The name of one of my Dad’s bands from back in the day was, Ice Cold Katie. I had always thought it was cool name, but never really knew where it might have come from. I might have asked my Dad, or he might have told some time long ago, and I just don’t remember.
As it turns out, I did later find out what the name is more than likely associated with. The song is from a musical production from the 1943 Warner Bros. World War II fund-raising film entitled, “Thank Your Lucky Stars.” It was a comedy meant to boost overall military morale and raise money for the war effort.
It showcased some of Warner Bros.’ biggest performers / artists of that era. Some of the legendary cast included: Hattie McDaniel, Willie Best, Rita Christiani, and Jess Lee Brooks.
The musical was so popular during WWII that a few military pilots were naming their bomber planes after the song as a tribute. Naming their planes, “Ice Cold Katie,” also had a double meaning. While the pilots (and most people in general) liked and wanted to pay tribute to the song, naming their bombers, ICK, was their humorous way of complaining about how cold the plane’s cockpits could get at times. Apparently, when the heaters in these bomber cockpits would stop working, or get damaged from enemy fire, or “whatever,” they wouldn’t normally get fixed because they weren’t essential for the plane to operate properly.
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Now, why EXACTLY my Dad and his friends named their band, ICK… I’d have to ask him again, and I will if I can remember. They had to know the history to some extent. Maybe it was just because it was a cool name and already had music connotations associated with it, or maybe they were trying to say that the band was operating under stressful conditions… I’ll have to ask. Maybe a little of both…
‘Till Next Time,
Featured Image: A promotional band photo my Dad showed me some time ago. I just rested it up on the box it was in and snapped a quick photo. My Dad is the one in the top right. He played the “keys.” Remember now, this is the 70s.
