Buffalo Gals
"Buffalo Gals" is a traditional American song, published as "Lubly Fan" in 1844 by the blackface minstrel John Hodges, who performed as "Cool White".Whilst the song is often attributed to John Hodges it is likely to have a history that pre-dates its publication.[1] The song was widely popular throughout the United States, where minstrels often altered the lyrics to suit local audiences, performing it as "New York Gals" in New York City, "Boston Gals" in Boston, or "Alabama Girls" in Alabama, as in the version recorded by Alan Lomax and Shirley Collins on a 1959 field recording trip.The best-known version is named after Buffalo, New York.[4] The lyrics are a reference to the many "dancing girls" who performed in the bars, concert-hall dives, and brothels of the Buffalo, New York, Canal district, which at that time was the western terminus of the Erie Canal and the site where canal and freighter crewmen received their wages.
( full sheet music )
Buffalo Gals (Malcolm McLaren song)Buffalo Gals (Cow and Chicken)traditionalblackfaceJohn HodgesNew York CityBostonAlabamaAlan LomaxShirley Collinsfield recordingBuffalo, New YorkWestern Writers of AmericaWestern Songsconcert-hall divesbrothelsCanal districtErie Canalfreightercrewmensinging gameRuss MorganEvelyn KnightTony PastorBobby DarinBillboardRay SmithFrank CapraIt's a Wonderful LifeGeorge BaileyInternet ArchiveThe Pickard FamilyWayback Machine