How I Discovered the Song "Zito the Bubbleman" written by Gordon Duncan

As some of you may know, I spent a number of years of my life performing a show called "Bubblerific" at schools, libraries, museums and festivals. A few highlights of my performances were opening for Shari Lewis in two shows at the Oakdale Theater; performing at Family Day for the Dr. Seuss exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Arts; and having the SONO Arts Festival award me their "ARTIE" award as the performer who has the "Most Special Place in the Celebration's Heart". I ultimately retired my show when the commitments of teaching technology on the middle school and college level altered my priorities.

One late night, after Joni had long since gone to bed, I found myself wide-awake, killing time by roaming around the Internet. I decided to do a series of searches to see if there was a digital trail left behind by my show. I used a variety and assortment of keywords. When I put in "Zito the Bubbleman", the first "hit" was a site called "Viper Piper". I sat up jarred in my chair when I saw that the posting there was simply a plea for someone to post the sheet music to the song "Zito the Bubbleman". There was an email link at the bottom of the post. I sent off an email there that explained myself a little bit, and basically asked about what exactly they meant by their post.

The very next day I got a reply from Sgt. Joseph Brady of the Chicago Police Force. (Not recognizing the name, I almost deleted the email without reading it, thinking it might be spam!). The good Sergeant let me know that he was part of a musical group at the Police Department (Cops in Kilts), and that there was a really nice hornpipe that the piper Gordon Duncan had written. He was kind enough to send me two digital versions of the song and a copy of the sheet music. Not only was the potential there that I'd had a song written about me, but it sounded really cool!

I was Layla! I was Maggie May! I was flying!

And then, just as quickly, I was hearing Carly Simon singing, "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you."

It sort of had to be me, didn't it? But, of course, I needed confirmation. I wrote an email to Gordon Duncan's record company (carefully worded so as not to sound like I was remotely interested in royalties). And I heard nothing back for about two weeks, and pretty much forgot about the whole thing. When one day, I got this (which again, not recognizing the name, I almost deleted):

From: Neil Ferguson <weemuck@yahoo.co.uk>

To: mzeeto@hotmail.com

Subject: Gordon Duncan's tune

Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 10:45:41 +0000 (GMT)

Hi Mike,

I am a friend of Gordon's and he has asked me to contact you, as he doesn't have email. It seems you are the bubbleman as it was at the Eisteddfod festival you mentioned in your email that he saw you.

A painting, named after the track Zeeto the bubbleman is used as the front cover of the Album "An Unfair Dance" by Gary West's band Ceolbeg. He's a big guy blowing bubbles while sword dancing. We didn't get to see your photo so we wondered if this was anything like you.

All the best,

Neil Ferguson

Ok, in answer to Neil and Gordon's final question...my picture is posted on the top of this page and the album cover is to the left. Does it look like me? You decide! (Hint - I've never sword danced!)

So there you have it - Confirmation! (Or, I am Layla!)

Now for my challenges:

Since making the discovery of the song, I've been trying to dig up as many different copies of the song as I can. (My friend and PKN colleague Glenn H. does his great annual tribute playing many different and varied versions of "Amazing Grace". I've [with tongue firmly in cheek!] kidded him that "Amazing Grace" has nothing on "Zito the Bubbleman!"). If you know or have a copy of the song, I would love to figure out a way I could get it. (Click here to email me) Right now I've got versions by Ceolbeg, Wolfstone, Ian Morrison and The Rogues, but the list is growing! (Though still not quite the collection as Glenn's "Amazing Graces").

I'm even more intrigued by the concept of inviting any musicians out there to try to record a new version of the song. Consider yourself invited (and I can pretty much insure you airtime and a quick chat about it on PKN). The sheet music that Sgt. Brady sent me is linked on the top of this page. (Click here to email me and I'll let you know how to get me your copy). Bonus points will be awarded for a Zito the Bubbleman/Amazing Grace medley! (Hey, it's not that far fetched. Look what the Blind Boys of Alabama did with Amazing Grace/House of the Rising Sun!).

Thanks,

Zeet