Robbie Williams - Minnie the Moocher Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote 'Minnie the Moocher'?

   'Minnie the Moocher' was originally co-written by American musician Cab Calloway along with Clarence Gaskill and Irving Mills. It was first recorded in 1931 by Calloway and his big band orchestra.

2. What is unique about the scat singing in 'Minnie the Moocher'?

   'Minnie the Moocher' is famous for its nonsensical ad-libbed lyrics, also known as scat singing, featuring refrains like 'Hi de hi de hi de ho.' Calloway would engage the audience in a call and response, making it progressively faster and more complex.

3. Has 'Minnie the Moocher' been covered by other artists before Robbie Williams?

   Yes, 'Minnie the Moocher' has been covered and referenced by many artists, including The Cherokees, Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, Tupac Shakur and Chopmaster J, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Oingo Boingo, among others.

4. What significant recognitions has the original 'Minnie the Moocher' received?

   The original 'Minnie the Moocher' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2019 for being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.'

5. How did Robbie Williams incorporate 'Minnie the Moocher' in his performances?

   Robbie Williams performed 'Minnie the Moocher' during his Take the Crown Stadium Tour, altering the lyrics to be about himself. He also released a studio recording of the song on his 10th studio album, 'Robbie Williams Swings Both Ways.'

6. What is the setting of the lyrics in 'Minnie the Moocher'?

   The lyrics of 'Minnie the Moocher' depict the story of Minnie, a 'red-hot hoochie coocher.' It includes references to her relationships, her dream about the king of Sweden, and lavish gifts she received, laden with period slang and drug references.