Cherry Poppin Daddies Biography

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies are an iconic American swing and ska band that originated in Eugene, Oregon, in 1989. Founded by singer-songwriter Steve Perry and bassist Dan Schmid, the group's dynamic sound and energetic performances have allowed them to thrive for over three decades, despite numerous personnel changes. As of now, only Perry, Schmid, and trumpeter Dana Heitman remain from the original lineup, but their collective vision has ensured the band’s continued relevance in the music scene.

Perry’s journey into music began while attending university, where he became captivated by the burgeoning punk and ska scenes surrounding him. This passion led him to form his first band, The Jazz Greats, alongside Schmid in 1983, which later evolved into Saint Huck. After the dissolution of Saint Huck, Perry sought out saxophonist Brooks Brown and formed Mr. Wiggles, which eventually transformed into the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, solidifying their collective identity and setting the stage for their future success.

In 1989, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies self-released their debut LP, Ferociously Stoned, which garnered regional popularity and propelled them into a series of tours that helped grow their fanbase. Their follow-up albums, Rapid City Muscle Car and Kids on the Street, showcased their evolution as a band, navigating through a mix of punk and ska influences while still searching for their big break with a major label.

The turning point for the Daddies came with the swing revival of the mid-1990s, largely ignited by the success of the film Swingers. In 1997, the band signed with Mojo Records, releasing their breakout album, Zoot Suit Riot. The title track quickly gained traction, cementing the band’s place at the forefront of the neo-swing movement, while the album itself went on to sell over two million copies in the United States, establishing the Daddies as a household name in the genre and beyond.

The late 1990s marked both the zenith of their mainstream recognition and the beginning of a decline in the swing revival's popularity, leading to a hiatus after their 2000 album, Soul Caddy. Despite this setback, the Daddies regrouped in 2002 and began touring part-time, keeping their spirit alive through intermittent performances and independent recording projects.

In 2008, they released Susquehanna, marking their return to the studio, and their subsequent albums continued to showcase their versatility by melding various musical genres, including rockabilly and rhythm and blues. By 2024, the Daddies unveiled their twelfth album, At the Pink Rat, which was inspired by their diverse influences and contemporary sound.

With a promise of new material, the band announced the premiere of their upcoming single "Lowdown Appreciator" in July 2023, followed by another single, "Kings of Swing," at the end of November. This new music is expected to bring a refreshing update to their classic style, while the anticipated release of At the Pink Rat on July 26, 2024, heralds their continued evolution as an influential force in the music industry.