Composition and Recording
The place referred to as "Kokomo" in the song is fictional. Although Kokomo, Indiana, Kokomo, Arkansas, Kokomo, Hawaii, and several other Kokomos do exist, the song refers to a place "off the Florida Keys." The name was later used by resorts in Sandals Cay, Jamaica, and Grassy Key, Florida. The song also mentions many places in or near the Caribbean: in order of their appearance in the song, Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahama(s), Key Largo, Montego, Martinique, Montserrat, and Port-au-Prince.
In addition to the Beach Boys' signature layered-singing style, the song's instrumentation makes heavy use of steel drums played by Vince, Milton, & Mike (but not Mike Love) according to the "Kokomo" track sheet info supplied by engineer Keith Wechsler. Wechsler also says that there is a percussionist by the name of Chili who played a little drum in the intro of the song. Van Dyke Parks, who had worked on some of the group's earlier albums, played accordion, while session veteran Jim Keltner played drums. Other players are Jeff Foskett (acoustic guitar), Rod Clark (bass), Joel Peskin (alto saxophone) and Ry Cooder (electric slide guitar).
On the original "Kokomo" demo version, lead vocals were performed by Mike Love and Terry Melcher. The demo harmonies include Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston, Mike Love, and Jeff Foskett. At Disney Films request, the "Kokomo" demo was 'upgraded' to a master recording thus requiring members of the Beach Boys to re-record the demo vocals except for Mike Love's lead.
The final recorded and released "Kokomo" background vocals are sung by Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and Al Jardine. Terry Melcher's and Jeff Foskett's demo vocals were erased and replaced by Carl Wilson's and Al Jardine's vocals. The final released "Kokomo" lead vocals are sung by Mike Love and Carl Wilson. The only active Beach Boys member not involved with the recording was Brian Wilson, who, according to his autobiography, was given short notice of the recording session and unable to attend. He was subsequently included in concert recordings of the song, including a live concert filmed for the television show Full House (episode 028).
The song was composed on Key Largo.
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