Snickelfritz!

Sound Beat

You’re listening to Freddie Fisher and the Shnicklefritz Band.

“Shnicklefritz” or “Snicklefritz” is a Pennsylvania Dutch expression for a

mischievous or talkative child, but used a term of endearment. It was a pretty

fitting name for Freddie Fisher’s band, an irreverent group that incorporated

comedy into their songs and a precursor to the novelty songs recorded by Spike

Jones. Decca advertised them as “America’s Most Unsophisticated Band!”, if it

gives you the idea. They recorded this song, “Old Hank” for Decca in 1939.

The band would appear in a handful of films and shorts. You can see them in all

their shnickelfritz-ing glory right here.