Jimmy Drake (March 24, 1912 – July 24, 1968), known professionally as Nervous Norvus, was an American musician known for the controversial novelty song "Transfusion".
His novelty song "Transfusion", recorded for the Dot Records label, was a top-ten hit in May 1956, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart. A second single, "Ape Call", released in July of that year, also charted and peaked at number 28. A third Dot single, "The Fang", released in September 1956, did not chart.
The lyrics in "Transfusion" concern a reckless driver who repeatedly gets seriously injured in car accidents by disregarding traffic laws (speeding, unsafe lane changes, and disregarding ); he vows to never speed again after each accident, but quickly goes back to his dangerous driving habits after asking for (and receiving) a blood transfusion each time. This novelty song features the sound effects of a vehicle collision. The song was banned on many radio stations in the 1950s. The song was later played on the radio by Barry Hansen, which led to Hansen's nickname Dr. Demento.Hassan, Adeel. " Dr. Demento, Song Satirist and D.J. Who Promoted Weird Al, Is Retiring", The New York Times. June 21, 2025.
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