Barry Hansen My Wife Left Town With A Banana
Have you ever heard of the title "My Wife Left Town With A Banana"? It's a peculiar title that may catch your attention, especially if you're a fan of the blues. This article will explore the story behind this title and the man behind it, Barry Hansen.
Who is Barry Hansen?
Barry Hansen, also known as "Dr. Demento," is an American radio broadcaster and record collector who is best known for his radio show, "The Dr. Demento Show." This radio show is famous for playing novelty and comedy music, including early recordings of "Weird Al" Yankovic, Spike Jones, and the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.
While Barry Hansen is known for his radio show, he has also played a significant role in the world of blues music. In the 1960s, he worked as a writer for the blues magazine, Living Blues, and he also produced a series of blues LPs for Rhino Records in the 1980s.
The Story Behind "My Wife Left Town With A Banana"
The title "My Wife Left Town With A Banana" may sound strange, but it actually has a fascinating story behind it. In the 1980s, Barry Hansen was producing a blues album for Rhino Records called "Blind Pig Presents: The Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Collection." This album featured songs from various blues artists, including Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, and Son Seals.
One of the songs on the album was by a blues artist named Little Charlie & The Nightcats. The song was called "My Wife Left Me," and it featured the line "My wife left town with a banana." Barry Hansen loved this line and thought it was hilarious, so he decided to use it as the title for the album.
The album became a huge success, and the title "My Wife Left Town With A Banana" gained a lot of attention. In fact, it became one of the most well-known and beloved blues album titles of all time.
Barry Hansen's Impact on Blues Music
Although Barry Hansen is primarily known for his work as a radio broadcaster and novelty music enthusiast, he has also made a significant impact on the world of blues music. His work with Living Blues magazine and Rhino Records helped to bring attention to many blues artists who may have otherwise been overlooked. He also helped to preserve and promote the history of blues music, which has had a lasting impact on the genre.
Furthermore, the success of "My Wife Left Town With A Banana" helped to bring the blues genre to a wider audience. The album's popularity helped to demonstrate that blues music could be both humorous and heartfelt, and that it had an appeal that extended beyond its traditional fan base.
Conclusion
Barry Hansen, also known as "Dr. Demento," is a radio broadcaster and record collector who has made a significant impact on both novelty and blues music. Although he is primarily known for his radio show, his work with Living Blues magazine and Rhino Records has helped to bring attention to many important blues artists and preserve the history of the genre. The title "My Wife Left Town With A Banana" may be a strange one, but it has helped to showcase the lighthearted and humorous side of blues music, and it remains a beloved title to this day.