Synopsis:
In a maze of tracks at the
railroad yard, colored
boxcars are linked
together by or favorite
train conductor, dressed
in blue overalls, a puffy
hat, a red bandanna, and
wire-framed glasses.
The segment features
two hobos - one fat and
one small - frying fish,
riding in a hot-air bal-
loon, and sharing tea
with the conductor. Also
featured are the duck
and the drake, thinking:
"Conjunction Junction...
What's your function?"
and the blonde tied up
on the railroad tracks.
At the end, watch for
the conductor waving
from the caboose.
Trivia:
This is by far the most recognized
Schoolhouse Rock tune and was
the first SR song recorded with Jack
Sheldon, legendary jazz singer and
Merv Griffin's former trumpet player.
Jazz singer Terry Morel was visiting
the studio in L.A. the day "Conjunction
Junction" was being recorded, so Dorough
asked her to sing the chorus for the demo
tape, and it ended up being on the actual
recording. Mary Sue Berry provided
the harmony.
Tome Yohe collaborated with Bill
Peckmann on this classic. Yohe pro-
video the storyboard and character
sketches of the conductor, while Peckmann
designed the hobos lunching at the track-
side and the thoughtful duck and drake.
The original concept of the railroad yard
where words and phrases are hooked together
came from George Newall. (But after
hearing Bob Dorough's song, Newall was
relieved that he hadn't tried to write it!)
"I'm Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction"
were recorded in L.A. on the same day, so
many wonder if there's a connection between
these two best-known SR songs. Perhaps it
was the fact that they shared the same band:
Bass: Leroy Vinegar
Drummer: Nick Ceroll
Guitar: Stuart Scharf
Piano/Keyboards: Dave Frishberg
Saxophone: Teddy Edwards
Trumpet: Jack Sheldon
Facts:
First Aired in 1973
Lyrics and Music by Bob Dorough
Performed by Jack Sheldon
Designed by Tom Yohe and Bill Peckmann
Animation by Phil Kimmelman and Associates