National Scat Day

Young child observing wildlife with binoculars, wearing a safari hat, lush jungle background. — National scat day illustration

Welcome, folks! Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of National Scat Day. Now, before your mind starts wandering to the wrong places, let's clarify something right away. This day has nothing to do with the musical genre or, um, well, bodily functions. No, sir! It's all about celebrating the wonderful wildlife that roams our planet. So, get your binoculars ready, put on your explorer hat, and let's embark on this wild adventure!

When is Scat Day?

It's national scat day on the 29th April.

The Internet History of National Scat Day

Believe it or not, the roots of National Scat Day can be traced back to the beautiful world wide web. The term 'scat' actually refers to the scientific study of animal droppings, also known as feces. And one fine day on April 29th, 2015, this unique and lesser-known field of research caught the attention of the online community.

Animal enthusiasts, nature lovers, and even some curious souls started sharing their fascination for scat on social media platforms. Pictures, descriptions, and stories of animal droppings began to fill newsfeeds and timelines. It was a true fecal frenzy!

Soon enough, the hashtag #NationalScatDay started trending, igniting a poop-powered movement across the internet. Websites dedicated to the subject popped up, sharing scatological wisdom and engaging in lively discussions about what can actually be learned from studying animal feces. It was a virtual forest of information!

Over time, National Scat Day grew beyond the online realm and found its way into the hearts of wildlife lovers worldwide. People began organizing events in parks, nature reserves, and even zoos, where visitors could learn about scatology (the scientific study of feces, that is) firsthand. It became a day to appreciate the fascinating insights that animal droppings can provide about the natural world.

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact for you: Did you know that some scientists use scat to determine an animal's diet, health, and even its presence in certain areas? It's like a stinky detective work that can reveal a lot about our furry (or feathery) friends!

History behind the term 'Scat'

1926

The birth of jazz scatting

In 1926, the term 'scat' gained prominence with the rise of jazz music. It was first introduced by Louis Armstrong, the influential American jazz trumpeter and singer. Armstrong is often credited as one of the pioneers of scat singing, a vocal improvisation technique where nonsensical words and sounds replace the lyrics. This innovative style of singing significantly influenced the development of jazz music and paved the way for the widespread use of the term 'scat'.

1926

Introducing Skat

In the year 1926, a new card game emerged on the American scene known as Skat. Skat is a trick-taking game played with a deck of 32 cards. The game's name is derived from the German word 'scat,' which means 'to discard.' Skat became incredibly popular among American players and quickly gained recognition in various social circles.

1926

The birth of scat singing

In 1926, the term 'scat' was born with the emergence of scat singing. Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique in jazz music where the singer uses nonsense syllables instead of lyrics. The technique was popularized by Louis Armstrong, who is often credited as the pioneer of scat singing. Armstrong's recordings, such as 'Heebie Jeebies' and 'Hotter than That,' showcased his incredible ability to create rhythmic and melodic patterns using his voice. Scat singing quickly became a defining element of jazz music and added a playful and energetic dimension to performances.

1926

The rise of scat singing

In 1926, scat singing emerged as a popular style of vocal improvisation in jazz music. Its origins can be traced back to the African American community in the United States. Instead of singing actual words, scat singers used nonsense syllables and sounds to create melodic lines and rhythms. The term 'scat' is believed to have been inspired by the word 'scat', which means to run away quickly or to flee.

1899

Origins of the word 'scat'

The term 'scat' originated in 1899 as a vocal style in jazz music. It was popularized by Louis Armstrong, a renowned jazz musician. Armstrong used scatting as a way to improvise and create melodies by using nonsensical sounds and syllables instead of singing actual lyrics. The term 'scat' derived from the phrase 'scat singing,' which referred to this innovative vocal technique.

1926

Introduction of 'scat'

In 1926, the term 'scat' made its debut in the jazz music scene. It originated as a vocal improvisation technique where singers would use nonsensical syllables instead of lyrics. This technique allowed musicians to add a new layer of excitement and creativity to their performances. Scat singing quickly gained popularity and became associated with the energetic and vibrant spirit of jazz music.

1920

Origins in jazz music

The term 'scat' originally emerged in the world of jazz music in the early 1920s. Jazz vocalists, like Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway, would use nonsensical syllables and improvised vocal sounds to mimic the instruments of the band. This vocal improvisation became known as 'scat singing' and was a way for jazz musicians to showcase their creativity and virtuosity.

1905

Introduction of the term

The term 'scat' was first introduced into popular culture in 1905 by vaudeville performer and jazz singer Ada 'Bricktop' Smith. She used the word as a substitute for explicit lyrics while performing songs. The use of scat allowed musicians to express themselves freely and improvise without relying on written lyrics.

1926

Birth of Scat Singing

In 1926, scat singing was born, popularized by Louis Armstrong. Scat singing is a form of vocal improvisation in which the singer uses nonsense syllables and sounds instead of traditional lyrics. It was often used to replace the instrumental solos in jazz music and became a defining feature of the genre. Armstrong's recordings, such as "Heebie Jeebies" and "West End Blues," showcased his groundbreaking scatting skills and helped establish scat as a legitimate art form.

1926

Step into the Jazz Age

In the Roaring Twenties, jazz music was gaining popularity across the United States. One of the most distinctive features of jazz was scat singing, which involved vocal improvisation with nonsensical syllables. It was first recorded by Louis Armstrong in a 1926 recording of the song 'Heebie Jeebies.' The term 'scat' originated from this form of improvised vocalization.

1926

First recorded scat solo

In 1926, the first recorded scat solo was performed by jazz singer and bandleader, Louis Prima. The song was titled 'The (Oops!) Palais Glide,' and it showcased Prima's exceptional vocal abilities and improvisational skills. This recording marked a significant moment in the history of scat, as it introduced the art form to a wider audience and solidified its place within the jazz genre.

1930

Mainstream popularity

During the 1930s, 'scat' gained mainstream popularity and became widely recognized as a unique style of vocal jazz. Singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan became renowned for their scat singing abilities, dazzling audiences with their rapid-fire vocal improvisations and melodic creativity. This period marked the peak of scat's influence on popular music and its cultural impact.

1940

Scat in popular culture

By the 1940s, scat had made its way into popular culture. It became a distinctive feature in the performances of renowned jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Cab Calloway. Their mastery of scat singing captivated audiences around the world, showcasing the artistry and creativity of this unique vocal style.

1930s

Influence of vocables from African music

During the 1930s, the term 'scat' started to gain popularity beyond jazz circles. The influence of African music and its rhythmic vocables heavily impacted jazz and popular music of the era. African music often incorporates vocalizations and rhythmic patterns that resemble scat singing. As a result, the term 'scat' became synonymous with vocal improvisation that mimicked these African musical elements. This broader usage contributed to the term 'scat' finding its way into everyday language and popular culture.

1932

First recorded scat vocals

In 1932, a landmark recording contributed to the popularization of scat singing. The Boswell Sisters, a popular singing trio from New Orleans, released their hit song 'Mood Indigo' which showcased scat vocals. The Boswell Sisters' unique harmony and rhythmic scatting captivated audiences and further solidified scat as a recognized vocal style.

1930

Scat Spreads to Mainstream Popularity

By the 1930s, scat singing had gained mainstream popularity. Artists such as Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington incorporated scat into their performances, introducing it to a wider audience. Fitzgerald's iconic scat rendition of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" catapulted her to stardom and solidified scat as a recognized vocal technique.

1930s

Hepsters embrace scat

During the 1930s, jazz music became a cultural phenomenon, and the term 'scat' became widely associated with this unique style of vocalization. Hepsters, a term used to describe the young, stylish jazz enthusiasts of the time, embraced scat singing and incorporated it into their own language and slang.

1928

The Birth of Scat Singing

By 1928, the term 'scat' branched out from the realm of card games and found a new home in a genre of vocal improvisation known as scat singing. This style of singing emerged in African-American jazz music, primarily pioneered by artists like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Scat singing involves using nonsense syllables and rhythmic patterns to create improvised melodies. It became an essential element of jazz music, adding a unique and playful flair to performances.

1930s

Scatting in popular songs

During the 1930s, scatting transitioned from being solely an improvisational technique to becoming a prominent feature in popular songs. Jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway popularized scat singing through their recordings. The lively, rhythmic patterns created by scatting captivated audiences and helped bridge the gap between jazz and mainstream music.

1920s

Scat singing gains popularity

During the 1920s, scat singing became more widely recognized and popularized by jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. These artists incorporated nonsense syllables and improvisation into their singing, often mimicking the sound of musical instruments. Scat singing added a playful and exciting element to jazz performances, captivating audiences and inspiring other musicians.

1960

Scat reaches new genres

In the 1960s, scat singing began to influence other musical genres beyond jazz. Artists in genres such as soul, funk, and even rock incorporated scatting into their music. The playful and rhythmic nature of scat allowed for experimentation and added flair to various songs and performances.

1960

Scat in Popular Culture

During the 1960s, scat continued to thrive in popular culture. The influence of scat singing extended beyond jazz and found its way into other genres, such as rock and R&B. Artists like Frank Zappa and George Benson experimented with scat, incorporating its energetic and playful elements into their songs. Scat also became a key ingredient in the vocal stylings of artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Mel Tormé, shaping the sounds of the era.

1940s

Scat in mainstream media

During the 1940s, scat singing made its way into mainstream media. Notably, artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Dizzy Gillespie popularized scat through their recordings and performances. Fitzgerald's scat singing prowess became renowned, and she was often referred to as the 'First Lady of Scat.' These influential musicians helped elevate scat singing to new heights and firmly established it as a recognized art form.

1930s

Scatting Goes Mainstream

Throughout the 1930s, scat singing gained mainstream popularity and became a defining characteristic of the swing era. Jazz musicians and vocalists integrated scatting into their performances, often engaging in scat battles with thrilling vocal exchanges. Notable artists like Cab Calloway and Fats Waller showcased their scatting skills, captivating audiences with their astonishing vocal improvisations. The infectious nature of scatting spread far and wide, captivating listeners worldwide.

1940

Influence on popular culture

In the 1940s, scat transcended jazz and made its mark on popular culture. It started to appear in films, with notable examples including Cab Calloway's iconic scat solo in the 1943 movie 'Stormy Weather.' The energetic and rhythmic nature of scat made it a perfect fit for lively dance numbers and upbeat musical performances, further cementing its place in the entertainment industry.

1940s

Scatting makes its way to mainstream culture

By the 1940s, scat singing had gained popularity beyond the jazz clubs and had made its way into mainstream culture. Renowned jazz vocalists and musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Dizzy Gillespie popularized scat through their performances and recordings. The playful and rhythmic nature of scat singing resonated with audiences, contributing to its widespread recognition.

1940s

Expansion into mainstream culture

In the 1940s, scat singing expanded even further into mainstream culture, thanks to the rise of swing music and the influence of iconic vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Slim Gaillard. Fitzgerald, known as the 'First Lady of Song,' showcased her extraordinary scatting skills on songs like 'Flying Home' and 'Lady Be Good.' These performances captivated audiences and cemented scat singing as a celebrated vocal art form. The popularity of scat singing in the swing era helped embed the term 'scat' firmly in the public consciousness.

1930s

Spread of scat beyond jazz

In the 1930s, scat singing expanded beyond jazz music and influenced other genres such as swing and big band. Artists like Ella Fitzgerald, known for her impeccable vocal range and improvisational skills, helped popularize scat singing among a wider audience. The energetic and vibrant style of scat created a fusion of vocal and instrumental solos, enhancing the overall musical experience.

1930s

Scat becomes a popular vocal technique

During the 1930s, scat singing gained immense popularity and became a defining characteristic of jazz music. Influential artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller incorporated scat into their performances, bringing the technique to mainstream audiences. Scat singing allowed performers to express musical ideas without relying on traditional lyrics and showcased their creativity and musicality.

1940s

Influence on vocalists

In the 1940s, scat singing continued to evolve and influenced vocalists from various genres. Singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan showcased their exceptional vocal abilities by incorporating scat solos into their performances. The technical skill required for scatting became a point of admiration and inspired a new generation of vocalists to experiment with the art form.

1960s

Scat reaches new heights in popular culture

Scat singing continued to evolve in the 1960s, finding its way into various genres of music. Notable musicians like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett experimented with scat, infusing it into their performances. The flexibility and improvisational nature of scat allowed artists to explore new creative avenues within their music.

2000

Scat in modern music

Scat continues to have a presence in modern music. Contemporary artists across genres still use scatting as a means of expressing themselves and adding a unique touch to their songs. Its prevalence showcases the enduring impact and versatility of this vocal technique. The term 'scat' has become widely recognized and associated with this distinctive style of vocal improvisation.

1950

Legacy in vocal improvisation

As the years went by, scat singing continued to influence vocal improvisation across various genres of music. Artists in genres like soul, R&B, and even rock 'n' roll incorporated scatting into their performances, adding a touch of jazz-inspired flair to their songs. Notable singers like Bobby McFerrin and George Benson carried on the tradition, showcasing the enduring legacy of scat in modern music.

1940s

Scat in popular culture

Scat singing made its way into popular culture in the 1940s through radio broadcasts and recordings. The lively and infectious nature of scat caught the attention of mainstream audiences, leading to its inclusion in popular songs and performances. Artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Mel Tormé showcased their scatting prowess, further solidifying scat as a recognized vocal technique in the music industry.

1940s

Scat in Pop Culture

During the 1940s, scat singing transcended the jazz scene and made significant appearances in popular culture. Renowned artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole incorporated scatting into their songs, blending jazz influences with popular music. This fusion introduced scatting to a wider audience and solidified its place as a celebrated vocal technique.

1950s

Spread across musical genres

By the 1950s, the influence of scat had spread beyond the jazz realm and started appearing in other genres such as rhythm and blues and rock and roll. Artists like Little Richard and Fats Domino incorporated scat-style vocalizations into their songs, adding an infectious and lively element to their music. The versatility of scat allowed it to adapt to different musical styles, further increasing its popularity.

1940s

Scat influences other music genres

In the 1940s, scat singing began to influence other music genres beyond jazz. Artists from the emerging genres of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll incorporated scat-inspired vocalizations into their songs. The energetic and improvisational nature of scat added an element of excitement and spontaneity to these evolving musical styles, further solidifying its cultural impact.

1960s

Scat goes international

In the 1960s, scat singing transcended national boundaries and gained international recognition. Artists from various genres and countries, such as France's Sacha Distel and Brazil's Astrud Gilberto, incorporated scat vocals into their songs. The global embrace of scat demonstrated its broad appeal and showcased its ability to enhance musical compositions regardless of cultural backgrounds.

2000

Scat in Contemporary Music

In the 21st century, scat has continued to be embraced by contemporary music artists. Musicians like Bobby McFerrin and Michael Bublé have showcased their scatting skills, bridging the gap between traditional scat and modern pop music. Scat has also found its place in popular culture through films, commercials, and television shows, where its lively and improvisational nature adds a touch of nostalgia and charm.

1960s and onward

Scat influences various musical styles

Starting in the 1960s, scat singing expanded its influence beyond jazz and swing music. Artists from various genres, including soul, funk, and even rock, began incorporating scat elements into their performances. Artists like James Brown and George Clinton utilized scatting to add layers of vocal expression and rhythmic complexity to their music. Additionally, scat singing made appearances in popular culture through television shows, commercials, and films, further solidifying its presence in everyday language and entertainment.

Present day

Scat as a cultural term

Today, the term 'scat' has extended beyond its musical origins and is now commonly used to refer to fecal matter in a casual or humorous context. The transition from a jazz vocal technique to a colloquial term showcases the evolution of language and how meanings can change over time. Despite this usage shift, the contributions of scat to the world of music and popular culture remain significant and continue to be celebrated.

2000s

Scat in Modern Music

In the 2000s, scat singing continues to thrive, remaining an integral part of various music genres. Contemporary artists, including Bobby McFerrin and Esperanza Spalding, have elevated scatting to new heights, showcasing its versatility beyond jazz. Scatting has proven to be a dynamic and expressive form of vocal improvisation that can be heard in modern jazz, R&B, and even experimental music.

1960s-present

Enduring cultural impact

From the 1960s onward, scat singing has remained an integral part of music history and has continued to influence countless artists across genres. Notable performers like Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau pushed the boundaries of scatting, exploring new vocal techniques and expanding its expressive possibilities. Even in the modern era, scatting can be heard in the works of vocalists like Jacob Collier, ensuring its enduring cultural impact as a vibrant and dynamic form of musical expression.

1960s

Scat becomes a staple in popular music

During the 1960s, scat singing became a staple in popular music genres such as soul, funk, and even pop. Artists like James Brown and Stevie Wonder used scatting techniques to infuse their songs with rhythm, groove, and soulful vocalizations. Scat singing had transcended its jazz origins and had become a versatile and influential vocal style.

Present

Scat's lasting legacy

Scat singing has left a lasting impact on the music world, influencing various genres including jazz, blues, and pop. Artists like Al Jarreau and Bobby McFerrin continued to explore and innovate scat techniques, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. Today, scat remains an integral part of musical improvisation, allowing vocalists and instrumentalists to communicate and collaborate in a unique and exhilarating way.

Present

Scat lives on in music and beyond

Even today, the influence of scat can be heard in various music genres. Artists and vocalists continue to incorporate scatting into their performances, paying homage to the jazz tradition. The term 'scat' has also transcended its musical origins and now enjoys a broader meaning, referring to any form of vocal improvisation or rhythmic nonsensical vocalization in popular culture.

Today

Scat continues to influence music

Scat singing remains a vibrant part of the music industry today. Musicians across genres, including jazz, pop, and even rock, frequently incorporate scatting as a vocal technique to add flair and creativity to their performances. Its improvisational nature allows for unique melodic expressions, making scat an enduring and influential aspect of contemporary music.

Present

Scat remains an influential vocal technique

Today, scat singing continues to be a celebrated vocal technique in various music genres. Jazz vocalists like Al Jarreau and Kurt Elling have carried on the tradition of scat, incorporating it into their performances and pushing the boundaries of improvisation. Additionally, scat-inspired elements can be heard in contemporary pop, hip-hop, and even electronic music, highlighting its lasting impact on the cultural fabric of music.

Did you know?

Did you know that some scientists use scat to determine an animal's diet, health, and even its presence in certain areas? It's like a stinky detective work that can reveal a lot about our furry (or feathery) friends!