National Kazoo Day - January 28th
Let's Celebrate the 160th Birthday of the Kazoo!
The kazoo was invented in the 19th century by an African American named Alabama Vest in Macon, Georgia. It most likely was based on similar instrument that had been used in Africa for hundreds of years. They used the kazoo like instrument to disguise someone's voice or to imitate animals for ceremonies. The kazoo created by Vest was manufactured by a German clockmaker in Macon, Georgia named Thaddeus von Clegg. In 1852, the kazoo was first publicized at the Georgia State Fair.
The kazoo is played professionally in jug bands and comedy music. Amateurs also play this American instrument. The kazoo is also used in children's marching bands in North East England and South Wales and during Carnival in Uruguay.
Pink Floyd used the kazoo after each refrain in their song "Corporal Clegg". Jesse Fuller also featured the kazoo in his 1962 recording of "San Francisco Bay Blues", which Eric Clapton also recorded in 1992, also using the kazoo. Frank Zappa used a kazoo for a comic feel in his first album "Freak Out!" Even Jimi Hendrix used the kazoo. His was made of comb and paper and was used to accentuate a blown-out speaker sound.
One of the most famous kazooists is most likely classically trained singer, Barbara Stewart. She is the author of a kazoo book and formed a quartet called Kazoophony. Kazoophony has performed at Carnegie Hall and Barbara Stewart has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
There is a Guinness world record for the world's largest kazoo ensemble. The latest record holders are an Evangelical Free Church of America Youth Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. 5,300 people buzzed the song "Amazing Grace" for 5 minutes.
For more information on kazoos, take a look at www.kazooamerica.org. They are working on a campaign to make the kazoo America's official national instrument. Also, take a look at Kazoobie Kazoos for all your kazoo needs.
Happy Kazoo Day! And remember, anyone can play the kazoo!
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Published by Ana Blanco
36 year old Mom who works full time. Born in Portugal and has lived in the US for almost 30 years. Married with 1 daughter. We also have 3 dogs and 3 cats. View profile
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- A Kazoo is a plastic or metal wind musical instrument.
- The kazoo is played professionally in jug bands and comedy music.
- Pink Floyd used the kazoo after each refrain in their song "Corporal Clegg".