This 39 Year Old ROOKIE Turned CHEESY CHANT into the BIGGEST 1-Hit Wonder of 1982!-Professor of Rock

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2024
  • Coming up… Toni Basil was headed for stardom in her early 20s with her first single for A&M Records, but it FLOPPED. so she started working in the industry as a choreographer. Then 16 years later at nearly 40, she released a song in 1982 that became one of the biggest one-hit wonders ever. Mickey. She took an old song from the band Racey and wrote a cheerleading chant over the top of it then she changed the gender and name of the song from KITTY to Mickey and a smash hit was born: When she wrote the chant to add to the song... The label pleaded with her to take it out… Her manager told her to drop it. But when it comes to forging her own path and pushing the envelope, Toni Basil has always danced to her own beat. She put on an old high school uniform and made a music video that galvanized early MTV and became one of the Funniest song parodies of all time when Weird Al turned it into Hey Rickey. Get ready to cheer for a great story NEXT on Professor or Rock.
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    #classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory #onehitwonder
    Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you can remember all of the songs that Weird Al parodies and even make up your own… You’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. make sure to subscribe below right now. We are almost to 1 million subs and if you sub and share and like our videos and channel we will get there!
    It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightning where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day. Here honor artists and bands and that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown weren’t able to sustain that success. Called by some ‘one-hit wonders’, we celebrate them instead as lightning in a bottle. Today’s story is classic. She exploded onto the scene with what many thought would be a big hit in the 60s… Except the the song FLOPPED. She got another chance 15 years later even though she wasn’t a singer anymore and was nearing 40. But she was way ahead of her time creating a music video before MTV was a blip on the radar. Marking the onset of the visual era in music, the 1980s witnessed the rise of MTV.
    Among the videos that mirrored the infectious spirit of a song was today’s featured song… Toni Basil's "Mickey." A song many think was named after her crush on Mickey Dolenze of the Monkees. But let’s see if that’s really true. Beyond its rapid ascent to the summit of global singles charts, the track transformed into a cultural phenomenon, leaving an indelible imprint on the dance music scene and reshaping its landscape for years to come. When we zero in on the artists that impacted the music scene, or paved the way for new sub-genres, Toni rightfully deserves to have her story shared.
    Toni was born to be a performer. It was in her DNA. Her parents possessed a unique fusion of talent that they passed on to their daughter. Toni’s mother was a vaudeville comedian, and her father was the bandleader for the house orchestra at the legendary Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Toni was what you might call a ”baby ballerina." She started dancing on stage as a toddler in a Vegas troupe called Wells and the Four Fays. As a teenager, Toni was a member of a dance team that supported Connie Francis at the Sahara Hotel in Vegas, and she was a cheerleader at Las Vegas
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  • @ProfessorofRock
    @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +52

    Poll: What is your pick for the coolest one hit wonder of the rock era?

    • @Atoms-Raging-cd3vo
      @Atoms-Raging-cd3vo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

      Funkytown Lipps Inc

    • @ohsoedgy6888
      @ohsoedgy6888 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

      Gun to my head I would say “19” by Paul Hardcastle

    • @christineml1476
      @christineml1476 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

      Deee-Lite "Groove Is In The Heart"

    • @surlechapeau
      @surlechapeau 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +33

      Norman Greenbaum- Spirit In The Sky

    • @peterd.9978
      @peterd.9978 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

      My Sharona

  • @timleber2257
    @timleber2257 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +84

    Toni Basil is without a doubt one of the most under appreciated figures in '80s music. I think many of the videos she choregraphed would not have been a hit without those early MTV visuals. She also shows up in so many stories by innovators of that time.

  • @annedixon2528
    @annedixon2528 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +72

    I was a cheerleader 1981-1983 and we rocked to “Mickey” nearly every practice an pre-game warm up! Toni was our inspiration ❤❤❤

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Like Ken said to Barbie: So Cool!

    • @bettysmith9466
      @bettysmith9466 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I was a cheer leader too! So every time this song came on I would do the cheer routine😃.

  • @edwardmulholland7912
    @edwardmulholland7912 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +44

    Toni is amazing,
    She was part of the TAMI show, she’s in “Head”, “Easy Rider”, “Five Easy Pieces”, she worked with Bowie on the “Diamond Dogs” tour, that Talking Heads video still stands out today - and that’s before the song/video for “Mickey”. We had that single in our house in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
    Toni is a legend and incredibly talented.
    Toni - I don’t know if you will ever read this - but, you are one of the greats. I’m a huge admirer of your work.
    All the best to you.
    Great video.

    • @barrysmyth6612
      @barrysmyth6612 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I can imagine the flings she had

  • @shelleythompson-brock6412
    @shelleythompson-brock6412 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +34

    Toni is still rockin' it. Kills it on the dance floor. She has aged like fine wine. Thanks for giving her the highlight she so very much deserves. Under-rated supreme talent, for sure.

    • @bettysmith9466
      @bettysmith9466 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I hope I can look as good as she when I'm her age.

  • @marcarcoria7672
    @marcarcoria7672 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    Best looking 39 year old I have ever seen! I thought back in the day she was 25.........

  • @sariahut1
    @sariahut1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +56

    This song is absolutely iconic. A true representation of the 80’s. Everyone, and I mean absolutely EVERYONE from this generation knows this song.

    • @Geezer-yf8hv
      @Geezer-yf8hv 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Love it, or hate it! Everyone knows it! That’s what they say about publicity, there is none that is bad!!

    • @Mick_Ts_Chick
      @Mick_Ts_Chick 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yep, we used to dance our asses off to it in college! 💃🏻

  • @Saffron-sugar
    @Saffron-sugar 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    Toni is Pop Art. She is iconic.

  • @marshalbaek5580
    @marshalbaek5580 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    Greatest chant in the 80's no doubt. Can't believe she didn't make a ton of money on a project that had so much of her personal touch put into it. Sounds like it doesn't matter if she's still dancing everyday. You rock Toni! And you're still gorgeous!! All love and all the best to you!

  • @RNMom424
    @RNMom424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I'm almost 68 y/o & I STILL enjoy this song! It's just so much fun to listen to!! How could one EVER stay in a bad mood when it came on? I don't believe I could! Toni should get more credit than she has thus far!!

  • @FoulOwl2112
    @FoulOwl2112 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

    I was a rocker. Still am. I would never have admitted it back in the day. But now lDGAF. I always liked this song.

  • @jamestaylor5995
    @jamestaylor5995 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    It was utterly impossible to be a highschooler in the '80s and not know this song. Every Cheerleader at every HS in America performed this at countless pep rallies across the country. It was synonymous with being in school back then.

  • @thebunter
    @thebunter 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +42

    I remember seeing Toni as a member of the Lockers dance troupe. They were on various shows during the 70's and if we found out ahead of time, my dad and I would make sure we watched them. They were such a unique show in the mid-late seventies. Mickey was a fun song. I remember this one guy I worked with at a record store that when Mickey would come on and he would do the arm movements from the video. This guy was well over 6" tall and well built and it was hilarious to watch him.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Thanks for sharing. Great memories!

    • @azy63
      @azy63 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I had forgotten she was in The Lockers! TY!🤠

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I would love to have seen that. Sounds like such a strong guy!

  • @AlyssaChloeNYC
    @AlyssaChloeNYC 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    Very honored to know her ..shes witnessed so many iconic moments in dance and in music ..truly an icon

  • @gregdover5703
    @gregdover5703 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +87

    Toni has flown under the radar most of her life. I loved her as a judge on "So you think you can dance" competition show. I learned a little about her then, but much more today. Thanks for honoring her in her lifetime. 🎉

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Thanks for watching.

    • @auldthymer
      @auldthymer 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I was fascinated to learn that she was one of the early break dancers -- she appeared on Soul Train at that time!

  • @MyName-pl7zn
    @MyName-pl7zn 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +141

    What a storied and fantastic career Toni Basil had! I had no idea she was behind and part of so many great things. This is one of the most fun videos ever, everyone was singing this when it came out. I remember the girls doing Toni's moves while singing it. Great story and what an amazing lady!!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      Thanks My Name! I agree! Such a cool story. What would you like to see next?

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      I used to be a cheerleader and this music video takes me back to my cheerleading days.

    • @commentfreely5443
      @commentfreely5443 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      only 80s song i hate, hated and will hate

    • @Geezer-yf8hv
      @Geezer-yf8hv 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      @@commentfreely5443Extremely cheesy, yes! But impossible for me to to hate! And she was a very cute 40 year old cheerleader!

    • @carolmartin4413
      @carolmartin4413 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agree 💯

  • @kevinb3812
    @kevinb3812 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I'm so glad Toni was rebellious and had a good sense about the chant in the song... it really anchors it in our minds and tens of thousands of cheer routines around the world! The woman knew her way around a song! Think of all the choreography and dance she's done over the years. She knew what would work and by gum, it did!

  • @dad4ever-c90
    @dad4ever-c90 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    I never heard of Toni Basil BEFORE this song. I apparently saw her in movies, but didn't realize that was her. Thanks to radio airplay, heavy rotation on MTV, and that infectious chant, now we can't stop hearing Mickey in our heads. Just listen to a few seconds of the stomp-clap section of the song, and your mind will do the rest!

  • @editboy23
    @editboy23 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    It's crazy how many iconic things she was involved in and I had no idea!

  • @boydwyatt
    @boydwyatt 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Her dance moves in that vid are now iconic. She married extreme skill and humour in the choreography. Her time with the avant gaurd harlem dance troupe is very evident. Nothing like it before or since.

  • @vanessahenry7238
    @vanessahenry7238 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    She blew my mind during the pandemic when she was dancing to the song and singing in her uniform! Thank you for telling her story! I knew she was a famous choriographer - but the rest? WOW!

  • @LadyCin611
    @LadyCin611 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    Loved this! Doctor Who used the chant when introducing The Master as the Mistress, Missy. I laughed my head off when the Mistress started the chant, “Oh Missy you’re so fine, you’re so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Missy.” What a great iconic song!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @chrisjampolski5019
      @chrisjampolski5019 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      So did I. My kids asked what was so funny. Then introduced them to Hey Mickey

    • @seanryan3020
      @seanryan3020 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I was going to mention this as well, but you beat me to it!

  • @kirbymarchbarcena
    @kirbymarchbarcena 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Toni has been living the way she wanted to be by dancing while enjoying every minute of it.

  • @tod1way
    @tod1way 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Glad she kept the chant! That's what put the song into the stratosphere, making it an infectious earworm.

  • @JPMJPM
    @JPMJPM 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

    In the sixth grade, four of my friends and I made up a dance routine to “Mickey” using pompoms, and we performed it at our town’s Founders Day. One of my favorite childhood memories ever!

  • @replicas11
    @replicas11 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Great to know that she wasn’t just a one hit wonder. An amazing and talented lady.

  • @stacecadet1896
    @stacecadet1896 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Toni Basil is a BADASS!!!❤💯🤙🏼🦋

  • @teddyrobinson813
    @teddyrobinson813 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    Love the content-I am 64 and really appreciate the in-depth insight into the songs and artists of my youth--my friends consider me a walking rock and roll facts machine but I know nothing compared to you--thanks again for all the great content.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks for watching! What else would you like to see?

  • @deltatango5765
    @deltatango5765 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    Wow, I had no idea about any of this! What an accomplished life she's had. I'm happy for all her success, but it's a crime that she made so little on such an iconic song that she will always be remembered for.

  • @iamalphalim
    @iamalphalim 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +76

    One of the iconic songs of the 80s
    Thanks for sharing the story of Toni
    I would never have known otherwise
    It’s sad that she’s only made about $5,000 from it
    It’s a lesson to always stand up for yourself and what’s rightly yours!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Right?

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      She deserved so much better.

    • @jeromethiel4323
      @jeromethiel4323 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      And she still made a good life for herself. Life can screw you over. Winners never quit. She can always point to this video and say "i made that." Money isn't everything, she will live forever from this one song/music video.

  • @user-og1rv6sr8e
    @user-og1rv6sr8e 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    I was just gonna suggest a few more artists of the female persuasion! Absolutely love Toni Basil. What a larger than life personality.

  • @MetalMama-Mimi523
    @MetalMama-Mimi523 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I honestly had no idea Toni had such a wide & varied career. Very cool.

  • @fivestring65ify
    @fivestring65ify 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    What a fun episode. One of the many great one hit wonders of the 80s. Tony is truly amazing.

  • @stephenhanft1226
    @stephenhanft1226 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

    When I think of all the one-hit-wonders of the 1980's, Toni Basil's "Mickey" is definitely one of the first songs that comes to mind. Her music video playing a cheerleader is also very memorable. "Ricky" is my favorite Weird Al parody.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I agree on both accounts. Love Al's version!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      It’s one of the most iconic one hit wonders. That video was everywhere.

    • @jenniferm6042
      @jenniferm6042 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hey cool! I don't know that Weird Al parody

  • @IheartDogs55
    @IheartDogs55 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    What a wonderful reminder of a fun song! I'm happy to know that Toni Basil was a successful choreographer. I never knew that. Thanks for the smile on my face today, Adam!

  • @cassiewatson3870
    @cassiewatson3870 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This song is a definite memory from my teenage years. When this song came on MTV it was an infectious sound that you just could not turn it off. I was starting high school in my freshman year. As a football player you had cheerleaders on the sidelines but what I did not realize then was that cheerleaders also had competitions. So our football team in solidarity supported the cheerleaders in their endeavors of obtaining a championship. When this song came out every cheerleader team had it in their routines. It was amazing to see how the influence of MTV reached so far and fast in that time. This song is definitely an 80's staple with wonderful memories and truly a moment of the era.

    • @cassiewatson3870
      @cassiewatson3870 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @OfficialProfessorofRock_TeIegr Sure it would be honor to speak with you. Just let me know a good time to make this conversation happen.

  • @karmab4391
    @karmab4391 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    Even I danced to this song and I was a metalhead. You just couldn't help it.

    • @stephenbrown4211
      @stephenbrown4211 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Me too. And Come On Eileen

    • @purplelove392
      @purplelove392 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Like "Mony Mony"

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I mean, who doesn’t clap along to this song?

  • @CowGirlKat8691
    @CowGirlKat8691 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    My daughter Mikki is always having this song sung to her & she was a cheerleader in school too! She goes through stages of both loving and hating this song!

  • @williamsherman1089
    @williamsherman1089 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks Professor, I've been trying like hell since 1982 to get this song out of my head and just about had it gone........but thanks to YOU! it's back in there now

  • @Jims_Camera_at_dawn
    @Jims_Camera_at_dawn 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Before you finished first sentence, I knew it was Mickey. Thank you for including Toni's Easy Rider part and the use of local high school cheerleaders. Would be easier to list what she can't do. Toni, you are amazing!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Thanks for watching!

    • @Jims_Camera_at_dawn
      @Jims_Camera_at_dawn 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ProfessorofRock It's all your fault. Telling those interesting stories about the best music ever. Who wouldn't be watching?

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      She’s a talented lady!

  • @mattfarahsmillionmilelexus
    @mattfarahsmillionmilelexus 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hard to imagine that Toni's 80 now, these iconic people and images from our youth seem to never age in our minds.

  • @Doctor-Shoebill
    @Doctor-Shoebill 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I loved this album when I was a kid. She is nothing short of awesome.

  • @jerryfritz374
    @jerryfritz374 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Professor, your knowledge of music and some movies is unsurpassed. Thanks for this one. Oh Micky is a Guilty Pleasure

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes it is! Thanks for watching Jerry!

  • @becp488
    @becp488 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm so glad you finally covered this iconic song and video. More importantly, the story of this incredibly talented woman, who has a much bigger pop culture footprint than most people realize.
    I saw a short video of her dancing last year and she's still fantastic. I'm in awe of her.

  • @kevhanson1262
    @kevhanson1262 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Wow never realised her career is so amazing still performing at 80 odd .Definitely the best chant track of all time. Your research into this as always in impeccable. "Mickey" i remember like it was yesterday 😂

  • @stevenmichener366
    @stevenmichener366 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Hello Professor! I’ve watched and enjoyed many of you song achievement journeys but this one on Mickey by Toni Basil was really a lot of fun and packed with unknown surprises! Thank you!

  • @pbear6251
    @pbear6251 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    It's my understanding that Toni Basil had been fighting for the rights to that song for about 40 years. I remember reading a few years ago that she was successful and she now owns her song.

    • @amyrussell860
      @amyrussell860 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Good. She should own the rights to it.

  • @theriddler8695
    @theriddler8695 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    One of the greatest gems from the MTV era. One of the best MTV videos of all time!! I read that that was her actual cheerleading uni from high school....and at nearly 40 she still was able to wear it!!! Major props!!

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Dance can do that for you!

  • @davidhinkson8856
    @davidhinkson8856 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I didn't realize Toni Basil had had such a long and prolific career before "Mickey". I remember hearing at the time the song came out that she had been a choreographer for David Bowie among others, but I didn't know she had been in movies and had actually done a song as far back as the 1960s. I remember Racey from when I was a child in England but I only learned their song "Kitty" when "Mickey" came out. And "Mickey" is one of those "earworms" of a song - from the time I saw the thumbnail for this video that chant has been playing in my head again for the first time in years! Of course you can't forget Weird Al's cover either!

  • @shanestewart4814
    @shanestewart4814 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I remember seeing some kind of Disney special in 1985 where they took popular songs and made them into music videos using clips from Disney animated shorts and movies, calling it "DTV", their version of MTV. And when they used the song "Mickey" for one of their videos, it only takes one guess on what character they made the song about. 🐭

  • @billg3356
    @billg3356 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I didn't realize the level of talent Toni Basil had.
    Still has.

  • @thomasrobinson182
    @thomasrobinson182 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Toni Basil is a real talent. Always in awe of her

  • @ravenmeyer3740
    @ravenmeyer3740 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What a fantastic and extremely gifted dancer. A lot of hard work goes into becoming a dancer of that caliber.

  • @rogerdeahl9629
    @rogerdeahl9629 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +27


    Ah yes, Toni Basil.
    Mickey is an earworm of a song that you either love or hate. The video is iconic!
    I would also group Mickey with the Safety Dance....... songs that elicit strong feelings.
    Thanks for this Professor! Great shirt!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hey Roger!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Both new wave classics!

    • @TBishopDean
      @TBishopDean 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I loved Safety Dance primarily because I was the free safety on our football team. 😂

  • @RichardSmith-pb8qk
    @RichardSmith-pb8qk 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    I have a number of Japanese female friends named Miki, pronounced exactly the same way. Whenever I meet them or text them this song comes into my head, and one of the Miki’s I started singing it to you. She joined in instantly (with an accent) and said she had used it as her theme song in junior high. :)

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for sharing!

    • @shiroibasketshoes
      @shiroibasketshoes 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi Richard, I've been to Japan on 28 vacations, watched Japanese TV there and elsewhere, and every time I've heard the name "Miki" it's pronounced "Meekee," not like in "Mickey."

    • @RichardSmith-pb8qk
      @RichardSmith-pb8qk 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@shiroibasketshoes Nah, lived here for going on 25 years. It’s only pronounced “Meekee” if you exaggerate it and prolong the vowels. True, it’s not EXACTLY the short “i” sound in the first syllable as pronounced in English, but it’s close enough for those women I mentioned to break into the song if all I say is “Hey, Miki!”

    • @shiroibasketshoes
      @shiroibasketshoes 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@RichardSmith-pb8qk I take your word for it about your experiences. I can believe those women are reminded of the song "Mickey" in any case. Any thoughts on why Americans commonly pronounce Tokyo and Kyoto as three syllables instead of two, and mispronounce "karaoke" and "Tamagotchi"? I admire your living in the land of apparently no leaf blowers (even though I heard they were invented in Japan). Blessings to all New Years Day quake victims!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love this!

  • @joeterp5615
    @joeterp5615 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You make such amazing videos. I knew this song, but nothing about Toni Basil. You really know how to tell a great story.

  • @jerseyforhawks
    @jerseyforhawks 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Even when was released on MTV, this song was an instant work of Art. Simply amazing and captivating.

  • @TheLionessjudah
    @TheLionessjudah 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Amazing career and a good dancer. Thank you for educating me about her. Now I know why you are the Professor of Rock. She really made an impact.

  • @KabobHope
    @KabobHope 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    It's impossible to think of the 80s without thinking of this song.

  • @davidpretorius7285
    @davidpretorius7285 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Holy cow. So much more respect for her, knowing how accomplished and professional she was.

  • @michellecarter3436
    @michellecarter3436 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I had no idea she had such a full career. Amazing life! The song takes me right back to high school❤

  • @fionaleigh6748
    @fionaleigh6748 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    One of the best songs and music videos ever💗💗 The album Word of Mouth is definitely worth exploring for the Devo connection alone (covers of three Devo songs are on it). It was conceived as an art piece and still works I reckon, though the album wielded no more hit singles. Great style, a real character, Miss Toni Basil

  • @Jreb1865
    @Jreb1865 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I was aware of most of the story behind this song, and have always loved it, but I had no idea how little she recieved for it. Just goes to prove how doing the right thing is so infrequently encountered in the music business...

  • @vegasrider2246
    @vegasrider2246 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I graduated Vegas High in 83. When that video came out we heard that she went there. We assumed maybe a few years ago. So we went to the library to look for her in the year books. We could not find her. Now I know it was in the late 60s. Who would have thought. Go Wildcats!

  • @rajo741
    @rajo741 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    A great artist and a great woman. Looking at her art, she was anything but a one hit wonder

  • @catherine6653
    @catherine6653 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    This was an amazing history behind Toni Basil and the song Mickey. I wad 12 years old when this song was released and thought it was about Mickey Mouse.
    Another artist who was a cheer leader in high school was Madonna.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      THat's right! Thanks Catherine!

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I thought it was about Micky Dolenz from the Monkees.

    • @catherine6653
      @catherine6653 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It probably was Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees. Today's video was very informative. Adam did his research on this one.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@catherine6653 Well then, Micky would have been very flattered.

  • @Tumbleweed_Tx
    @Tumbleweed_Tx 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    here's a fun fact about this song for you.... The drummer who plays that driving beat was RJ Parnell. He is most famous for playing drums in Spinal Tap. first as Mick Shrimpton until he exploded onstage, then as his "twin brother Rik" until he passed away last year.

  • @IronSikh44
    @IronSikh44 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What an amazing career. I had no idea about the magnitude of Toni Basil’s career. A great role model in regard to working hard, being creative, challenging yourself and reaching for the stars.

  • @TheRecon1a
    @TheRecon1a 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nearly 40 and still fit in her high school cheerleader uniform. Awesome!

  • @danielm5535
    @danielm5535 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    A couple months ago, I saw a pic being passed around on social media “Toni Basil just turned 80. Feel old yet?” 🙈
    She’s still amazing.

    • @stephaniechaffin1154
      @stephaniechaffin1154 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes, I feel old. It seems like that song came out only a few years ago and I can't believe it was over 40 years ago!

  • @RickHawkDavison
    @RickHawkDavison 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    Never realized Toni was almost 40 on her 80's release! Wow!

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Right?

    • @OneBentMonkey
      @OneBentMonkey 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I *believe* she holds the record (fortunate pun) on being the oldest female performer to hit number one with her first single.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      She looked like she was in her 20s!

    • @seanryan3020
      @seanryan3020 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I remember when I first saw her listed in the credits Easy Rider, several years after "Mickey," and thinking, "How old *is* she?"
      Now I know!

  • @tanyalarose8907
    @tanyalarose8907 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I was 19 year's old and living with my then boyfriend/future husband and his family when the video first came out. My boyfriend's younger sister was in high school. She and I loved this song! Every time the video was on TV we would scream the chant and dance around the livingroom lol

  • @gdhhayes2129
    @gdhhayes2129 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was 19 when the song came out and I danced my socks off as I hit the dance floor every time it was played. Awesome fun memories

  • @James_St._James
    @James_St._James 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I can't believe I just recognized Toni Basil in an episode of Baywatch. It's Season 2 Episode 22.

  • @josephcooter5763
    @josephcooter5763 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    You should have mentioned Tony Basil in your video on Born to Be Wild because she was in the film Easy Rider which used the song Born to be Wild.

    • @JustaKubrickFan
      @JustaKubrickFan 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That's a neat tid bit.

    • @travismiles5885
      @travismiles5885 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      OK I see you have that covered. I posted the same comment. You beat me too it by 10 minutes.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Good call

  • @kathrynpaczak3099
    @kathrynpaczak3099 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    So iconic. Such a classic. Thanks for all the amazing backstory. It really brings this delightful song up a level.

  • @TheComedyGeek
    @TheComedyGeek 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The chant is central to the crazy infectiousness of the whole song. The entire song is pumped ujp with that cheerleading energy and it makes you want to get up and cheer. Go Mickey!

  • @thatjeff7550
    @thatjeff7550 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Ah, Toni Basil and Mickey. It was the video that showed bands all over the world what they could do on MTV. Choreography with music.

  • @constipatedinsincity4424
    @constipatedinsincity4424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    1 of my favorite Weird Al songs

  • @paulshri8609
    @paulshri8609 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sixty one years old and I still try and match her dance steps...and fail miserably 😂😂😂❤❤❤

  • @evelynwald9132
    @evelynwald9132 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Wow what a great story. I had no idea of the depth of accomplishments that Toni Basil had achieved. Loved that you pointed out she was ahead of the times. Please do more on women and their contributions to music! Thanks for doing this!

  • @ueno1
    @ueno1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Music Connection magazine in LA published part of Toni's hand-drawn, stick figure storyboards for the Mickey video! She totally controlled everything about that video and it deserves its work of art status!

  • @ricksatterstrom7461
    @ricksatterstrom7461 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    As a youngster, I loved the chant. And the cheerleading, whats not to like? It's a very very catchy chant/tune !! Thanks for making it Toni. I was today years old when I found out how old she was when she made this, AMAZING !!

    • @crusheverything4449
      @crusheverything4449 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That expression is today years dead.

  • @nancysantamarialatica1141
    @nancysantamarialatica1141 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just listened to this song today . She’s an O G pop locker dancer too.
    So talented .

  • @flagcoco69
    @flagcoco69 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I absolutely love Toni Basil! Have for a very long time. I'm so glad you got that short clip of her dancing on Soul Train with The Lockers, I was worried you'd leave that part of her career out. She was part of the birth of MTV and music videos, like you said, but she was also part of the birth of breakdancing!

  • @somestupidwithaflaregun7149
    @somestupidwithaflaregun7149 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    My favorite Toni Basil moment is her choreography in " The T.A.M.I. Show " where she and Terri Garr dance behind Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, the Supremes and many other rock icons.

  • @57WillysCJ
    @57WillysCJ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I knew this one from the opening. A great lady. It is sad that all her work for the song brought so little. The music industry is like that even today.

  • @barbarasimmons5777
    @barbarasimmons5777 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Heartbreaking about her not getting justly compensated. 😔 Loved her then and now.

  • @markg3380
    @markg3380 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for this, and all of the rest of your incredible videos, Professor of Rock! I am an older (55) American music fan who ran into your channel a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was well-versed in rock and pop music and am severely humbled. I've watched several episodes now and have had so much fun learning. I feel like a kid again and it is refreshing. I especially like it when you interview the artists. This one was so cool. I had no idea about Toni Basil and how greatly talented she was/is. She made the iconic Talking Heads "Once in a Lifetime" video? Wow, just wow. And so many other amazing facts about her. It is always saddening to hear when artists are stiffed in royalties, but hopefully, she is doing well. I hadn't heard this song in a long time, and when I heard it, it made me think of the band that played in the last scene at the dance in Valley Girl. I think she must have influenced that also. Thanks again, Professor. Love your work.

  • @michellerobin5461
    @michellerobin5461 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Growing up I hated this song, because everyone sang it to me lol! Family and close friends have always called me Mickey, or Mick. I grew to love it though!! Thanks Prof for bringing back memories! ✌🏻❤️🇨🇦

  • @BongTan
    @BongTan 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    In the Philippines, she actually had another certified mainstream hit with the single from her sophomore album, Street Beat.

  • @PBLCDMND
    @PBLCDMND 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Please don't forget to mention that she is an icon Locking dancer... as a female pioneer this can't be left out.

  • @Darkanent
    @Darkanent 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Awesome! Thank you for doing this one.

  • @brenturquhart7090
    @brenturquhart7090 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Finally, after more than thirty years, I finally got this song out of my head. Thanks Prof! 😡
    My kids loved this song when they were young. It was better than Raffi, so I put up with it. Lol

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Ha! Sorry.

    • @shiroibasketshoes
      @shiroibasketshoes 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes, even better than "Baby Beluga"! "Kitty" or "Mickey"! ;-)

  • @AngelicusImmortus
    @AngelicusImmortus 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I remember this track so well. My eldest sister played it non-stop for ages. According to my younger brother, I kept saying "Hey Mickey" in my sleep!
    one non-musical point.
    i'm epileptic, you would not believe how many people have said/claimed i was speaking in tongues when i was having a disassociative seizure!

  • @markuhler2664
    @markuhler2664 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    And now this ear worm will be in my head the next 3 days. At least I love it.
    Fantastic bio of Basil. What an incredible woman. Thanks.

  • @Atoms-Raging-cd3vo
    @Atoms-Raging-cd3vo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Very fascinating! I would like to see a video about Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Thanks

  • @christineml1476
    @christineml1476 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Even more than the lyrics, the video was very memorable. I never looked at cheerleading as anything remotely cool. Who knew it could be? Clearly Toni did.

    • @catserver8577
      @catserver8577 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Same here, never wanted to be a cheerleader, but her version was very punky and fun. They all looked like they were having such a fun time. It really was the perfect timing for the beginning of MTV and it's early weirdness.

    • @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
      @xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I loved cheerleading!

  • @HellBelleAustin
    @HellBelleAustin 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I LOVE that song!!! One of my childhood besties and I still talk about it. I already shared this video with her. ❤🎉 It's our song. 😊

  • @chriskennedy6961
    @chriskennedy6961 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Shes sooo cute. Ive gotten a new appreciation for Tony Basil. Thanks POR!👍