A chat with soul legend King Coleman

Jake Friedman Guest Writer

King Coleman released his first hit, “Mashed Potatoes,” in 1951. With hits on Dade and Sylvia Records from the 50s and 60s, King Coleman is a living legend. Nov. 6 will be his first performance at Vassar. The Miscellany News talked with King Coleman from his home in Florida last week.

The Miscellany News: How did you get the title of “King,” King?
King Coleman: In 1952 in Tampa, Florida I became a disc jockey. My name is Carlson Coleman. There was a Minster they called “King” because he acted like it, and that’s how the name came to be. So when I came here to Miami, it was King Coleman. When I was in New York, it was King Coleman. And that name, it still sticks—King Colman “The Mashed Potato Man.”
MN: Was “Mashed Potatoes” your biggest hit?
KC: Yeah, but there were others: “Loo-Key Doo-Key,” “Chinese Boogeyman,” “Go Go Mad,” “Bulldog,” “Clam Digger,” “Mickey-Loo, Alley Rat,” “Monster Party,” and “The Bag. “Those are what I’m noted for.
MN: I’m personally fond of “The Boo Boo Song.”
KC: Yeah. Boo boo boo boo boo boo boo boo boo boo…(laughs) I’m looking forward to that tour. Getting back on the track and the youngsters see that all the rest of them are all gone but King Coleman, The Mashed Potato Man, is still rolling on. I’m making money for my honey so she won’t act funny.
MN: How did you get into music, King?
KC: As part of my heritage, it was my mother when I was a kid, [she] taught me how to do the Charleston. And then I was hired by the Charles Taylor Revue when they had chorus girls and comedians and we played all the theaters and arenas back in the old days. Then it was Lionel Hampton who hired me and that was when we got Quincy Jones from Tennessee State. Oh my! And Al Grey! Oh my goodness! We’ve been around.
MN: How far?
KC: My favorite time was when I had Hit Parade and we toured Sweden and Germany. [a lesson followed about how to say “Mashed Pototatos” in Swedish and German]. Germany’s been ’round a long time. They were formally the Francs back in the old days. So, it’s just been a joy for me to have all these years and still be able to entertain the audience with my music.
MN: Do you know DMBQ and An Albatross, the bands you’re sharing the bill with?
KC: I know the Creepy-T’s! They know all my music. The Creepy T’s! We have a CD I’ve done with them: King Coleman and the Creepy T’s!
MN: It’s funny because the bands you’re sharing the bill with, An Albatross and DMBQ, are huge fans of yours.
KC: No, we’ve been friends for years. The Creepy T’s have been my band for three or four years. When we perform, the audience is well satisfied because our main purpose is to entertain them and allow them to be able to dance.
MN: Do you think Vassar College students will be ready to dance?
KC: Sure they will! You see, you’re talking about teenagers and those up in their twenties. Sure! They love to dance! Otherwise, we wouldn’t be booked to play all these places in November.