The familiar melody of the ice cream truck jingle, “Turkey in the Straw,” is a staple of childhood summers. But did you know that this seemingly innocent tune has a dark and racist history?
From Minstrel Shows to the Ice Cream Truck
“Turkey in the Straw” originated in the 19th century as a minstrel show song called “Zip Coon.” The song, performed in blackface, mocked and stereotyped Black people. Over time, the melody of “Zip Coon” became known as “Turkey in the Straw,” and the lyrics were changed to be less offensive. However, the song’s racist roots remained.
The Ice Cream Truck Connection
In the early 20th century, ice cream vendors began using “Turkey in the Straw” as their jingle. The melody was catchy and easy to recognize making it an effective way to attract customers. However, the song’s racist history was largely ignored.
The Controversy
In recent years, the racist history of “Turkey in the Straw” has come to light. Many people have called for the song to be replaced with a different jingle. In 2020, some ice cream companies began phasing out the use of “Turkey in the Straw.”
The Debate
There is ongoing debate about whether or not “Turkey in the Straw” should be used as the ice cream truck jingle. Some people argue that the song’s racist history should not be ignored, while others argue that the song is simply a catchy tune that should not be associated with its past.
The Future of the Ice Cream Truck Song
It is unclear what the future holds for the ice cream truck song. Some companies have already replaced “Turkey in the Straw” with a different jingle, while others continue to use the song. It is possible that the song will eventually be phased out altogether, but it is also possible that it will continue to be used for many years to come.
The ice cream truck song, “Turkey in the Straw,” has a long and complex history. The song’s racist roots cannot be ignored, and the debate about its future continues. Only time will tell what will become of this iconic melody.
Additional Resources
The story behind THE NEW JINGLE
“Turkey in the Straw” is one of the most iconic ice cream truck jingles today. However, many people don’t realize that this familiar tune has racist roots.
Turkey in the Straw’s melody originated from British and Irish folk songs, which had no racial connotations. But the song itself was first performed (and gained popularity) in American minstrel shows in the 1800s. Some songs using its same melody contained highly offensive, racist lyrics.
Minstrel songs like Turkey in the Straw were frequently performed in ice cream shops during the 19th century. Afterwards, these songs were transformed into jingles for ice cream trucks.
It’s true that this melody evokes memories of “Turkey in the Straw’s” racist incarnations, even though these associations are not the only aspect of its legacy.
Good Humor x RZA: a new jingle for a new era
Since 1920, Good Humor ice cream has been a staple of childhood. Most people remember their childhood days spent running after their favorite ice cream truck in the neighborhood.
Since the 1970s, Good Humor has owned no ice cream trucks and hasn’t written any jingles, including “Turkey in the Straw.” However, since we collaborate closely with so many ice cream truck drivers nationwide and are leaders in the industry as well as the inventors of the original ice cream truck, we would like to contribute to the solution on this matter.
This year is Good Humor’s 100th anniversary, so let’s celebrate by remembering the origins of the ice cream truck jingle and doing our part to make sure that ice cream trucks everywhere continue to bring smiles to people’s faces for another 100 years.
We have thus collaborated with the legendary rapper, music producer, and original Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA, to create a new version of the ice cream truck jingle that will make every neighborhood happy. We’re distributing this song to ice cream truck drivers all around the country and teaching them how to swap out “Turkey in the Straw” for this song in their music boxes. Listen to RZA’s new track here, or hear it blasting from an ice cream truck near you!.