the distinction of being the first song known to be banned from the radio (except in instrumental versions), due to possible sexual connotations. +
Band leader Al Lentz was known back in the '20's for providing hot and fast dance music at his orchestra's live dates, but if he's remembered at all today, it tends to be for novelty numbers like these...
