Antonio Banderas is Daddy Cool

At once a novelty band and yet one of the purest examples of Munich or European Disco, Boney M — formed by Frank Farian — and comprised of Caribbean immigrants, have left an indelible mark upon the world of 70s style, with notable success in the Soviet Union. Some of their most notable tracks include “Ma Baker,” “Belfast” and “Rasputin.” But none of these tracks have been as successful or as memorable as “Daddy Cool,” included in their debut 1976 album Take the Heat off Me. 

It was originally intended as a gimmicky song. It started with producer Frank Farin playing on his teeth with a pencil before singing all male voice parts, including the infamous spoken passage in the middle. It made no major impact at first, until Boney M’s performance on the German Musikladen TV show. Afterwards, Boney M’s “Daddy Cool” was the band’s first hit in the UK and has since become a staple of European Disco Pop. It wasn’t necessarily even going to be released as an A-side either: Hansa Records wanted Boney M’s cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” to be released first, but Farian persuaded the record label to put “Daddy Cool” first, resulting in their biggest, most notable hit.

We were the music supervisors and vocal producers for a new version of the song for Mercedes-Benz’s latest star-studded advert, entitled “Knows your day. Drives your way,” starring none other than the unflappable, infinitely charming Antonio Banderas alongside his daughter Stella. The Zorro and Puss in Boots actor brings a European charm and flair to the funny and inventive spot, showcasing the new E-Class car’s many different smart features. Please feel free to check it out below!

Agency: antoni Berlin GmbH & Co. KG | Production Company: tempomedia  | Music Licensing, Research and Production: playdis and Tracks and Fields