Mama Look at Bubu
"Mama Look at Bubu" (later retitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo") is a song written by Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Melody, Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess, and performed by Harry Belafonte featuring Bob Corwin's Orchestra & Chorus featuring Millard Thomas, Franz Casseus and Victor Messer on guitars. Although Belafonte gets co-writing credit on his 1957 release, the song first appeared on Lord Melody's single "Mama Look a Boo Boo" in 1955 (with slightly different lyrics), and his debut album "Calypso Fiesta – Limbo In Trinidad" in 1956 (retitled "Boo Boo"), with solo writing credit to Lord Melody (real name Fitzroy Alexander).[1]
"Mama Look at Boo Boo" | ||||
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Single by Harry Belafonte | ||||
from the album The Versatile Mr. Belafonte | ||||
B-side | "Don't Ever Love Me" | |||
Released | March 1957 | |||
Genre | Calypso | |||
Length | 2:58 | |||
Label | RCA Victor | |||
Songwriter(s) | Harry Belafonte, Lord Burgess, Lord Melody | |||
Harry Belafonte singles chronology | ||||
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Belafonte's cover reached #10 on the U.S. R&B chart and #11 on the U.S. pop chart in 1957.[2] It was featured on his 1957 album The Versatile Mr. Belafonte.[3]
Other versions
- Steve Karmen released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look-A Boo Boo" as a single in 1957, but it did not chart.[4]
- Chubby Checker released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 1963 album Let's Limbo Some More.[5]
- Leftover Salmon released a version of the song entitled "Booboo" on their 1993 album Bridges to Bert.
- The Belafonte Folk Singers released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on their 1997 compilation album All-Time Greatest Hits.[6]
- Charlie Gracie released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 2002 album An Evening with Charlie Gracie which was recorded in 1998.[7]
- A version by Nat King Cole entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" was released on his 2003 compilation album Remembering Nat King Cole.[8]
- Karl Zéro and The Wailers released a version of the song on their 2004 album HiFi Calypso.[9]
References
- "Lord Melody, Mama Look A Booboo / Missin' Chicken". Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- "Harry Belafonte, "Mama Look at Bubu" Chart Positions". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Harry Belafonte, The Versatile Mr. Belafonte". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Steve Karmen, "Mama Look-A Boo Boo" Single Release". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Chubby Checker, Let's Limbo Some More". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "The Belafonte Folk Singers, All-Time Greatest Hits". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Charlie Gracie, An Evening with Charlie Gracie". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Nat King Cole, Remembering Nat King Cole". Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Karl Zéro and The Wailers, HiFi Calypso". Retrieved July 20, 2018.