Mama Told Me (Not to Come)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic Mama Told Me (Not to Come) by Three Dog Night, a track that hit #1 on the US pop singles chart in 1970. Originally penned by Randy Newman for Eric Burdon’s 1966 solo album, this song got its groove when Three Dog Night gave it a funky, rock ‘n’ roll spin on their album It Ain’t Easy. Newman himself shared in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview that the song reflects a naive guy’s jitters at a wild LA party, with lyrics hinting at the era’s drug scene—like the line about “whiskey with your water or sugar with your tea” as a subtle nod to acid. The band’s lead singer, Cory Wells, who passed away in 2017, once recounted a tale where Newman called to thank him for “putting my kids through college” with the song’s success, though Newman later clarified to Rolling Stone he only pocketed about $6,000 from it.

Here’s a fun tidbit: the Three Dog Night version, featuring Wells’ playful vocals and Jimmy Greenspoon on a Wurlitzer electric piano, was so iconic that it appeared in films like Boogie Nights and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Fun fact—Donna Summer, uncredited, lent her voice to the backing vocals! A post on Reddit’s ClassicRock community recalls how fans would shout “MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME” in unison at home, making it a family sing-along. Another story from a fan on Songfacts suggests the band sought a unique echo effect during recording, experimenting in the studio to nail that perfect sound. At a recent concert, as shared on Songfacts, Wells paused mid-song to perform a rap version, decked out in a sideways cap and gold chains, sending the crowd wild.

Three Dog Night’s journey kicked off in Los Angeles in 1967, born from the vision of vocalists Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells. Hutton, who’d hit #73 in 1965 with Roses and Rainbows, met Wells, then Emil Lewandowski from Buffalo, New York, while Wells was performing with his band, The Enemys, at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go. Negron, a college choir singer who’d cut minor singles as Chuck Rondell, joined after catching Columbia Records’ eye. Initially called Redwood, the trio toured with Sonny and Cher and got a boost from Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, who produced their early tracks. They renamed themselves Three Dog Night— inspired by an Australian term for a freezing night needing three dogs to stay warm—and signed with ABC/Dunhill Records. From 1969 to 1975, they racked up 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 hits, including three #1s: Mama Told Me (Not to Come), Joy to the World, and Black and White, as noted on their official site.

Still rocking after nearly five decades, Three Dog Night continues to tour and record, with Danny Hutton and original guitarist Michael Allsup keeping the legacy alive. Connect with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the vibe at the Three Dog Night Fan Club on Facebook or check out ClassicBands.com for a deep dive into their history. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up that volume and let Mama Told Me (Not to Come) take you to the craziest party ever!