Larry Bird

 

Larry Bird on the cover of Sports Illustrated
November 28, 1977

Larry Bird nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" [his birthplace in Indiana] and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I had no idea who he was until I heard Imelda Whitten praised him on one side on a LAM records single recorded by Allen Cash in Nashville.  This was the starting point, as is often the case as I always want to know more, for a search for other songs. So here are a total of six songs about Larry Bird, the NBA legend.

Imelda was born November 1, 1925, in Huntingburg, Indiana to John and Rosalie (Hess) Lasher; and married Robert F. Whitten on November 10, 1949.  Imelda was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg and the Daughters of Isabella.  She was an accomplished vocalist who sang at numerous weddings and funerals.  Imelda loved to entertain, whether 58 years entertaining at the Y.M.I. Christmas parties or every Halloween when she would open her home and entertain the neighborhood children.  She died in 2019.

Imelda  also recorded an album issued on Sounds Inc. and two Christmas-themed 45s on Romel Records. See details at discogs.  I would be glad to hear that album.

 

" Disco Bird" by Larry Trimmer/WPFR from Terre Haute, Indiana. This was made in 1979 when Larry Bird and the Indiana State Sycamores were having their undefeated season. This record was a parody song of a previous novelty hit (Disco Duck) done by another disc jockey.

Willie "Loco" Alexander (born 1943) is an American singer and keyboardist based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. His biography can be read at Wikipedia here,

Tom Montgomery recorded "Indiana, Has A New State Bird" at J & K Custom Recordings (Fontanet, Indiana) which was issued on Country Gould Records.

Davey B. Thomas wrote Bird Rap with William Patterson in 1984. Issued by Dena and Dave Record Co. (Arlington, Mass.). The sleeve has lyrics on the back. "Larry, Larry Bird (Larry Bird), his game is so well-rounded it is almost absurd."

 

  

Finally, Larry Bird is from a YT video by I4NI (Hip-Hop Tribute to Boston Celtics NBA Legend). I4NI is a music group signed to Thirteen Skulls Entertainment pioneering a new sound called Ameriflow.  I have the impression that the creativity of hip-hop groups mainly consists of finding names, for lack of having something to say.