99% Invisible Whomst Among Us Has Let The Dogs Out
Feb 12, 2020
Ben Sisto, an investigative journalist, has spent a decade unraveling the mystery behind the infectious hit "Who Let the Dogs Out." He shares how a curious Wikipedia entry led him on a quest for the song’s true origins, exploring the tangled web of creativity, influence, and authorship. Sisto also discusses the impact of social media on self-perception and the importance of supporting animal welfare initiatives, blending humor and insight as he navigates a topic that resonates with fans and critics alike.
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Wikipedia Rabbit Hole
- Ben Sisto discovered a Wikipedia citation error about "Who Let the Dogs Out?"
- This sparked a decade-long investigation into the song's true origins.
Baha Men's Reluctance
- Producer Steve Greenberg heard the song, liked the hook, and wanted the Baha Men to record it.
- The Baha Men initially resisted covering the already popular song.
The Handshake Deal
- Anselm Douglas, inspired by a jingle from Patrick Stephenson and Leroy Williams, wrote "Doggy."
- Stephenson and Williams, on a handshake deal, didn't secure publishing rights.