How a chance meeting with a blues legend birthed a swing revival icon
In short: In 1989, guitarist Scotty Morris met blues icon Albert Collins, who signed a poster with a nickname that would define a musical movement. That moniker became the name of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a band that helped spearhead the nineties swing revival and brought big band energy to modern pop culture.
Formed in Ventura, California, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy emerged from the creative partnership of Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren. Before their swing success, both musicians were active in the local Nardcore punk and alternative rock scene, playing in groups like False Confession. This background in high-energy, independent music informed their transition into the swing revival, where they focused on interpreting the sounds of the 1940s and 1950s alongside original compositions.
The band's trajectory shifted dramatically following their inclusion in the 1996 film Swingers. Their performance in the movie, which featured tracks like "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)," provided the exposure necessary to secure a deal with Interscope Records. This era saw the release of albums such as Americana Deluxe and This Beautiful Life, cementing their status as a prominent act in the swing resurgence. Their reach extended into television and sports, including a high-profile appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show and providing the theme music for NBA broadcasts on TNT between 1999 and 2000.
Beyond their studio work, the band maintained a consistent presence in media, appearing as themselves in various television programs and films, including a farcical Scooby-Doo special and an episode of Hell's Kitchen. Their commitment to the genre remains evident in projects like their 2009 tribute to Cab Calloway, How Big Can You Get?. Having celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2023, Morris and Sodergren remain the only original members to have participated in every iteration of the group, continuing to tour and record new material while maintaining their signature sound.
The band's influence on pop culture is marked by their versatility, having served as the house band for game shows and award ceremonies, including ESPN's ESPY Awards. They have also performed at recurring events like the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival since 2008. From their origins in the California punk scene to their enduring career in swing, the band has navigated a unique path through the music industry.
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