Slim Gaillard

Bulee "Slim" Gaillard (January 4, 1911 or 1916 - February 26, 1991) was an American jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, noted for his scat singing and wordplay.

Gaillard first rose to prominence in the late 1930s as part of Slim & Slam, a jazz novelty act he formed with bassist Slam Stewart. Their hits included "Flat Foot Floogie (with a Floy Floy)", "Cement Mixer (Puti Puti)" and the hipster anthem. "The Groove Juice Special (Opera in Vout)". Vout was Galliard's private term for the hip argot.

Gaillard's appeal was similar to Cab Calloway and Louis Jordan in that he presented a hip style with broad appeal. Unlike them, he was a master improviser whose stream of consciousness vocals ranged far afield from the original lyrics along with wild interpolations of nonsense syllables like "McVouty oreeney".

He appeared in the musical film Absolute Beginners (1986) singing "Selling out".

Quotation

Hit that jive, Jack

Put it in your pocket till I get back

Goin' downtown to see a man

Ain't got time to shake your hand