The Bugaloos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Bugaloos | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Genre | Children's television series |
| Running time | 0:25 (per episode) |
| Producer(s) | Sid and Marty Krofft |
| Starring | John McIndoe Caroline Ellis John Philpott Wayne Laryea Martha Raye Billy Barty Sharon Baird Joy Campbell Van Snowden |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| Original channel | NBC |
| Original run | September 11, 1970–September 2, 1972 |
| No. of episodes | 17 |
| IMDb profile | |
The Bugaloos was a children's television series in the United States produced by brothers Sid and Marty Krofft. The Bugaloos, a four-piece British musical group who lived in idyllic Tranquility Forest, had outfits with slight bug-oriented themes, including insect-like wings that allowed them to fly. Their names were Harmony (keyboard, Wayne Laryea), Courage (drums, John Philpott), Joy (tambourine, backup vocals, Caroline Ellis) and I.Q. (lead guitar and vocals, John McIndoe). Their firefly pal is named Sparky, played by the late Billy Barty, one of the first of many roles he would play in Krofft Brothers' productions.
The name and styling of the Bugaloos show is not related to the Latin dance and music genre, Boogaloo; it is probably a pun with the word "bug". Though the group bore little resemblance to the Beatles, the name appears to be partly inspired by them.
Though peace loving and almost hippy-like, The Bugaloos were pursued by an evil, jealous old crone named Benita Bizarre, played by the late Martha Raye, who lived in a gigantic jukebox, and used it to broadcast her own brand of blaring, obnoxious, unpleasant music. A terrible singer, she was furious at the popularity of The Bugaloos' more melodic, upbeat sound, and she plotted elaborate, unsuccessful schemes to destroy or enslave the titular protagonists. Benita was aided by two bumbling henchmen, Woofer and Tweeter (Joy Campbell and Van Snowden), and her chauffeur and chief flunky, Funky Rat (Sharon Baird).
The show was produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, and aired on NBC from 1970 to 1972. Like its predecessor H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), The Bugaloos ran for only one season (1970-1971), with reruns airing the following year (1971-1972).
Touted as the British version of The Monkees, over 5,000 aspiring Bugaloos auditioned to cast the four leads, each having to demonstrate aptitude in dance, singing, and acting. Seventeen episodes of the series were produced. An album of Bugaloos music was released in 1970, and their song "The Senses of Our World" actually charted as a minor hit. The complete series was released on DVD in May 2006.
[edit] Album
The Bugaloos released an album in 1970, featuring studio recorded versions of the songs performed on the show. The track list is as follows:
| 1) If You Become a Bugaloo |
| 2) The Senses of Our World |
| 3) For a Friend |
| 4) Believe |
| 5) It's New to You |
| 6) Fly Away With Us |
| 7) Older Woman |
| 8) Just the Memory Stays Around |
| 9) Gna Gna Gna Gna Gna |
| 10) Castles in the Air |
| 11) The Bugaloos (Theme Song) |
The LP was re-released on CD in January 2000 by "Vivid Sound" in Japan. The LP was subsequently released again on CD in 2006 by "Cherry Red Records" of London.
Note: The track "Just the Memory Stays Around" did not appear in any episode, and is available only on the LP. Also, not all the songs featured on the show were included on the LP.
[edit] Trivia
- Rock musician Phil Collins auditioned for The Bugaloos in 1970. Later that year, he joined the art-rock band Genesis, which was fronted by Peter Gabriel at the time.
