In the vibrant music scene of the 1980s, a plethora of artists graced the Billboard Hot 100, many achieving fleeting fame with just one chart-topping song. Among these “one-hit wonders,” Frankie Smith, hailing from Philadelphia, stands out with his infectious track, “Double Dutch Bus.” Released in the spring of 1981, this song wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a cultural moment, introducing a unique slang that reverberated through music and pop culture for years to come. Let’s delve into what made this Dutch Bus Song such a memorable and influential hit.
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The “Iz” Slang and its Enduring Legacy
What immediately grabbed listeners’ attention with “Double Dutch Bus” was Frankie Smith’s innovative use of “iz” slang. By inserting “iz” into the middle of words, Smith created a playful and distinctive linguistic style. The song itself provides a clear example: “Hizzey, gizzirls! Yizzall hizzave t’ mizzove izzout the wizzay sizzo Izzi cizzan gizzet pizzast…” This wasn’t just gibberish; it was a fresh and engaging form of expression that resonated with audiences.
The impact of this dutch bus song’s slang extended far beyond its initial popularity. Hip-hop artists, including icons like Snoop Dogg, Tone Lōc, and Ice Cube, were directly inspired by Frankie Smith’s linguistic creativity. They adopted and popularized the “iz” slang, incorporating it into their own lyrics and solidifying its place in hip-hop culture. Even popular television shows like SCRUBS playfully referenced this slang, demonstrating its widespread cultural渗透. The next time you hear this playful wordplay in a hip-hop track, remember its roots trace back to the innovative dutch bus song by Frankie Smith.
Chart Performance and Enduring Popularity of “Double Dutch Bus”
“Double Dutch Bus” was the standout track from Frankie Smith’s album “Children of Tomorrow.” Released in late February 1981, the song initially took some time to gain traction. However, by mid-May, it had climbed onto the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 86. Its ascent continued throughout the summer, peaking at No. 30 in mid-August 1981 and remaining on the chart for an impressive 19 weeks. For a song that didn’t break into the top 20, its chart longevity was remarkable, outlasting even some songs that reached the coveted No. 1 spot. While Frankie Smith released subsequent singles, “Double Dutch Bus” remained his sole entry on the Hot 100, firmly cementing its status as his signature dutch bus song.
The success of this dutch bus song wasn’t limited to the mainstream charts. On Billboard’s R&B Chart, “Double Dutch Bus” achieved even greater heights, holding the No. 1 position for four weeks in July and August 1981. This dominance on the R&B charts underscores the song’s deep connection with its core audience and its significance within Black music culture.
The legacy of “Double Dutch Bus” continues to this day. Its infectious rhythm and unique slang have ensured its enduring appeal. Even pop superstar Madonna acknowledged the song’s influence by sampling it during her 2008 Sticky & Sweet Tour in her performance of “Into The Groove,” bridging generations and genres and further solidifying the dutch bus song‘s place in music history.
Rare Gold Status and Lasting Appeal
Adding to the unique story of “Double Dutch Bus” is its rare achievement of being certified Gold by the RIAA for both its 7″ and 12″ single versions. This dual Gold certification is a testament to the widespread popularity and appeal of the song across different formats. Interestingly, “Into The Groove,” the song that sampled “Double Dutch Bus,” also achieved Gold status for its 12″ single, creating a unique connection between these two iconic tracks. While “Into The Groove” reached much higher chart positions, the double Gold certification for “Double Dutch Bus” highlights the profound impact and lasting appreciation for this dutch bus song, despite its peak at No. 30 on the Hot 100.
“Double Dutch Bus” is more than just an 80s one-hit wonder; it’s a cultural artifact that showcased linguistic innovation and left an undeniable mark on music history. Its infectious energy and unique slang continue to resonate, making it a timeless track that deserves to be rediscovered and enjoyed. So, take a trip back in time and “get on, the Double Dutch Bus!”
