Roger McGuinn's Folk Den

In the early 1960’s I worked for Bobby Darin. We played casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe. We also played in famous night clubs such as the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angelas, the Copacabana in New York and the Latin Casino in Philadelphia. The Copa was a very prestigious venue started by Monte Proser in 1940 although it was later taken over by Jules Podell who worked for mob boss Frank Costello.

I was curious about the background of the Copa so I did some research and found two books on the subject. The first one “The Copa: Jules Podell and the Hottest Club North of Havana”, written by Jules’ daughter Mickey about her luxurious life growing up on New York’s upper east side and how her schoolmates teased her about her father being a gangster, a fact from which she was well shielded. The second was “Mr. Copabanana” by Jim Proser, Monte’s son. I enjoyed Jim’s book so much that I wrote this contemporary folk song about Monte.

The Ballad of Monte Proser

[D] In the heart of New York City, [Em] a place that’s known to all,
[G] There stood a legendary club where [A7] dreams would rise and fall,
[D] Monte Proser was the man [Em] who brought it all to life,
[G] The Copacabana, where the [A7] stars would shine so bright.

The lights would dim, the crowd would cheer, excitement in the air,
As Monte Proser’s magic filled the room with light and flair,
With feathered showgirls dresses in mink, wearing sparkling gowns,
The Copacabana, was the toast of New York town.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, the Copacabana, [G] where dreams would come alive,
[D] Monte Proser’s vision, was a place where [A7]worlds collide,
[D] From Sinatra to Martin, the [G] legends took the stage,
[D] The Copacabana, where [A] memories were [D] made.

(Bridge)
[C] The Copa was a haven, [Em] where troubles stayed outside,
[Am] Between those hallowed walls, [D] was a magic carpet ride,
[C] A melting pot of culture, [Em] where all were welcome in,
[Am] Monte Proser’s legacy, would [D] thrive through thick and thin.

But time moves on, and things must change, his curtains finally fell,
Yet the spirit of the Copa, it lingered on so well,
Though Monte Proser’s left us, the legend carries on,
The Copacabana, its story lived so long

(Chorus)

“Sally Ann” is a traditional song from the 1800s. It’s been used as a dance tune. I tried to pin down where Sandy Land is but got mixed results. Some say it represents the southeastern shore of Maryland and other say it’s in Texas. In both casees there is a reference to growing sweet potatoes or yams.

Sally Ann
[D] Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in [Bm] sandy land
[D] Make my living in [A7] sandy land
I’m gonna marry you [D] Sally Ann

Did you ever see a possum Sally Ann
Dragging his slick tail through the sand
Playing the banjo in a band?
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann

I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
Make my living in sandy land

Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann

Did you ever see a possum Sally Ann
Dragging his slick tail through the sand
Playing the banjo in a band?
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann

I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
Make my living in sandy land

Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann

I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
I’m gonna marry you Sal Sal
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann
Make my living in sandy land

Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
Make my living in sandy land
I’m gonna marry you Sally Ann