1968
MISTER BO JANGLES * BOBBY COLE * CBS 3626 * UK
There are always exceptions to the norm and this is one. I am not sure what genre this belongs to, if any it's probably folk, the song is incredibly sentimental, something on the lines of Elvis Presley's Old Shep, non the less, for me it has Soul, it certainly sounds like Bobby Cole means it. The song is about a happy and contented man (Mr. Bo Jangles), and his dog, who chose a nomadic life but after his dog died experienced bouts of depression and turned to drink, leading to him spending time in prison where he would take solace in memories of the life of content that he shared with his beloved canine companion. Possibly the song takes its cue from the legendary entertainer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson who was one of the greatest tap dancers of all time. Hear him sing and tap on this 1932 recording of Doin' The New Lo Down.