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The story is that George Sanders wrote The Teapot Song to assist in teaching very young students who found advanced dance steps difficult. The movements he choreographed for the tune required minimal skill and encouraged pantomime. Little did they know their song and dance was to become an enduring bit of Americana. The tune spread quickly and a few years later Lipton used a more elaborate arrangement for commercials. Here is a link to a perfectly charming recording of the song performed with orchestra: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzElCS... . The notation reads, “This was a 1941 hit for Horace Heidt, with words and music by Clarence Kelley and George H. Sanders. Performed by Ronnie Kemper, the record sold over a million copies and the tune was used in Lipton Tea commercials. There was also a dance associated with the song, called the The Teapot Tip.” For the musicians reading, below is the sheet music, including front and rear covers, of The Teapot Song. 

In 1953, Betty Harris (“Hokey Pokey” songstress) and Peter Pan Records made the song immensely popular. It was released on both 78s and 45s: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjw2J4... . Rocking Horse (early 1960’s) then Peter Pan Records (1979) released PARTY TIME, a compilation of dance and game songs for children. Included is an embellished version of I’m a Little Teapot, also sung by Betty Harris, with pantomime instructions. So now that we all have this catchy, nostalgic tune in our heads, here’s a question for all the JEOPARDY fans reading. Is it just me or do those last notes of the show’s theme music send you running to check on the kettle?

'I'm a little teapot Short and stout Here is my handle Here is my spout When I get all steamed up I just shout Tip me over and pour me out I'm a very special pot It is true Here's an example of what I can do I can turn my handle into a spout Tip me over and pour me out....'