Yogi Yorgesson

Biography

Harry Stewart, born Harry Skarbo on October 21, 1908, in Tacoma, Washington, to Norwegian immigrants Hans and Elise Skarbo, was the third child in his family. Tragedy struck early when his mother died in 1910 giving birth to a fourth child who survived only days, leaving Harry to grow up in challenging circumstances before being adopted by the Stewart family. Before entering entertainment, he worked various jobs including in logging, as a bellhop, and on KVI radio in Tacoma as an announcer, weather reporter, newsman, and banjo player starting in 1927.[1][2]

Fun Facts

• Yogi Yorgesson was portrayed as a Hindu mystic from Stockholm, Sweden, who gazed into a crystal ball (actually an overturned fish bowl) for comedic radio bits before shifting to humorous songs.[1][2]
• "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas" sold over one million copies, earned a gold disc, and remains a holiday favorite on the Dr. Demento show.[1]
• Stewart created other characters like Harry Kari, Claude Hopper, and Klaus Hammerschmidt, recording songs under these personas.[2]
• His political singles included "I'm Gonna Vote Republican" and "I'm Gonna Vote for a Democrat," released around 1952.[1]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Johnny Duffy Trio - Backing musicians on key recordings ("I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas" and "Yingle Bells") [1949]

Artists Influenced

• Stan Boreson - Recorded 18 of Stewart's songs, introducing Yogi Yorgesson to new generations ("Honey / Little Green Apples" (1969), "Yust Go Nuts at Christmas" (1971), "Yust Tinkin' Of Yogi" (1980)) [1969-1980]
• Doug Setterberg - Co-recorded Stewart's songs with Boreson (Albums with Boreson including five songs on "Honey / Little Green Apples") [1969]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (Christmas Kisses)
2. I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas)
3. The Christmas Party (78 Times Christmas)
4. I Just Go Nuts at Christmas Yogi Yorgesson (Christmas Comedy Classics)
5. I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (The Happy Santa Comedy Christmas)
6. The Bees And The Birds (from "Comedy Caravan") (Comedy Caravan)
7. The Object Of My Affection (from "Comedy Caravan") (Comedy Caravan)
8. I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas)
9. Yingle Bells (Backline X-Mas Edition 2008)
10. I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (Backline X-Mas Edition 2008)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz