Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band blended the sound of 1940s swing with 1970s disco. Formed in the Bronx, New York, in the mid-1970s, the group became a unique fixture of the disco era. Their breakthrough hit “Cherchez La Femme” remains a staple of classic dance music playlists. The band’s playful mix of jazz, Latin rhythms, and vintage showmanship helped them stand out during the golden age of Studio 54.
| Group Name | Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Genres | Disco, Big Band, Swing, Latin |
| Years Active | 1974–1979, 1984 |
| Main Members | Cory Daye (vocals) Stony Browder Jr. (keyboards, leader) August Darnell (bass) Andy “Coati Mundi” Hernandez (vibes, percussion) Mickey Sevilla (drums) |
| Labels | RCA, Elektra |
| Notable Songs | “Cherchez La Femme,” “I’ll Play the Fool” |
| Associated Acts | Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Elbow Bones and the Racketeers |
Origins and Formation
The band was formed by keyboardist and composer Stony Browder Jr., along with his half-brother August Darnell. Influenced by their parents’ jazz records and the flamboyance of cabaret, they wanted to create something different from the usual disco sound.
They recruited vocalist Cory Daye, drummer Mickey Sevilla, and percussionist Andy Hernandez. The result was a group that fused retro styles with modern dance beats. They wore zoot suits and often used vintage slang, giving their performances a theatrical and nostalgic feel.
Rise to Fame: The 1976 Breakthrough
In 1976, Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band released their self-titled debut album on RCA Records. The album featured the standout track “Cherchez La Femme,” a playful disco-jazz hybrid with French lyrics and a catchy hook. It quickly became a dance floor favorite.
“Cherchez La Femme” topped the Billboard Dance chart and climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 27 on the R&B chart and earned the band a gold record. Another single from the album, “I’ll Play the Fool,” also made the charts, reaching No. 80 pop and No. 92 R&B.
The debut album itself was a commercial success. It peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and No. 31 on the R&B Albums chart in 1977.
Style and Sound
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The band’s music stood out because it combined big band horn sections with disco rhythms, Latin percussion, and humorous lyrics. Their arrangements were complex, often drawing comparisons to swing legends like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.
Cory Daye’s voice added warmth and charisma, while Browder’s orchestrations gave each track a cinematic flair. Their lyrics often told stories or poked fun at social trends, using irony and satire as part of their appeal.
Later Albums and Decline
Despite their early success, the band struggled to maintain momentum. Their second album, Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band Meets King Pennett (1978), didn’t match the debut’s sales. It received modest airplay but failed to produce a major hit.
In 1979, they released Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band Goes to Washington, a concept album with political overtones. However, disco was starting to decline in popularity, and the album didn’t find a wide audience.
Internal tensions and creative differences led to the group’s breakup shortly afterward.
After the Band: Side Projects and Revival
Following the breakup, August Darnell and Andy Hernandez formed the theatrical group Kid Creole and the Coconuts. This new act retained much of Dr. Buzzard’s style—tropical influences, elaborate costumes, and satirical lyrics—but achieved broader international success.
Cory Daye launched a solo career and released the album Cory and Me in 1979, which included the dance track “Pow Wow.” Although it didn’t reach the same heights, she remained active in music and stage performances.
In 1984, Browder revived the group under the shorter name “Dr. Buzzard’s Savannah Band” and released Calling All Beatniks! on Elektra Records. However, this comeback didn’t generate much attention, and the group quietly disbanded again.
Discography (Selected Releases)
Albums
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Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band (1976) – RCA
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Meets King Pennett (1978) – RCA
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Goes to Washington (1979) – RCA
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Calling All Beatniks! (1984) – Elektra (as Dr. Buzzard’s Savannah Band)
Legacy
Although their time in the spotlight was brief, Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band left a lasting impression. Their music continues to be sampled and appreciated by DJs and collectors. Artists like Madonna, Deee-Lite, and even MF DOOM have cited their influence or sampled their work.
The band’s ability to merge old-school sophistication with disco’s energy made them pioneers of a hybrid sound. Their theatrical style helped pave the way for acts like the B-52s and Scissor Sisters, who embraced both retro and modern aesthetics.
Fun Facts
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The band’s name was inspired by Browder’s fascination with vintage Southern culture and medicine show imagery.
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Cory Daye later worked with producers like John “Jellybean” Benitez and released club singles in the 1980s.
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“Cherchez La Femme” has appeared in several movie soundtracks and commercials over the years.
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August Darnell once said the group was “too hip for the room” in describing their struggle to go mainstream despite critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band was never a typical disco group. They were stylish, clever, and musically adventurous. While their catalog is small, it’s packed with creativity and charm. For fans of vintage-meets-modern music, they remain a hidden gem of the 1970s scene.
Their legacy lives on—not just in their recordings, but in the careers of the members and the artists they inspired.