So, as I said, I don't know how they got connected, but when it came time for #BingCrosby to record #MacNamarasBand, who got the call to be Bing's backup singers?

You guessed it. The lyricists for the "American Version."

The Jesters.

☘️☘️☘️

#IrishSongs

30/n

Let's celebrate with a performance of #MacNamarasBand (or maybe "McNamara's Band") by another legendary group of performers, #SpikeJones and His City Slickers!

Uncharacteristically, they are playing the song relatively straight.

☘️

Thank you, Music Lovers.

#IrishSongs

35/35

It was 1945. The Jesters had recorded #MacNamarasBand twice before, but they were strictly a small-time trio.

Suddenly they were cutting wax with the biggest star of all!

The record charted: Top Ten.

And will probably be played this very Saint Patrick's Day, somewhere, on the radio.

☘️☘️☘️

31/n

On 24 May 1932, near the beginning of their career, the Jesters cut a record, Victor 24052, of #MacNamarasBand.

But they spelled it "McNamara's Band."

#IrishSongs

15/n

Wikipedia can show you both the original Belfast verses and the Jesters' "American Version."

General Grant is substituted for the Prince of Wales, Uncle Yulius shows up ("But by Yimminy, I'm the only Swede in #MacNamarasBand"), and so forth.

#IrishSongs

14/n

However, Wamp Carlson's bio lists him as "Baritone, Swedish comedian," so maybe that's where the #MacNamarasBand verses about Uncle Yulius come from: "But by Yimminy, I'm the only Swede in McNamara's Band."
☘️
Or maybe Red was just adding lyrics to showcase his pal's talents.

#IrishSongs

13/n

Did it really require three guys to rewrite the lyrics of #MacNamarasBand?

I suspect Red Latham did the heavy lifting; later he would co-author "I'm My Own Grandpaw."

However…

#IrishSongs

12/n