The Skeleton Rag (Spooky song fun!)| Song 044 - Beth Portman Songs

Way before the popular song ‘Spooky Scary Skeletons’ captured peoples imaginations there was this 1911 skeleton song! Written by Percy Wenrich & Edward Madden, it was originally performed by the American Quartet in 1912. ‘The Skeleton Rag’ is song 044 in my 2021 song series of originals and covers with a vintage vibe.
To celebrate Halloween I wanted to have some fun with this 110 year old song. Arranging it for ukulele, overdubbing my vocals and getting visually creative with some simple special effects I bring back to life a trio of ghosts to sing this upbeat spooky song. With a slight tip of the hat to Disney’s Silly Symphony short animated film, ‘The Skeleton Dance’ I animated my own skeletons and gave the over all look of the songVid a 1930s black and white feel. A special thanks to Stuart M for his carved pumpkins. I hope this gets you all in the Halloween mood and bring a smile to your own ghoulish lips.

[@laurabachynski9325]

This is incredible!

[@BethPortmanSings]

Thanks Laura!! It was fun to play with some animation again. You should check out my latest songVid I uploaded today. A haunting version of kd lang’s Constant Craving.

[@janepaddon7677]

Great interpretation of this oldie. Love it !

[@BethPortmanSings]

Thanks Jane! I’m trained in animation but haven’t done it in years. I enjoyed exploring a simple, yet fast way to animate the skeletons (4 hrs) . I’ve made 2 short animated films with the National Film Board of Canada. The shortest one was 5 minutes long and took 3.5 years to make. The other was 10 minutes and took 8 years.

[@janepaddon2211]

Wonderful dedication and TALENT !!

[@Triumphantmama]

Great content! So talented!

[@BethPortmanSings]

Big hugs❤️and thanks!!

[@kluanetakhini]

This is phenomenal. Just the music alone deserves 100% rating. Add the video and animation in and I guess we're at a 200% mark!! Woooooow!!!!

[@BethPortmanSings]

Wow! Thanks Kluane🎃 It took some work but it was good to push myself especially with such a fun concept. It’s wild to think this song is from 110 years ago.

[@kimmycheechee]

you’re so good it huuuurts! this is seriously awesome! I can’t believe this is the work of one person! almost speechless…😱😶‍🌫️😍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BethPortmanSings]

Thanks Theresa! 🎃 I wanted to get more adventurous and creative with my two Halloween themed songVids. I love spooky season. So happy you appreciate them and the work involved. I’ll be returning to my more straight forward songVids for November.

[@AgnesKokotstudio]

Incredibly good! Wowzers!! Your voice, voices? Are amazing and your expressions are sooo gooood, I was creeped out!

[@BethPortmanSings]

Thanks Agnes! I had a blast pulling this together! Took way more time than I expected but that’s what happens when your in that creative mode. I know you understand this. November I’ll be back to the more straight forward performance songVids.

[@gi788]

Your video skills are getting more amazing every week!

[@BethPortmanSings]

Thanks! I did go a bit nuts these past two weeks but it is spooky season which I love. Next week I’ll back to the more of my straight forward songVids.🎶