Description
Makin’ Whoopee is a jazz/blues song with music by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was written for the 1928 musical Whoopee! and was first popularized by Eddie Cantor.
The expression ‘makin’ whoopee’ is a euphemism for intimate sexual relations and the song has been called a ‘dire warning’ (mainly to men) of the ‘trap’ of marriage! The song’s lyrics begin with the celebration of a wedding, honeymoon and marital bliss, then moves onto babies and responsibilities, and ultimately on to affairs and possible divorce, ending with a judge’s advice. Whilst it may not end happily in the song it is still a favourite at weddings and undeniably catchy!
Such is the song’s popularity it has been covered by practically everyone including Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Marlene Dietrich, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John and Rod Stewart … to name but a few.
In this arrangement for wind quintet snippets of two famous wedding marches make a brief appearance. There are also alternative endings: the first is easier, whilst the second moves into trickier, jazzier territory.
