YOU'SE A VIPER

Created on 20/01/2004
Latest update on 04/06/2022

Artist: Stuff Smith & His Onyx Club Boys
Author: Stuff Smith
Label: Vocalion
Year: 1936

Reefer song; viper was jazz-age slang for stoner. Pre bop violin player in league with Joe Venuti and Stephane Grappelli. Had Jonah Jones (trumpet) and Cozy Cole (drums) in his band, one of the top swing combos of his era (hit: I'se A-Muggin').

Covers:

1937:

Harlem Hamfats [as If You\'re A Viper; in a slower tempo, crediting themselves; vocal: Rosetta Howard]

1938:

Bob Howard & His Boys [idem]

1949:

George Lewis [idem]

1962:

Karen Dalton [live in a Colorado coffeehouse as If You're A Viper; released on Shuckin' Sugar ('22)]

1964:

Dave Van Ronk

1967:

Jim Kweskin Jug Band [one of Dr. Demento's Delights]

1971:

Manhattan Transfer [on debut album]

1993:

Kermit Ruffins & Rebirth Brass Band [all as If You're A Viper]

1999:

Alex Chilton [as If You's A Viper]

Contact


If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:

Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)

info@originals.be

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