Behind The Song: Steve Miller Band, The Joker, and the "Pompitas" of Love

Podcast Title: Behind The Song
Host: Janda Lane
Episode: Steve Miller Band, The Joker, and the "Pompitas" of Love
Release Date: August 28, 2024
Presented by: The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In this episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves deep into the creation and legacy of one of classic rock’s most beloved tracks, "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band. Released in 1973, "The Joker" not only became the band's first number one hit on the Billboard singles chart but also introduced the enigmatic term "pompitas" into popular lexicon. Lane unpacks the song's origins, its lyrical nuances, and its enduring impact on rock music.

Steve Miller Band: A Musical Journey

Janda begins by tracing Steve Miller’s eclectic musical journey, highlighting his rich musical upbringing. Born in Milwaukee, Miller was the son of a music-enthusiast doctor who was friends with guitar pioneer Les Paul—a relationship that profoundly influenced young Miller. “Miller’s dad recorded with T Bone Walker and Charles Mingus,” Lane notes at [02:15], emphasizing the environment that fostered Miller’s early interest in music.

Miller’s pursuit of a musical career led him from Wisconsin to Chicago, where he collaborated with blues legends like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. Despite a promising start, Miller opted to leave his incomplete literary degree to form the Steve Miller Band in San Francisco in 1966. The band’s early albums were rooted in psychedelic blues rock, reflecting the vibrant music scene of the time. However, by the time they released their eighth album, The Joker in 1973, the band had evolved significantly, both musically and geographically.

The Making of "The Joker"

The Joker marked a pivotal moment for the Steve Miller Band, blending blues and pop in a way that appealed to a broad audience. Janda explains at [05:40] that the song was a turning point, showcasing a more polished and radio-friendly sound compared to their earlier, more experimental works. This shift not only broadened their fan base but also solidified their presence in the mainstream music scene.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "The Joker" is the inclusion of the word "pompitas." Lane delves into its origins, revealing that "pompitas" is a nonce word—a term invented for a specific use without any predefined meaning. “The word traces back to a 1950s doo-wop group called the Medallions,” Janda states at [08:30]. He explains that Steve Miller misheard the Medallions' word "puppetoots" as "pompitas," adopting it into his own lyrical repertoire.

The Significance of "Pompitas"

"Pompitas" first appeared in the Steve Miller Band's earlier songs, serving as a unique linguistic trademark. In "The Joker," Miller integrates this whimsical term seamlessly into the lyrics:
"Some people call me the space cowboy,
Some call me the gangster of love,
Some people call me Maurice,
'Cause I speak of the pompatus of love." ([12:45] Janda Lane)

Lane highlights how these lines are self-referential, connecting "The Joker" to previous songs like "Enter Maurice" from Recall the A Journey From Eden and "The Gangster of Love" from the Sailor album. This intertextuality not only creates a cohesive narrative within Miller's body of work but also rewards long-time fans with deeper layers of meaning.

Musical Elements and Collaborations

Janda also touches on the musical craftsmanship behind "The Joker." The song features a blend of guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and a relaxed tempo that together create an inviting atmosphere. He points out that the guitar riff from "My Dark Hour," co-written with Paul McCartney under the pseudonym Paul Ramone, reappears in Miller’s later hit "Fly Like An Eagle," demonstrating the enduring influence of Miller’s musical ideas.

Moreover, Lane recounts an interesting collaboration between Miller and McCartney during the production of Brave New World. At [15:20], he explains how a serendipitous jam session led to McCartney’s contribution to "My Dark Hour," showcasing the interconnectedness of the rock music scene in the 1960s and 70s.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

"The Joker" not only achieved commercial success but also permeated popular culture in various forms. In 1974, The Guess Who included the song in their tribute "Clap for the Wolfman," honoring legendary DJ Wolfman Jack who humorously referred to himself as the "Pompitas of Love." Furthermore, the song inspired a 1996 comedy film titled The Pompitis of Love, starring Jon Cryer, centered around the playful mystery of the word "pompitas."

In 2016, Steve Miller was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. Despite his achievements, Miller expressed disappointment over the exclusion of his bandmates and voiced concerns about the Hall of Fame’s lack of inclusivity for female artists and insufficient support for music education. “It’s as comforting as a warm blanket to listen to a laid-back anthem,” Janda remarks at [25:10], encapsulating the enduring appeal of "The Joker."

Conclusion

Janda Lane wraps up the episode by celebrating "The Joker" as a masterful blend of humor, musicality, and lyrical innovation. The song’s ability to incorporate made-up words like "pompitas" while maintaining a catchy and relatable vibe exemplifies Steve Miller’s unique approach to songwriting. Lane encourages listeners to appreciate the intricate layers and lasting influence of classic rock songs like "The Joker," inviting them to explore the stories behind other iconic tracks.

Notable Quotes:

• Janda Lane [00:11]: "The Joker was the Steve Miller Band's first number one hit on the Billboard singles chart and we've been singing along to it since 1973."
• Janda Lane [08:30]: "The word traces back to a 1950s doo-wop group called the Medallions. In their song 'The Letter,' the word 'puppetoots' is sung. Puppetoots is another nonce word."
• Janda Lane [12:45]: "Some people call me the space cowboy, some call me the gangster of love, 'cause I speak of the pompatus of love."
• Janda Lane [25:10]: "It’s as comforting as a warm blanket to listen to a laid-back anthem."

Final Thoughts

Behind The Song offers a comprehensive exploration of "The Joker," unraveling the threads of its creation and the cultural tapestry it helped weave. For fans of classic rock and curious listeners alike, Janda Lane provides an engaging narrative that celebrates the artistry and enduring legacy of the Steve Miller Band.

Listen to more episodes of Behind The Song on 97.1 FM The Drive in Chicago or visit wdrv.com. Follow Janda on TikTok and join the conversation about your favorite classic rock tunes.