I've Never Seen A Straight Banana

Album: Charleston Days (1926)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to a contemporary issue of the Melody Maker, British music publisher Lawrence Wright sold the rights of this novelty song to Irving Berlin Inc. on a trip to New York; Wright was there as his alter ego Horatio Nicholls during which time he produced "Shepherd Of The Hills," the first truly international song.
  • "I've Never Seen A Straight Banana" was written by Ted Waite, published in the UK as Lawrence Wright No 1685, and retailed for the princely sum of sixpence. The copy held by the British Library is stamped received by the British Museum Library (as it then was) 19 NOV 26. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Michael from Mcfarland, WiErnest Hare recorded many discs in the 1920s with Billy Jones, one half of the Happiness Boys. Hare was known to perform in blackface, a trend in Vaudeville that would be seen as incredibly offensive today. The songs are amusing and very racist.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.