Biography
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a contemporary swing band formed in 1989 in Ventura, California, by leader Scotty Morris (vocals and guitar) and Kurt Sodergren (drums), who remain the core original members. The band initially played 1940s and 1950s swing music in clubs and lounges in Southern California, gaining traction with a regular Wednesday night residency at the Derby nightclub in Hollywood during the grunge era, where they revived interest in swing, jazz, and Dixieland blended with modern energy.[1][2][3] Their breakthrough came in 1996 when songs like 'You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)' and 'Go Daddy-O' featured in the indie film Swingers, leading to a signing with Capitol Records and releases such as Americana Deluxe and This Beautiful Life.[1]
The band achieved widespread recognition with high-profile performances, including the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show in 1999, appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (seven times), Dancing With The Stars, and collaborations with U.S. symphony orchestras. They have maintained a rigorous touring schedule of over 150 shows annually, releasing albums like Save My Soul, Everything You Want For Christmas, and a 2010 tribute How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway, while selling over 2 million albums and licensing music to hundreds of films and TV shows.[1][2][3][5] Their style spans swing, big band, electro swing, and rockabilly, emphasizing lively, danceable interpretations of classic American sounds.[1]
Over 35 years active as of 2025, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's legacy lies in spearheading the 1990s swing revival, sustaining popularity through nonstop tours from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, and performing for three U.S. Presidents, solidifying their role as enduring ambassadors of vintage swing in contemporary culture.[2][3][5]
Fun Facts
- The band's name originates from an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins that read 'To my good friend Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.'[5][6][7]
- They performed the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show in 1999, rising from Derby nightclub gigs for hundreds to a massive national audience.[1][3]
- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has appeared seven times on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and performed for three U.S. Presidents.[3]
- Former lead trumpeter Ron Blake left the band to tour with Green Day.[1]
Members
- Russ Davis - original (from 1991 until 1993)
- Scotty Morris - guitar, lead vocals, original (from 1991)
- Kurt Sodergren - drums (drum set), original, percussion (from 1991)
- Ralph Votrian - trumpet (from 1993 until 1995)
- Andy Rowley - background vocals, baritone saxophone (from 1993)
- Dirk Shumaker - double bass (from 1993)
- Glen Marhevka - trumpet (from 1995)
- Karl Hunter - clarinet, saxophone (from 1996)
- Joshua Levy - piano (from 1996)
- Anthony Bonsera - additional
- Alex Henderson - additional, trombone
- Jeff Harris - trombone
Original Members
- Scotty Morris - guitar, lead vocals, original
- Kurt Sodergren - drums (drum set), original, percussion
- Andy Rowley - background vocals, baritone saxophone
- Dirk Shumaker - double bass
- Glen Marhevka - trumpet
- Karl Hunter - clarinet, saxophone
- Joshua Levy - piano
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Albert Collins - Blues legend whose autograph inspired the band's name (N/A) [1989 (band formation)]
Key Collaborators
- Scotty Morris - Co-founder, lead vocals and guitar, core member (All albums since 1989) [1989–present]
- Kurt Sodergren - Co-founder, drums and percussion, core member (All albums since 1989) [1989–present]
- Dirk Shumaker - String bass and vocals, core member (All albums since 1993) [1993–present]
- Andy Rowley - Baritone saxophone and vocals, core member (All albums since 1993) [1993–present]
- Glen Marhevka - Trumpet, core member (All albums since 1995) [1995–present]
- Karl Hunter - Saxophone and clarinet, core member (All albums since 1996) [1996–present]
- Joshua Levy - Piano and arranger, core member (All albums since 1996) [1996–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bad Voodoo Daddy | 1994 | Album |
| Rattle Them Bones (Deluxe Edition) | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| This Beautiful Life | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Save My Soul | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| How Big Can You Get?: The Music Of Cab Calloway | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Louie Louie Louie | 2017-06-16 | Album |
| Rattle Them Bones | 2012-08-31 | Album |
| Live | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Everything You Want For Christmas | 2004-10-12 | Album |
| It Feels Like Christmas Time | 2013-10-22 | Album |
| Rattle Them Bones | 2012-09-03 | Album |
| It Feels Like Christmas Time (Bonus Edition) | 2013-10-22 | Album |
| Rattle Them Bones | 2012-08-31 | Album |
| Rattle Them Bones (Deluxe Edition) | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| It Feels Like Christmas Time | 2013-10-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Mr. Pinstripe Suit (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
- Why Me? (Rattle Them Bones (Deluxe Edition))
- King Of Swing (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
- Save My Soul (Save My Soul)
- I Wanna Be Like You (This Beautiful Life)
- You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby) (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
- Minnie The Moocher (How Big Can You Get?: The Music Of Cab Calloway)
- Jumpin' Jack (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
- Diga Diga Doo (Rattle Them Bones (Deluxe Edition))
- Mambo Swing (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
External Links
Tags: #big-band, #dixieland, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 21:10 | Mr Heatmiser | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 21, 2025 | 14:07 | When Disney Takes Jerusalemfrom Let's Do This | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |