- Album list
- Singer Intro
Jerry Samuels (born Jerrold Samuels on May 3, 1938), known by the stage name Napoleon XIV, is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He achieved one-hit wonder status with the Top 5 hit novelty song 'They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!' in 1966. Under the name Scott David (his son's name), he co-wrote 'As If I Didn't Know' with Larry Kusik, a top 10 hit for Adam Wade in 1961. Samuels also wrote 'The Shelter of Your Arms', a top 20 hit for Sammy Davis Jr. in 1964.
Biography
Samuels began his recording career in 1956 when he cut the single 'Puppy Love'/'The Chosen Few' for the Vik Records sublabel of RCA Victor Records. In 1966, Samuels concocted 'They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!' while working at Associated Recording Studios in New York. The public found out his true identity when Cousin Brucie of WABC outed him. The record quickly climbed the charts, reaching the Top Ten nationally in just its third week on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at #3 and sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.
The success of the single inspired a Warner Bros. album of the same name in 1966 (reissued by Rhino in 1985), most of which continued with the mental illness theme (for example: 'Bats In My Belfry' and 'Split Level Head' which features different vocal parts in each stereo speaker). A second single of two recordings from that album was relatively unnoticed. His manager was Leonard Stogel.
Currently, Samuels works as a singer and agent who books various performers. He works the Delaware Valley area.
Discography
Singles
1966 'They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!' / '!aaaH-aH ,yawA eM ekaT oT gnimoC er'yehT' Warner Bros. (5831)
1966 'I'm In Love With My Little Red Tricycle' / 'Doin' The Napoleon' Warner Bros. (5853)
1973 'They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haa!' / '!aaH-aH ,yawA eM ekaT oT gnimoC er'yehT' Warner Bros. (WB 7726) (re-issue of WB 5831)
1990 'They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haa!' (1966 recording) / 'They're Coming To Get Me Again, Ha-Haaa!'(Recorded in 1988) Collectables (3859)
Albums
1966 They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!
Warner Bros. LP W 1661/WS 1661
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