Some people may not realize that the kazoo is an instrument/toy that has been enjoyed by Americans for over 181 years. It is also an instrument that has been annoying parents for that amount of time as well. If you’re a fan of the kazoo, then you might want to take the opportunity to celebrate this instrument by observing National Kazoo Day. This holiday falls on January 28th and gives every American an opportunity to revisit their childhood and enjoy playing the kazoo.

The History Of National Kazoo Day

National Kazoo Day was invented by Chaplain Willard Rahn of the Joyful Noise Kazoo Band in 1983. He invented this holiday to spread the word about this instrument and to advertise the fact that this little device is probably one of the most iconic American instruments ever made.

The History Of The Kazoo

It’s not exactly known when the first kazoo was invented, but legend has it that it was created by Alabama Vest, an African American living in Macon, Georgia, in 1840. However, the first documented kazoo was created by Warren Herbert Frost. Mr. Frost named his device a kazoo, and it was issued patent #270,543 on January 9th, 1883. Although this instrument was named kazoo, it didn’t have the submarine shape that later kazoos would have. That wouldn’t come about until 1902.

In 1902, George D. Smith of Buffalo, New York, patented what many people consider to be the first modern kazoo on May 27, 1902. This one was made of metal and had the now-iconic submarine shape that modern ones have. The Original American Kazoo Co. began to manufacture kazoos in Eden, New York, in 1916. It’s at that factory that kazoos have been made ever since. Kazoos are still made there sporadically, and there’s also a museum and gift shop on-site now as well.

Some Zany Kazoo Facts

If you’re yearning for some zany kazoo facts, then we have some ready to entertain you. The following facts are some of the things we learned while researching this holiday.

• Kazoos are musical instruments that belong to the membranophone instrument family.
• Alabama Vest allegedly had the help of a German clockmaker named Thaddeus Von Clegg in inventing the kazoo.
• Kazoos are made from a variety of different materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
• Don’t blow into that kazoo! You are meant to hum into it.

Observing National Kazoo Day

National Kazoo Day can be observed by buying, using, or gifting someone a kazoo. It’s also a good day to learn more about the history of the kazoo or to visit the kazoo museum in Eden, New York. While you’re observing this holiday, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalKazooDay to spread the word about this exciting holiday.