Allan Sherman

Allan Sherman, born Allan Copelon in Chicago in 1924, was an American comedian, songwriter and television producer best remembered as the king of song parody in the early 1960s. Before his recording career took off, he worked in television, co-creating the panel show I've Got a Secret. His parody performances at private Hollywood parties, reportedly including guests such as Harpo Marx and George Burns, led to a recommendation to Warner Bros. Records.

His debut album My Son, the Folk Singer (1962) turned old folk and Yiddish theater melodies into comic sketches of American Jewish suburban life, and was followed quickly by My Son, the Celebrity. Sherman's biggest success came with My Son, the Nut (1963), whose single «Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp)», set to Amilcare Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours, became a national novelty hit and won a Grammy Award.

Sherman's style relied on witty, densely rhymed lyrics layered over recognizable melodies, drawing on Borscht Belt humor and Jewish-American identity. Songs like «Harvey and Sheila» and «Sarah Jackman» exemplify his knack for turning everyday domestic and cultural details into comic songwriting. He remains a defining figure in American musical parody and a clear influence on later comedy songwriters such as Weird Al Yankovic.