Witch Doctor, released in 1958, is a popular song written and performed by Ross Bagdasarian Sr., otherwise known as David Seville. The novelty song was a big hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and staying there for three weeks. It also topped the charts in other countries, such as Australia and Canada. The song is well-known for its catchy chorus, which features the repetitive phrase "Oo ee oo ah ah, ting tang walla walla bing bang." This phrase, often referred to as the "witch doctor chant," is sung by a sped-up voice, created by Bagdasarian himself using a recording technique he called "Chipmunking.
Witch Doctor
" This phrase, often referred to as the "witch doctor chant," is sung by a sped-up voice, created by Bagdasarian himself using a recording technique he called "Chipmunking." This technique involved speeding up the tape recorder and altering the pitch of his voice. The lyrics of "Witch Doctor" tell the story of a man who is lovesick and seeks the help of a witch doctor to win the affection of the woman he desires.
More from 1958 British Hit Parade, Pt. 1: January-June, Pt. 4
The witch doctor advises him to use a variety of unusual remedies, such as "a bing bang" and "a walla walla," in order to make the woman fall in love with him. The success of "Witch Doctor" led Bagdasarian to create a fictional musical group called Alvin and the Chipmunks, where he would continue to use the Chipmunking technique to create high-pitched voices for the characters Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. The Chipmunks went on to become a popular franchise, with multiple albums, television shows, and movies featuring the beloved characters. Overall, "Witch Doctor" is a memorable and fun song that captivated audiences in the late 1950s and continues to be recognized today. Its success paved the way for Bagdasarian's enduring creation of Alvin and the Chipmunks, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture..
Reviews for "The Witch Doctor Phenomenon of 1958: A Hollywood Perspective"
1. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars
I couldn't stand Witch Doctor 1958. The plot was convoluted and the characters were incredibly unlikable. The acting was wooden and unbelievable, and the special effects were laughable. I found myself getting frustrated with the movie and couldn't wait for it to end. It felt like a waste of time and money. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone.
2. John - 2 out of 5 stars
While Witch Doctor 1958 had potential, it ultimately fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the storyline was confusing and disjointed. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The cinematography was mediocre at best, and the music was forgettable. Overall, I was disappointed with this film and wouldn't watch it again.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars
I found Witch Doctor 1958 to be quite lackluster. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and the scares were non-existent. The acting was subpar and lacked depth, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in any of the characters. The movie also dragged on for far too long, with unnecessary scenes that added nothing to the overall story. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied after watching this film.
4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars
Witch Doctor 1958 was a complete waste of time. The storyline was confusing and seemed to go nowhere. The acting was over-the-top and unconvincing, making it difficult to take the film seriously. On top of that, the special effects were laughably bad. I was hoping for a thrilling horror movie, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed. I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a quality horror experience.