Chloe Zhang
The song Plastic Jesus has been attributed to several writers. Some sources claim it was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957, while others suggest Paul King, Ernie Marrs, or even Tom Lehrer as the songwriter. The Goldcoast Singers, an early folk duo, are also credited with writing the song in 1962, though it's worth noting that they may have simply added to an existing song or adapted it for their album. Over time, the song has become a standard, with various artists covering it and adding their own verses, following folk tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1957 |
| Writers | Ed Rush and George Cromarty |
| Performers | The Goldcoast Singers, Paul Newman, The Flaming Lips, Billy Idol, Snow Patrol, King Earl Boogie Band, The Levellers, The Tucson Truckers |
| Inspiration | A religious radio station in mid-1950s Texas |
| Genre | Folk |
| Lyrics | Humorous |
| Additional Lyrics | Ernie Marrs |
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What You'll Learn
The song was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957
The song "Plastic Jesus" was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. Rush and Cromarty recorded the song as a humorous ad spoof in 1962 under the name The Goldcoast Singers. The inspiration for the song came from a religious radio station in mid-1950s Texas that sold "the most outrageous stuff imaginable, all with magical healing properties."
Over the years, many other verses and lyrics have been added to the song, following folk tradition. Ernie Marrs is credited with adding much more to the song, although he is not officially recognized. The song has become a standard, with recordings by artists such as Paul Newman, The Flaming Lips, Billy Idol, and Snow Patrol, as well as a number of US folk and country artists.
The song has also been covered by the King Earl Boogie Band in 1972 and The Levellers. It was also performed by The Tucson Truckers in the early 1970s, who believed it was a folk song with no identifiable author. The song has been the subject of debate, with some sources claiming it was originally a commercial jingle put on the radio by a firm manufacturing plastic 'Jesi'.
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Ernie Marrs is credited with adding to the song
The folk song "Plastic Jesus" has had many iterations over the years, with various artists adding their own verses and lyrics. While the song was originally written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957, Ernie Marrs is credited with adding much more to the very basic song, although he is not officially credited.
Marrs, born in 1932, recalled creating a "masterpiece" years ago, referring to "Plastic Jesus." He is quoted in a 1964 copyrighted version of the song, where he acknowledges that no one seems to know the origin of the song, although many have tried to trace it. Marrs' version of the song came from a Broadside (NYC) report, which suggested it originated from a commercial jingle put on the radio in Georgia by a company manufacturing plastic 'Jesi.'
The song's mysterious origins and light-hearted nature have contributed to its popularity, with recordings by artists like The Flaming Lips, Billy Idol, and Snow Patrol. It has also been featured in films, such as Cool Hand Luke, where Paul Newman performed the song.
Over time, "Plastic Jesus" has become a standard in folk and country music, with various artists putting their spin on it. The song's humorous take on religious figures and superficiality has made it a beloved and enduring part of American folk music culture.
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The song was recorded by the Goldcoast Singers in 1962
The song "Plastic Jesus" was recorded by the Goldcoast Singers in 1962. The Goldcoast Singers were an early folk duo with a comedic and revivalist style, and their music often included Yiddish numbers. "Plastic Jesus" was originally written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. It was first recorded as a humorous ad spoof in 1962.
The song was inspired by a religious radio station in mid-1950s Texas that sold "the most outrageous stuff imaginable, all with magical healing properties." Over time, the song became a standard, with recordings by artists such as Paul Newman, The Flaming Lips, Billy Idol, and Snow Patrol, as well as a number of US folk and country artists.
Ernie Marrs is also credited with adding much more to the song, although he is not officially recognized. Marrs claimed that the song originated from a commercial jingle put on the radio in Georgia by a firm manufacturing plastic 'Jesi'.
The song has been the subject of debate, with some sources claiming that it was written by Paul King and recorded by the King Earl Boogie Band in 1972. Despite the various claims of authorship, the song has become a well-known folk tune with numerous recordings and performances.
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The song was inspired by a religious radio station in Texas
The song "Plastic Jesus" was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. They recorded it in 1962 as a humorous ad spoof under the name ""The Goldcoast Singers". The song is an American folk song that shares a melody with Woody Guthrie's "Oklahoma Hills".
The song was inspired by a religious radio station from Del Rio, Texas, in the mid-1950s. The station was allegedly run by a dentist and religious fanatic who sold products with "magical healing properties". One particular broadcast contained the line "...leaning on the arms of Jesus, wrapped in the bosom of the Lord...".
Ed Rush has given another account of the song's conception, tracing it back to an African-American camp meeting song with the lyrics, "I don't care if it rains or freezes, leaning on the arms of my Jesus." This song was the theme of a religious radio program out of Baton Rouge in the 1940s.
The song "Plastic Jesus" has evolved over the years, with various artists adding their own verses and adapting the lyrics and tune. It has become a popular folk and gospel tradition, with many versions referring to Mary, Joseph, the Apostles, or the Devil. Despite the changes, the song retains its humorous and ironic take on religion, often performed for laughs.
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The song has been performed by Paul Newman, Billy Idol and Snow Patrol
The song "Plastic Jesus" was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957 and recorded by them in 1962 as a humorous ad spoof. The song has since been performed by several notable artists, including Paul Newman, Billy Idol, and Snow Patrol.
Paul Newman's performance of "Plastic Jesus" is likely to be the most well-known and celebrated. Newman's rendition appeared in the 1969 film "Cool Hand Luke," where he played the title character, a prisoner in a Florida prison camp. The song became closely associated with the character of Cool Hand Luke and helped to establish the anti-authoritarian and rebellious tone of the film. Newman's performance is considered iconic and is often remembered as a defining moment in the film.
Billy Idol, the English musician known for his punk rock and rockabilly style, included a version of "Plastic Jesus" on his 2005 album "Devil's Playground." Idol's rendition maintains the folk qualities of the original while infusing it with his signature rock sound. The song's lyrics, which speak of rebellion and personal freedom, align with the themes often explored in Idol's music.
Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band, has also performed "Plastic Jesus." The band included a cover of the song as a B-side on their 2006 single "Hands Open." Snow Patrol's interpretation stays true to the folk roots of the song while incorporating their distinctive alternative rock style. Their version received positive reviews from fans and critics alike.
The song "Plastic Jesus" has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its performances by Paul Newman, Billy Idol, and Snow Patrol introducing it to new generations of listeners. Each artist has brought their unique style and interpretation to the song, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
The song 'Plastic Jesus' was written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. It was recorded as a humorous ad spoof in 1962 by The Goldcoast Singers.
The song has been performed by many artists, including Paul Newman in the film 'Cold Hand Luke', The Flaming Lips, Billy Idol, Snow Patrol, and the King Earl Boogie Band.
The song is about rednecks, bad drivers, and the superficiality of religion. It was inspired by a religious radio station in mid-1950s Texas that sold products with supposed magical healing properties.
