Ming and Ling: Zipper Head Boogie

NOTE: According to the family of Ming and Ling, the songs featured below were NOT recorded by them. See this post for more information.

Several weeks ago I wrote about Ming and Ling, the proto–rock 'n' roll vaudeville duo who performed during the 1940s and 50s. Well, one of my readers, Peter (who has a wonderful blog showcasing his cassette collection of Thai folk pop), kindly posted the link to an archived edition of WFMU's The Hound radio show from June 29, 1991, that featured two of Ming and Ling's rare recordings (probably from early 1950s). Now, at last, we can finally hear why Nick Tosches included these "Chinese Hillbillies" in his book Unsung Heroes of Rock 'n' Roll.

Here they are, folks... the incomparable Ming and Ling!


"Zipper Head Boogie" by Ming and Ling


"Chopsticks" by Ming and Ling

The songs reveal not only the duo's energy and talent but also their slightly twisted sense of humor, one which undoubtedly helped them navigate the awkward place of being an Asian American in America. ("Zipper Head" was a derogatory term for Asians during the Korean War; and "Chopsticks", besides being that utensil which many Americans still struggle with, is also, of course, that old chestnut familiar to anyone who's ever taken piano lessons.)

I also recently found these two short reviews from Billboard magazine that give a pretty good idea of what Ming and Ling's early acts were like.

Outstander is Ming and Ling, two Chinese lads tagged as “Two Hillbillies From the Burma Road.” Wearing mandarin jackets, one plays the accordion and the other sings—but it’s the kind of music and singing least expected. Their opening Chinese lullaby is a scat song. The accordionist surprises with masterful squeezings for the 12th Street Rag, and singer strikes another stance for My Wild Irish Rose. For the finish he joins in with a mouth organ and even sings and yodels to give an authentic Western tang to Red River Valley. Do I Am an American on the recall. Both boys bubble with personality. A cinch for any nitery floor.

—Billboard, April 11, 1942

Evidently, Ming and Ling also performed for a couple of years as a trio with Miss Hoo Shee, a singer and dancer who was billed in the late 40s as "The Oriental Mistress of Charm and Swing".

Oddly enough the act the customers gave the biggest mitt to were the Chinese trio, Ming, Ling and Hoo Shee. Two guys (accordion and guitar) and a girl, dressed in native costume, open slowly, while the gal gives out with a poor Rocking Horse Ran Away. Having gotten this throwaway out its system, group gets down to work. First is a very funny hillbilly number, beautifully underacted. Accordionist, a pint-sized guy, puts the mob in stitches with his toothy grin and bits of business. Segue into a Loch Lomond number pressing down on the Scottish burr. A battle of crooners routine gave the guitarist, a tall lanky guy, a shot at the spot and he really socked. A capable pair of pipes helped him a lot. Team got together for an Ink Spot routine, also sock, and tried to walk off. Big applause brought ‘em back for a comedy juggling bit but act finally had to beg off.

—Billboard, December 16, 1944

It's great to finally hear Ming and Ling and learn a little more about them, but I'm still hungry for more. If you have any leads, let me know!