"Turkey in the Straw," a beloved American folk tune, traces its roots back to the 19th century. Initially popularized as "Zip Coon" in minstrel shows around 1834, the song's authorship remains disputed. Over time, the melody of "Zip Coon" evolved into what we know as "Turkey in the Straw." Notably, an 1861 publication featured a song with the title "Turkey in de Straw" alongside the music of "Zip Coon," solidifying the association between the iconic tune and its present-day title.
March 1916: Release of "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!"
In March 1916, the song "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!" was released. It was performed by silent movie actor Harry C. Browne and featured "Old Dan Tucker" as a B-side. Based on "Turkey in the Straw," Browne performed it with a baritone voice while playing a banjo and accompanied by an orchestra. The song used racist stereotypes, with Browne referring to watermelons as "colored man's ice-cream."
July 1916: Contemporary review of "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!"
In July 1916, a contemporary review praised the song "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!" as a treat for fans of old-time slave-day river songs. Despite its racist content, Columbia Records continued to promote the song up to 1925.
1916: "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!" adaptation
In 1916, an adaptation of "Turkey in the Straw" titled "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!" was performed by Harry C. Browne and produced by Columbia Records. This song has since been labeled the most racist song title in the United States due to its use of watermelon stereotypes.
1920: Publication of "Old Zip Coon" in Boy Scout Song Book
In 1920, David K. Stevens published a version of "Old Zip Coon" with new, self-referencing lyrics in the Boy Scout Song Book. Stevens' version contained no direct racial references other than the song's title.
1925: Promotion of "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!"
In 1925, Columbia Records continued to promote the song "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!," despite its racist stereotypes. The song had been released in 1916 and remained controversial for its content.
1942: Creation of "Turkey in the Straw" soundie
In 1942, a soundie titled "Turkey in the Straw" was created by Freddie Fisher and The Schnickelfritz Band, directed by Sam Coslow and produced by Josef Berne. The soundie featured two versions of the chorus.
1946: Influence of "Zip a duden duden duden zip a duden day" on "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"
In 1946, the chorus "Zip a duden duden duden zip a duden day" likely influenced the song "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" in Walt Disney's adaptation of Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus tales, Song of the South.
2014: Ice cream trucks cease using "Turkey in the Straw" melody
In 2014, radio DJ Dr. Demento refused to play the song "Nigger Love a Watermelon, Ha! Ha! Ha!" due to its hateful title. Dr. Theodore R. Johnson asserted that many ice cream trucks in the United States used a jingle based on this song. Although this claim is debated, several ice cream truck companies stopped using the "Turkey in the Straw" melody because of its association with the controversial song.