 | |
| Music by | Robert Wells |
| Lyrics by | Kay Thompson |
| Date | 1956 |
"Eloise" is a 1956 novelty song built around the title character from the 1955 book Eloise. The book's author, Kay Thompson, wrote the lyrics and performs the character voices of Eloise and her English nanny. While a male chorus sings about "the little girl who lives at the Plaza in New York," Eloise interjects to describe her life and mischievous habits. She goes as far as revealing her mother's age and shoe size.
The recording was used multiple times on Sam and Friends, with Kermit in a wig as Eloise, with the first confirmed broadcast on March 5, 1959.[1] The April 29, 1960 broadcast has Harry the Hipster calling for Eloise after (causing Kermit to switch back and forth from the wig).[2] The June 19, 1961 broadcast specifies that Eloise is Kermit's niece.[3]
Background[]
The original Eloise book, subtitled "A Book for Precocious Grown-Ups," was a bestseller and sparked spinoffs the following year, in both the novelty single and an episode of the prestigious anthology series Playhouse 90.
Author Kay Thompson was an established singer who performed on radio and as a vocal arranger for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musicals. After leaving MGM, she formed a nightclub act with the Williams Brothers (including Andy Williams), who provide the vocals on the record.
Sources[]
- ↑ Shemin, Craig. Sam and Friends: The Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show. p. 347
- ↑ ibid. p. 453
- ↑ ibid. p. 503