Allan, who came from a lowly background, went on to become one of the most well-known figures in the Pop humor industry. He established this genre of music as a result of his sharp parodies, which went on to enjoy tremendous popularity. The success of his work ‘My Son, the Folk Singer’, led way for a number of additional copycat productions, which inundated the market. My Son, the Celebrity and My Son, the Nut are two follow-up albums that he published after the success of his debut album with the company “Warner Bros. Records.” The CDs aided Allan in gaining the admiration of music fans. Additionally, it has been said that John F. Kennedy was seen humming one of Sherman’s parodies. Allan’s fame was fleeting, and after Kennedy was killed, he too experienced a difficult period like other comedians. The game show “I’ve Got a Secret,” which Allan also created the idea for, was also produced by him. Even his book “Rape of the APE,” a humorous parody of American Puritan ethics, was written by him. Allan, who had a creative inclination, got along well with the majority of his coworkers but couldn’t stand it when someone got in the way of his inspiration. To find out more about the hilarious genius, keep reading.
Early Childhood & Life
Allan Sherman, who was born in Chicago on November 30, 1924, to Jewish parents Percy Copelon and Rose Sherman, took on his mother’s maiden name after his parent’s divorce. His father was a race car driver and auto mechanic. Father Percy, who struggled with obesity, passed away while trying to follow a 100-day diet.
With the family transferring houses regularly, Allan had to attend school at countless sites including cities like Chicago, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
He next relocated to the esteemed “The University of Illinois,” where Allan first became aware of his gift and began to routinely appear in the humor section of the school newspaper, “The Daily Illini.”
The sorority house’s bylaws were broken by Allan, a failing student when he attempted to bring his former girlfriend there. He was ultimately dismissed from the university, preventing him from receiving a degree.
Allan Sherman’s Career
With the parody “A Satchel and a Seck,” which mocked the well-known song from the 1950s “A Bushel and a Peck,” Allan began his career as a musical humorist. Jubilee Records recorded this duet, which also featured Sylvia Froos as a performer.
Based on the hit song “Sam’s Song” by Bing and Gary Crosby, Allan created “Jake’s Song,” another parody, for Jubilee Records. Both tracks were not successful, and Allan quickly ran out of work. He subsequently transitioned to creating game shows.
Production rights to the game show “I’ve Got a Secret” were offered to Allan by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman, two television producers. The game, which was based on Allan’s idea, debuted in 1952 on “CBS Network.”
After Allan insisted that Tony Curtis, the celebrity guest on the show, be asked to demonstrate the rules of several
games he played as a child, the episode descended into chaos. Curtis turned out to have no prior knowledge of any of the games, which was a major setback for the show. In 1958, Allan was no longer the show’s producer.
Another game show Allan produced in 1961 under the name “AI Singer Productions” was called “Your Surprise Package.” This midday game show, which broadcast on the “CBS Network,” was hosted by the well-known actor and comic of the period, George Fenneman.
Allan’s connection to the Warner Bros. Records company came about when renowned comic George Burns saw him perform at Allan’s neighbor and fellow comedian Harpo Marx’s party. His debut at the label came in 1962 with the single “My Son, the Folk Singer.” Radio was interested in this collection of parodies despite worries about Allan’s reputation as a performer.
Many other artists produced works that were comparable to “My Son, The Folk Singer” in the wake of its enormous success. Allan, though, remained the clear favorite because no one was able to match his level of popularity.
The album “More Folk Songs by Allan Sherman and His Friends” was released by Jubilee Records in 1962 and included Sherman’s single “A Satchel and a Seck” in addition to songs by Lee Tully, Sylvia Froos, and Fyvush Finkel.
Beginning in 1963, Allan published a second collection titled “My Son, the Celebrity,” which enjoyed even greater success. The album also debuted at the top of Billboard’s chart of the top 150 best-selling LPs.
“My Son, the Nut” was the third straight album to top the charts in 1963. This collection’s “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” was a chart-topper and one of the top five novelty songs. The album remained at the top of the music charts for eight weeks in a row.
The publication of his subsequent album, “Allan in Wonderland,” in 1964, just a few months after the passing of American president John F. Kennedy. Because the entire country was in mourning at the loss of the political leader, the record was unable to repeat the success story of its predecessors. The album received scathing reviews and struggled to crack the Top 25 on pop charts.
His second album from 1964 included the parody “For Swingin’ Livers Only!” and “Peter & the Commissar,” which were recorded in collaboration with conductor Arthur Fiedler and the orchestra group “Boston Pops.” Compared to his earlier albums, this one did significantly worse, failing to even crack the Top 40.
To make matters worse for Allan, the 1964 spoof of “My Fair Lady” was never released because its creators complained about copyright violations.
He recorded two albums, “My name is Allan” and “Togetherness,” over the period of two years in 1965 and 1966. Warner Bros. Records terminated its contract with Sherman as a result of the albums’ lackluster sales. During this time, the comedian also released his book, A Gift of Laughter.
“Rape of the APE,” another work by Allan, was released in 1973. It was a sarcastic interpretation of how the sexual revolution developed in the US.
Allan’s Bigger Works
His most popular record was “My Son, the Nut,” released in 1963. His summer camp-themed parody song, “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,” from the album, held the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks.
Recognition & Achievements
For his song “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,” this comedian won the renowned “Grammy Award” for “Best Comedy Performance Single” in 1963.
Personal Legacy & Life
Dee Chackes and Allan were married, and they had two kids together. Robert Sherman, their son, was born on January 9, 1950, and works as a producer for TV shows like “Tattletales” and “Super Password.” Following their divorce in 1966, Dee was granted exclusive custody of their kids.
Allan, who had diabetes and obesity, sought treatment at the “Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital.” He passed away in his West Hollywood home ten days before his 49th birthday as a result of complications brought on by his lung condition. In Culver City, California’s “Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery,” he was laid to rest.
Estimated Net Worth
One of the wealthiest and most well-known writers is Alan Sherman. Our research of Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider revealed that Alan Sherman has a net worth of $5 million.
Trivia
John F. Kennedy, the American president, is rumored to have enjoyed this pop humorist’s parodies much.