Shame & Scandal

Shame & Scandal

"Shame & Scandal" is a song originally performed by calypso singer Sir Lancelot. The song is a calypso and reggae classic, and was written for the movie I Walked with a Zombie in 1943. The song was originally titled "Fort Holland Calypso Song". Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Melody used the song as the basis of his song "Shame and Scandal", although he titled it "Wau, Wau". This version used the same chorus as the original 1940s song, but with new verses.

In 1965, the British comedy actor, Lance Percival, reached number 37 in the UK Singles Chart with his cover version, under the expanded title of "Shame and Scandal in the Family". Jamaica's Kingston Hilton Hotel resident mento band, The Hiltonaires, also recorded it as "Shame and Scandal" in the mid-1960s.

A 1965 ska cover version was recorded in Jamaica by Peter Tosh and The Wailers on vocals, backed by the Skatalites and released on the Studio One label. In 1972 Australian singer, Johnny Chester's version peaked at No. 13 on Go-Set National Top 40.

In 1977, American vocal group The Stylistics released a cover version titled "Shame and Scandal in the Family" from their album, Sun & Soul. The single reached #87 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.

This arrangement of the song is that which British ska/pop band Madness later covered. Madness had previously covered several Prince Buster ska recordings, including the songs "Madness", and "One Step Beyond". The band began performing the song at a series of low-key performances as 'The Dangermen' in 2005. They later recorded the song for their cover album The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1, and released it as a single later that year.