Watermelon Man (composition) - Other Versions

Other Versions

The tune is a jazz standard and has been recorded over two hundred times. Jazz lyricist Jon Hendricks set words to the composition and recorded it on Jon Hendricks Recorded in Person at the Trident (1963). Hendricks was a prominent practitioner of the technique of creating lyrics for jazz instrumental themes called vocalese. Hendrick's version was also cut by Manfred Mann to be released on the UK hit EP, The One in the Middle and on the US release of their album The Five Faces of Manfred Mann (1965). In 1964, the composition was covered by Bill Haley & His Comets for the Orfeon Records label; it was retitled "Surf de la Sandía". Jazz singer-songwriter Gloria Lynne added lyrics to the tune with Hancock's permission. The tune was also covered in 1972, by The J.B.'s, James Brown's backing band at the time. ATA Airlines have used the tune as their "theme song" since the early 1990s.

Hancock's Head Hunters recording has been sampled numerous times in pop music, including the songs: "1-900-LL-Cool-J", from Walking with a Panther (1989) by LL Cool J, "Open Your Eyes", from Organized Konfusion (1991) by Organized Konfusion, "Smoke Some Kill", from Smoke Some Kill (1988) by Schoolly D, "Sanctuary", from Bedtime Stories (1994) by Madonna and "Pocket Full of Furl", from "Uptown 4 Life" (1996) by U.N.L.V..

In 2003, jazz fusion\contemporary jazz pianist David Benoit covered the song from his album "Right Here, Right Now."

Stevie Wonder played a version at his appearance at Bestival on the Isle of Wight in September 2012.

It's also a popular tune in ska music. Baba Brooks and Byron Lee have made versions of it that has become popular in Jamaica.