148: “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” Minstrels in Hollywood and The Oscars (Six Degrees of Song of the South, Episode 3)
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Zippity Doda by Gilbert and Gilbert
Zippedy duda was written by lyricists rubell and lyrisus ray gilbert. The lyrics are credited to stephen foster, but the melody is derived from folk standard turkey in the straw. Sheet music first published for this song in 18 34; cover features caricature of a dark black man with bird like posture. In the 18 thirties, this song and a character called zip coon would become a major feature of minstrel shows. Zip coon was the counterpart to a character named jim crow, who was depicted in minstrel Shows as a dancing field hand who avoided work.
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