The summer of 1978 was abuzz with the catchy tune of “King Tut.” Recorded by Steve Martin and the Toot Uncommons, the song served as a satirical take on the traveling U.S. museum tour of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. It quickly became the hottest novelty song of the year, hitting No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1979.
The origins of “King Tut” are as intriguing as its success. The song first made its debut on Saturday Night Live in April 1978, months before its official release as a single. The accompanying sketch featured Steve Martin and his backup band dressed in Egyptian garb, with Lou Marini delivering the musical solo. This segment was a standout moment on the show, and at the time, it was the most expensive segment ever produced by the NBC late-night program.
Steve Martin’s inspiration for “King Tut” struck in a unique place – his car. In a witty op-ed for The New York Times, Martin revealed that he wrote the song in less than 15 minutes while driving. A quick creation, the song became a standard hit, breaking musical ground with its lack of a traditional tune, much to the annoyance of some “so-called legitimate” songwriters.
After penning the song, Martin brought it to Saturday Night Live producers, never envisioning the elaborate production it would become. Showrunner Lorne Michaels fully embraced the song, turning it into a memorable TV moment that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The story of “King Tut” is not just about a novelty song; it’s about the unexpected success of an offbeat idea that captured the spirit of the times. Steve Martin’s quick wit and musical talent combined to create a timeless piece of comedic art that continues to entertain audiences to this day.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.