The Racist Background of Puttin' on the Ritz

In this episode, we discuss the racist background of the 1983's Puttin' on the Ritz. While it was something of a novelty song when Dutch singer Taco Ockerse took it to number 4, it has a big backstory. It was originally written by great American songwriter Irving Berlin in 1927 and popularized by the likes of Fred Astaire. What was a song from the ’20s doing on the charts in the ’80s? Mel Brooks may have something to do with it. 

To learn more about Irving Berlin: https://www.songhall.org/profile/Irving_Berlin

Listen to Puttin’ On the Ritz by Taco on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/after-eight/1317414598

To watch the original, uncensored video by Taco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3PnQ3tgzY

Check out Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein here: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/young-frankenstein/umc.cmc.qdwp732xvf641j94g9shwan7

Grab a copy of “Even This I Get to Experience” by Norman Lear: https://www.amazon.com/Even-This-I-Get-Experience/dp/1594205728

Why not enjoy a slice of delicious mock apple pie with this episode? Find the recipe here:
https://www.snackworks.com/recipe/ritz-mock-apple-pie-53709

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